Sales Manager | ESPA

About the role

You will serve as the primary contact for ESPA's retail accounts across the UK, responsible for managing relationships with key retail partners and driving sales growth within the region. Your role involves developing and executing strategic sales plans, expanding existing accounts, and identifying new business opportunities to support the brand's expansion goals. You will lead a small team, providing guidance and support to ensure the achievement of sales targets. Reporting directly to the Head of Sales for Multi Brand EMEA/UK, you will play a vital role in aligning sales activities with overall company objectives and ensuring a cohesive approach across all channels. This position requires a proactive, entrepreneurial individual with a strong understanding of the retail landscape and a passion for beauty and wellness brands.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Collaborate closely with senior leadership to develop comprehensive sales strategies tailored to the UK market, ensuring these plans align with the company's three-year business objectives and growth ambitions.
• Build and nurture strong, long-term relationships with key retail partners, including department stores, specialty retailers, and off-price channels, to maximize sales opportunities and foster brand loyalty.
• Create detailed Joint Business Plans (JBPs) in partnership with internal teams such as marketing, supply chain, and product development, ensuring that retail partners' needs are met and mutual goals are achieved.
• Oversee stock planning and sales forecasting for the UK market, analyzing historical sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to approve product assortments that meet demand and optimize inventory levels.
• Work closely with the Brand Marketing team to coordinate campaigns, promotional activities, and product launches, ensuring a consistent and compelling customer experience across all retail channels.
• Regularly analyze partner performance metrics and market activity to identify opportunities for growth, improvement, and increased market share.
• Develop tailored commercial strategies for each retail partner, considering their unique customer base, store formats, and sales channels.
• Collaborate with the warehouse and logistics teams on special projects, including exclusive product offerings, limited editions, and seasonal promotions, ensuring timely delivery and optimal stock levels.
• Prepare and deliver regular updates on partner activities, sales performance, and market insights during internal brand meetings and strategic planning sessions.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities beyond current partnerships, including exploring potential in off-price retail channels and emerging markets.
• Lead seasonal planning sessions to present new product launches, marketing initiatives, and promotional plans, securing partner buy-in and support for upcoming campaigns.
• Develop quarterly sales forecasts, monitor P&L performance, and track key metrics such as samples, returns, and margins to ensure financial targets are met.
• Manage the onboarding process for new products, including content creation, product information management, and training for retail partners to ensure successful launches.
• Negotiate and renew commercial agreements with retail partners, ensuring favorable terms while maintaining strong relationships.
• Support the onboarding of new retail partners by providing necessary training, product information, and ongoing support to ensure successful integration.
• Mentor and support junior team members, fostering a collaborative team environment and encouraging professional development within the sales team.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a sales management role, with a track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets within a retail or beauty industry context.
• Strong background in B2B sales, with demonstrated success in managing key accounts and developing strategic partnerships.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify new business opportunities and drive growth initiatives.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including retail buyers, internal teams, and suppliers.
• Experience leading and developing a small team, providing mentorship and guidance to achieve collective goals.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities effectively.
• Creative problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills, comfortable working with data, sales forecasts, and market insights to inform decision-making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to create detailed reports and presentations.
• Experience in negotiating commercial agreements, renewals, and onboarding new partners.
• Knowledge of the retail landscape, particularly within the beauty or wellness sectors, is highly desirable.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapting to changing priorities and market conditions.

Nice to have

• Previous experience working within the beauty or retail industry, understanding industry-specific trends and customer behaviors.
• Knowledge of the UK retail market and existing contacts within the sector.
• Experience working with international brands and managing cross-border partnerships.

Skills & tools

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint

Practical notes

This position requires candidates to be available for in-office work in Manchester five days a week. Candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK should specify this in their application. THG offers competitive benefits, including generous leave policies and opportunities for professional development. The role involves regular interaction with internal teams and retail partners, requiring strong communication skills and a proactive approach. Candidates should be prepared to travel occasionally for meetings or industry events. The company values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.