Interim Strategic Hotel Director, Molton Brown, Global

Overview

Born on South Molton Street, London in 1971, Molton Brown is an icon of uniquely British style. Today, Molton Brown is one of the leading global brands in Kao´s global cosmetics portfolio. Growing from small‑scale artisans into an international fragrance brand, its pioneering presence is felt in our stores and websites, travel retail, luxury department stores and the most esteemed hotels around the world. Expertly blended in London, Molton Brown’s signature fragrances, bath and shower gels, home and hand care luxuries have claimed iconic status. Kao and Molton Brown share a passion for integrity, craftsmanship, artistry and for providing our consumers with the ultimate, quality experience.

Purpose of the Position

Develop and execute strategic plans to drive sales growth with existing hospitality customers across EMEA. Set and oversee sales targets, ensuring both customer retention and new business acquisition goals are met. Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision‑makers to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Act as a brand ambassador for Molton Brown, representing the company at senior levels and driving brand visibility in the hospitality sector. Lead a team of four.

Professional Experience

Over 5 years of experience in new business development and sales within hospitality. Experience with a luxury brand selling business‑to‑business. Knowledge of the EMEA luxury hotel and hospitality market. Manager of teams with strong people skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the EMEA sales team to drive sales and profit in line with global hotel strategy. Work with Hotel Directors to define how the global strategy translates to EMEA. Deliver sales and profit versus budget on a monthly basis and roll up to the annual target.
• Drive and achieve area sales, margin and overall business profitability, ensuring sustainable growth.
• Develop and execute strategic sales initiatives to maximise revenue across all accounts.
• Monitor and analyse customer performance, identifying shortfalls and implementing corrective actions to improve results.
• Lead annual budgeting processes, ensuring financial targets align with company objectives for both top line and bottom line and roll up across the EMEA hotel team.
• Prepare, present and analyse sales and profit reporting. Ensure the EMEA sales team maintains the Account Management System, updating customer data, new account information, leads and enquiries on Salesforce. Lead the team with strong leadership, organisation and motivation.
• Become an industry expert within the assigned territory, effectively building Molton Brown’s presence and brand awareness with key decision makers. Establish networks with local hospitality organisations across EMEA.
• Actively seek and build new business at both individual hotel and group levels.
• Project manage key business initiatives such as strategic development of the EMEA market, marketing initiatives, Salesforce compliance including reporting. Negotiate with larger third‑party groups and impact EMEA for group deals.

Functional Competencies

• Build and maintain cross‑functional relationships internally and externally.
• Manage a team effectively.
• Flexibility and adaptability – adjust to work processes or procedures, adapt to others and work effectively and positively when under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Convey information clearly and concisely in person, via correspondence and over the phone. Express oneself professionally and listen to others to ensure understanding.
• Organise – manage time, handle multiple activities, establish priorities, meet deadlines and deal with disruptions and interruptions efficiently.
• Experience in new business development for luxury brands, preferably B2B within the luxury hotel and spa market. Successful track record of achieving sales goals and budgets.
• Precision – pay close attention to detail, write clearly and legibly.

Company Overview

Molton Brown is part of Kao, founded in Japan in 1887, and is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives with high‑quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all – a beautiful life that respects the needs of consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. As a purpose‑driven company with strong corporate values, we are proud to be listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 17 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.

How We Work

Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 17 consecutive years, we are a company with purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

What We Offer

A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process

Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe that diversity makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.

Want to Learn More

Visit https://www.kao.com/emea/en/ for more information.