Head of Wholesale UK & Ireland

Head of Wholesale UK & Ireland

London Full-Time 100000 - 115000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the wholesale function in the UK and Ireland, driving growth and managing a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join a premium lifestyle and beauty brand focused on mindfulness, sustainability, and sensory experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, private healthcare, and brand discounts.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a leading luxury brand while fostering strategic partnerships and innovative growth.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years in beauty or premium consumer goods; strong leadership and strategic skills required.
  • Other info: Be part of the UK & Ireland Management Team, influencing key decisions in a fast-paced environment.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 115000 £ per year.

I am delighted to be partnering a premium lifestyle and beauty brand on a key hire for the business. The brand’s product range spans from body care, skincare to home fragrance. With a focus on mindfulness and well-being, the brand emphasises sensory experiences through rich textures, evocative scents, and elegant packaging. Sustainability, clean ingredients, and a luxurious yet accessible approach are central to its philosophy. The brand is present globally, with a strong retail presence in standalone stores, department stores, travel retail, and online.

The Head of Wholesale is responsible for leading and driving the wholesale function in the UK and Ireland, with a focus on achieving commercial targets, strengthening strategic relationships, and delivering sustainable growth across all wholesale channels. This individual will lead a team of seven at head office, along with four field-based team members, including a senior field-based role. The role requires a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on operational execution, with responsibility for selecting and developing wholesale partners, executing business plans, and ensuring a strong brand presence across all retail environments.

Key Responsibilities
  • Deliver commercial and strategic growth targets across the UK and Ireland wholesale business in alignment with senior leadership.
  • Lead and develop a team comprising Senior Key Account Managers, Senior Account Managers, Field Account Managers, and Wholesale Coordinators.
  • Identify, select, and manage wholesale partners that align with brand positioning and customer experience standards.
  • Create and implement strategic account plans to support distribution objectives and drive partner performance.
  • Manage cross-functional collaboration with internal departments and external partners, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the Managing Director for UK & Ireland.
  • Foster an omni-channel approach to growth, integrating online and offline strategies across wholesale accounts.
  • Take full accountability for sales performance, partner relationships, territory planning, and annual business planning.
  • Ensure wholesale environments reflect brand standards in visual merchandising and customer experience.
Wholesale Strategy

The Head of Wholesale will be accountable for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy to grow the wholesale business in a competitive and evolving market. The strategy includes identifying key growth opportunities, building long-term relationships with partners, and ensuring the brand is represented consistently across shop-in-shop, online, and retail partner formats. This position sits on the UK & Ireland Management Team and plays a key role in both local and international leadership forums. The successful candidate will help shape and influence decisions that position the business as a leading player in the premium/luxury beauty space.

Candidate ProfileExperience & Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree (minimum) with at least 8 years of relevant experience, ideally within the beauty or premium consumer goods industry.
  • Demonstrated success in managing wholesale relationships and strategic partnerships at a national or headquarters level.
  • Experience with online platforms, shop-in-shop models, and premium retail environments.
  • Track record of building and executing wholesale strategies across both digital and physical retail.
  • Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to drive profitability and identify growth opportunities.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
  • Familiarity with working in matrix organizations is an advantage.
  • Fluent in English.
Skills & Attributes:
  • Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.
  • Strong leadership skills with a track record of coaching and developing teams.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.
  • Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.
  • High level of adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment.
  • Solution-oriented, commercially focused, and results-driven.
  • Innovative and open to continuous improvement and new ideas.
  • Strong working knowledge of MS Office applications.
Package
  • Bonus
  • Car allowance
  • Private health care
  • Enhanced maternity/paternity
  • Discounts across the brand
  • Great social events

Head of Wholesale UK & Ireland employer: Four Seasons Recruitment Ltd (Fashion & Retail)

As a premium lifestyle and beauty brand based in London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values mindfulness, sustainability, and employee growth. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, offering comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, bonus structure, private healthcare, and generous discounts across our product range. Join us to lead a dynamic team in a role that not only drives commercial success but also champions well-being and luxurious experiences for our customers.
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Contact Detail:

Four Seasons Recruitment Ltd (Fashion & Retail) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Wholesale UK & Ireland

✨Tip Number 1

Research the brand thoroughly before your interview. Understand their product range, values, and market positioning. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network within the beauty and premium consumer goods industry. Attend relevant events or connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can provide insights into the company culture and potentially give you an edge in the hiring process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed wholesale relationships and driven growth in previous roles. Use metrics to showcase your achievements, as this will highlight your commercial acumen and strategic thinking.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with omni-channel strategies and be ready to share your thoughts on integrating online and offline approaches. This is crucial for the Head of Wholesale role, and demonstrating your knowledge will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Wholesale UK & Ireland

Strategic Leadership
Team Development
Wholesale Relationship Management
Commercial Acumen
Data Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement
Omni-channel Strategy
Visual Merchandising Standards
Project Management
Interpersonal Skills
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Presentation Skills
MS Office Proficiency
Innovative Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in wholesale management, particularly within the beauty or premium consumer goods industry. Emphasise your achievements in driving commercial growth and managing strategic partnerships.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the brand's philosophy of sustainability and well-being. Discuss how your strategic thinking and hands-on approach can contribute to the company's growth in the UK and Ireland.

Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role involves leading a team, be sure to showcase your leadership skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully coached and developed teams in previous roles, and how you plan to foster an omni-channel approach to growth.

Showcase Analytical Skills: Demonstrate your analytical mindset by including specific instances where you've interpreted data to drive business decisions. This will show your ability to identify growth opportunities and enhance profitability.

How to prepare for a job interview at Four Seasons Recruitment Ltd (Fashion & Retail)

✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision

As the Head of Wholesale, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and execute comprehensive strategies. Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've identified growth opportunities and built long-term relationships with partners in previous roles.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

This role involves leading a team, so be ready to share your leadership style and experiences. Discuss how you've coached and developed teams in the past, and provide examples of how you've fostered collaboration and engagement among team members.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

The interviewers will be looking for your understanding of profitability and growth. Prepare to talk about how you've driven sales performance in previous positions, including any specific metrics or achievements that highlight your success in managing wholesale relationships.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think of scenarios where you've had to navigate challenges in a fast-paced environment, particularly in the beauty or premium consumer goods industry, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.

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