Sales Manager - Southern Europe Sales · London ·

Jellycat Toy Co. Ltd.; London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the toy industry is seeking a Sales/Account Manager to oversee their Southern European business. This role involves managing relationships with agents and distributors, implementing growth strategies, and ensuring effective account management. The ideal candidate will have experience in sales, a strategic mindset, and strong communication skills, with fluency in English and additional languages as an advantage.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sales/Account or Key Account Manager.
• Proven experience with distributors and managing accounts.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Italian or Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with agents/distributors and key accounts.
• Design and implement strategies for growth in assigned territories.
• Conduct store visits and attend trade shows.

Skills

Attention to detail

Relationship management

Strategic thinking

Fluency in English

Proficiency in Excel

Proficiency in PowerPoint

Job description

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them.

We are looking for someone to take ownership of our Southern European business, specializing on Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece.

Reporting directly into the European Business Development Manager, with whom you will develop and implement the respective go-to-market strategies, it will be a combination of managing agents and distributors, working with key accounts (including department stores), as well as working closely with our colleagues based directly in the respective markets to drive growth and brand visibility in line with the corresponding strategies.

The role sits alongside Account Managers, each with their own areas to focus on, but with an emphasis on flexibility to cover work across the team where it may be needed.

Based in London, White City, with the willingness to travelling within the EU for meetings with agents, distributors and customers as well as trade shows as required.

You'll be;

• Taking full ownership of assigned territories and relationships with agents/distributors as well as the defined independent and key accounts.
• Acting as the main point of contact for all commercial, contractual, and operational matters.
• Designing and implementing a tailored annual strategy for each region/account, in line with the annual growth and go-to-market tactics.
• Responding to incoming inquiries, manage commercial opportunities proactively, and handle client requests efficiently.
• Identifying and activating growth levers, monitor account and regional performance, and continuously adapt commercial actions.
• Working closely with operations, finance (especially credit control), and customer service teams to ensure smooth and effective account management.
• Conducting store visits, lead product range reviews, attend trade shows and follow up on leads generated during events.
• Analysing industry trends to anticipate client needs and suggest relevant product assortments.
• Tracking orders carefully, verify customer data, handle account-related administrative tasks, and provide regular reporting to management.
• Assisting the Head of European Sales/European Business Development Manager with broader business development initiatives when needed.
• Reporting to Head of European Sales/European Business Development Manager on a regular basis with all relevant information pertaining to the regions, distributors / agents and key accounts, including running weekly and monthly sales analysis.

You'll have;

• Ideally previous experience as a Sales/Account or Key Account Manager.
• Proven experience of working with distributors and agents alike, as well as managing a book of accounts.
• A track record of growing accounts/territories in a strategic way.
• High accuracy, reliability and attention to detail.
• A personable and positive approach, accustomed to maximizing sales through professional relationships, whilst understanding business limitations.
• The ability to remain mindful of the ‘Jellycat’ tone and communication style associated with our brand.
• Confidence in making commercial decisions, happy to take direction from more senior team members when needed.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• The ability to understand the wider context of managing distributors/agents, regions and accounts, liaising with different functions of the business internally, focused on clear and concise communication.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; additional proficiency in Italian and/or or Spanish is a strong advantage.
• The abilityto hit the ground running and inspire confidence both internally and externally.