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- Tasks: Run accounts, manage pricing, and execute promotional strategies for top retailers.
- Company: Join Hairburst, a fast-growing beauty brand with a focus on wellbeing.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £32-35k, with potential to reach £45-60k in 24 months.
- Why this job: Be part of a founding cohort and develop into future leaders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial, retail, or account management; strong attitude and aptitude required.
- Other info: Structured training and real ownership from day one, with clear progression based on performance.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Accelerated Track - Commercial Operator Cohort
Manchester - Full-time - Reports to: Commercial Director
£32-35k starting, with the potential to reach £45-60k by month 24 for top decile performance.
Make retailers work. Learn how the commercial engine actually runs.
This isn’t a normal job. Most companies hire for the seat in front of them. You fill the role, learn the narrow lane, and two years later you’re job-hunting because you’ve hit the ceiling.
This is different. We’re building the Commercial Operator Cohort: a small group of early-career hires (4-5 people across Growth, Commercial and Ops) selected to a single bar and developed as future leaders, not support staff.
What that means for you:
- Real ownership from day one. You’ll own pricing, promo calendars, forecast accuracy and execution for a defined set of retailers.
- You’ll learn how the whole system works. Structured cross-training across Growth and Ops.
- Progression is based on outcomes, not time served. Scorecards at 6, 12, and 18 months.
You’re joining at the right moment. The founders bought Hairburst back in 2023. The leadership team just reset. We’re building the layer underneath: the people who’ll run this business in five years. This is the first cohort. You’d be in the founding class.
One bar, one cohort, three doors. You’re being selected to the same standard as the Growth and Ops hires. Same assessment. Same expectations. Same development pathway.
About Hairburst: We sit where beauty meets wellbeing: effective, habit-forming hair growth solutions that earn a permanent spot in the bathroom.
What you’ll actually do:
- Run the rhythm. Weekly sales trackers, forecast reviews, promo analysis, pricing files, customer decks.
- Land execution. Launches, in-store visibility, retail media briefs.
- Own accounts end-to-end. A defined set of retailers are yours.
- Support the big relationships. Work alongside the National Account Manager on joint business plans and trade negotiations.
What you’ll learn:
- How national accounts really work: joint business plans (JBPs), trade terms, margin mechanics.
- How to run the weekly rhythm: forecasts, promos, pricing files, trading reviews.
- How to land execution that pays back: launches, on-shelf availability, in-store visibility.
- How to spot what’s working (and what isn’t), and make the case for change with numbers.
- How Growth, Commercial and Ops connect: the full system, not just your corner.
Who this is for:
You’ve already taken your first step into commercial, retail or account management. We hire for attitude and aptitude.
The selection process:
- Applications close Friday 16th January.
- Longlisted candidates notified w/c 19th January.
- First interviews 27-28 January.
- Final interviews (senior leadership) 3-4 February.
- Offers w/c 10th February.
- Cohort starts March 2026.
How to apply: Submit one document (PDF) via LinkedIn: your CV plus an appendix answering both questions below.
One last thing: We know this advert is longer than most. We’re not trying to maximise applications. We’re trying to find 4-5 people we’d back to go all the way, and give them something worth applying for.
Commercial Associate in Manchester employer: Hairburst
Contact Detail:
Hairburst Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Associate in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Hairburst, its products, and its market position. This will help you stand out in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to commercial roles. Think about how you can demonstrate your ambition and commerciality through past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Hairburst family.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Associate in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and insights. Remember, we’re looking for attitude and ambition, not just a polished CV.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: Make sure you take the time to answer both questions in detail. We’re interested in your thought process and how you approach challenges. Use clear examples and keep it straightforward – bullets are totally fine!
Show Your Commercial Mindset: For the second question, pick one of our retail partners and think strategically about how to improve performance. We want to see your commercial judgement in action, so focus on actionable ideas and how you'd measure success.
Submit Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hairburst
✨Know Your Retail Partners
Before the interview, do your homework on Hairburst's retail partners like Boots, Superdrug, and Holland & Barrett. Understand their business models, recent trends, and how Hairburst fits into their offerings. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Achievements
When discussing your past experiences, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your drive and ability to execute. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it clear how your contributions made a difference.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Judgement
Prepare for the commercial judgement question by thinking critically about how you would improve performance in one of Hairburst's accounts. Outline actionable steps and metrics for success. This shows you can think strategically and are ready to take ownership of your accounts.
✨Emphasise Your Learning Mindset
Highlight instances where you've taught yourself something new or adapted quickly to changes. This aligns with the company's focus on growth and development. Be ready to discuss how you approach learning and applying new skills in a fast-paced environment.
