Key Account Director - UK and Europe in London

AKT (pronounced "act") is The Personal Performance Company with multi award-winning body care that may change your life. Founded by West End stars Ed Currie and Andy Coxon, AKT is by and for those who are "Born to Perform" — on the stage, at work, or in life.

In 2020, The Deodorant Balm made its stunning debut to rave reviews and awards from Vogue, GQ, Esquire, and Harper's BAZAAR. Plastic‐free, aluminium‐free, and gender‐free, The Deodorant Balm instantly resonated with those looking for a natural deodorant that genuinely worked. Five fragrances and over 700,000 happy armpits later, The Deodorant Balm is already becoming a household name.

To this day, every new AKT product is put through its paces by London's hard‐working theatre community to ensure it lives up to the high standards of its founders. As a rule, AKT's products don’t break character — ever. It’s this effectiveness that has propelled AKT from the backstage to bathroom cabinets, bedside tables, duffel bags, and carry‐on luggage worldwide. And the good news is — the performance is just getting started.

About The Role:

In this brand‐new role based in the Netherlands and reporting into the SVP Global Sales (US based), the Key Account Director – UK and Europe leads AKT's wholesale business across the region, driving revenue growth, strengthening retailer partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence. You will be directly responsible for leading AKT's partnerships with UK & EU retailers, including Sephora, Space NK, Douglas, independents, and other strategic retailers. This role will work closely with other AKT colleagues in the UK specifically:

• Marketing: Coordination of launches, activations, and retailer campaigns;
• Supply Chain & Operations: Ensuring forecast accuracy, OTIF (on‐time in‐full) delivery, and allocation planning;
• Finance: Manage account‐level P&L, budgets, and promotional spend;
• Product Development: Share retailer insights to influence pipeline.

The successful applicant will be based in the Netherlands or looking to relocate here as a permanent resident.

Strategic Leadership: Deliver AKT's UK & EU wholesale strategy, aligned with global objectives.

Retailer & Distributor Partnerships: Maintain and grow senior‐level relationships with buyers, planners, and distributors.

Commercial Performance: Own account‐level P&L, delivering revenue and margin targets across the UK & EU.

Joint Business Planning: Lead JBPs with major accounts, defining targets, trade calendars, and growth plans.

Market Development: Identify and secure new distribution opportunities in department stores, pharmacy, and niche channels.

Cross‐Functional Collaboration: Partner with marketing, finance, operations, and product to deliver market‐specific activations.

Merchandising & Visibility: Maximise in‐store and online execution to reinforce AKT's premium brand positioning.

Team/Agency Support: Support management of external field sales/merchandising agencies and support future team build‐out.

About You:

• Experience in key account management or channel sales experience, specifically within the beauty, skincare, or personal care industry. Must have experience working with Space NK, Sephora UK and/or Douglas.
• Industry knowledge: A deep understanding of the beauty and body care market, including product lines, industry trends, and consumer behaviour.
• Negotiation skills: Proven ability to negotiate and finalise contracts and manage promotional budgets effectively.
• Analytical skills: Demonstrable experience of analytical abilities to interpret sales data, manage budgets, and develop data‐driven strategies.
• Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, as well as strong presentation skills to engage with senior buyers and internal teams.
• Business acumen: Experience with profit and loss (P&L) management and financial analysis.
• CRM proficiency: Knowledge of and familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.

What’s on Offer:

• This is a great opportunity to make a real impact and join the business in its next stage of growth having launched in the USA in 2024, APAC in 2025 and Germany in Jan 2026.
• Flexible Working Policy: work from home and at Co‐Working office Space provided in Amsterdam.
• Employee discounts on our products.
• Funny, kind and inclusive work environment. We are banter, but we get sh*t done.
• 25 days holiday plus 3 Days at Christmas.

To be a part of a collective of creatives: at AKT brand is number 1. Everybody is welcome. AKT London is for everyone. We believe that an inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. Our products are gender free and built for every BODY to help give them the confidence to step onto their stage – whatever that may be – and PERFORM. Our work environment is no different.

AKT London is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We commit to a focused and sustained action to dismantle racist systems, policies, practices, and ideologies within ourselves and our networks. We have zero tolerance for intolerance. With our Founders belonging to a minority community, we commit to difference and diversity from the beginning, and we know what a rich and creative work environment can cultivate.