Senior Key Account Manager in Cheadle Hulme

Beauty Works retails luxury hair solutions, including ready to wear clip-ins, semi-permanent professional extensions and exclusive collaborations. Our hair extensions, aftercare products and electrical stylers have earned recognition amongst the beauty press and up and down the red carpet. Beauty Works operates internationally to both salon professionals and directly to consumers and is owned by a Beauty Industry Group based in Salt Lake City, holding the largest share of the hair extensions market in the world.

The Senior Key Account Manager – Retail is responsible for the strategic management of Beauty Works’ key retail partners during a 12-month maternity cover period. This role will lead the development and execution of account strategies that drive brand presence, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across UK and selected international retail accounts. This role requires a commercially minded, confident relationship builder with strong retail experience, capable of operating autonomously in a fast-paced beauty environment while collaborating cross-functionally to deliver best-in-class retail partnerships.

Role Outline & Responsibilities

• Own and lead the management of key retail accounts such as Boots, acting as the primary commercial contact and brand ambassador for Beauty Works.
• Develop and execute account strategies and joint business plans, aligned to overall business objectives and brand positioning.
• Drive range reviews, new product launches, and exclusive initiatives, working closely with Brand, Marketing, and NPD teams to ensure flawless execution.
• Manage all commercial negotiations, including terms, promotional plans, and forecasts, ensuring profitable and sustainable partnerships.
• Lead retailer relationships at all levels, building strong, long-term partnerships based on trust, performance, and shared goals.
• Oversee order flow, replenishment planning, and stock management, working closely with Supply Chain to minimise risk and maximise availability.
• Identify and capitalise on growth opportunities within existing accounts, including distribution expansion, new categories, and omnichannel initiatives.
• Conduct regular account reviews, analysing performance and translating insights into clear actions and recommendations.
• Ensure retail excellence across online and in-store execution, including merchandising standards, content accuracy, and brand representation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to ensure seamless account delivery.
• Provide guidance and day-to-day support to Key Account Executives, ensuring tasks are prioritised effectively and standards are upheld.
• Maintain clear documentation, communication, and handover processes throughout the maternity cover period.

Key Skills

• Proven experience in a Senior Key Account Manager / National Account Manager role within beauty, FMCG, or premium consumer goods.
• Strong knowledge of UK health & beauty retail, with experience managing mid-tier retail partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead commercial negotiations and account strategy independently.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident communicator with excellent written, verbal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams while taking full ownership of account performance.
• Comfortable operating in a maternity cover / fixed-term contract with pace, accountability, and minimal handover reliance.