Business / Retail Manager

Business / Retail Manager

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
J

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead growth and account development for key UK retail partners.
  • Company: Join John Cotton UK, a family business with over 100 years in sustainable sleep innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy full P&L responsibility and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Be part of a values-led company focused on quality, innovation, and sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in National Account Management or Key Account roles in Consumer Goods.
  • Other info: Work closely with senior leadership and shape the future of UK retail.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We are devoted to perfecting our products to make sure the great British public gets the best night’s sleep ever. John Cotton UK is one of the most established names in UK textiles — a category leader in sustainable sleep innovation. A proud family business founded in 1916, we’ve spent over 100 years innovating in fibre technology, including recycled and repurposed materials; cleverly pioneering fibre technology from our Head Office in Mirfield. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability runs through everything we do — with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and future growth.

We’re now looking for a commercially driven Senior Business Manager – Retail to lead growth and account development across key UK retail partners. As the Senior Business Manager- Retail, you will take full ownership of one of your leading Retail Customers, with responsibility for strategy, sales performance, relationship development, and long-term growth. You’ll work cross-functionally to lead customer plans, coordinate internal delivery, and drive innovation through seasonal and promotional NPD. This is a high-impact commercial role with full P&L responsibility, excellent visibility, and the chance to make a measurable difference in a values-led, forward-thinking business.

  • Managing and growing national retail accounts with full commercial responsibility
  • Delivering account profitability through costing and profit analysis by product range
  • Leading seasonal NPD and Branded promotional launches in line with internal critical paths
  • Conducting market and gap analysis to support customer category development
  • Building internal alignment across supply chain, production, NPD, marketing, and finance
  • Managing forecasting accuracy with support from internal planning functions
  • Providing structured performance feedback to senior customer stakeholders
  • Leveraging wider group resources to support efficiency and sales growth

Deliver strategic account growth and long-term commercial value:

  • Own full P&L responsibility across multiple retail partnerships
  • Lead critical path and range management for launches and discontinuations
  • Use market data to shape promotional, pricing, and NPD strategies
  • Be a key voice in shaping future product initiatives by account

We’re seeking a confident, strategic commercial leader with a proven record of delivering in the UK retail environment:

  • Strong National Account Management or Key Account experience in Consumer Goods or FMCG
  • Full P&L ownership and commercial performance delivery
  • Excellent relationship-building skills across buying, merchandising, and tech teams

Ready to shape the future of UK retail in a heritage business with fresh ambition?

Business / Retail Manager employer: John Cotton Group Ltd.

At John Cotton UK, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the textiles industry, offering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and sustainability. Our Mirfield location provides a collaborative environment where employees can thrive, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, all while contributing to our mission of delivering the best night's sleep to the great British public. Join us and be part of a proud family business that values integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.
J

Contact Detail:

John Cotton Group Ltd. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business / Retail Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable textiles and retail management. Understanding the market dynamics and innovations in fibre technology will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the company's mission.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the UK retail sector, especially those with experience in consumer goods or FMCG. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed P&L responsibilities in previous roles. Highlight your achievements in driving account growth and profitability, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the high-impact nature of the position.

✨Tip Number 4

Research John Cotton UK's key retail partners and their current market strategies. Being able to articulate how you can enhance these partnerships through innovative product launches and effective account management will show your strategic thinking and alignment with the company's goals.

We think you need these skills to ace Business / Retail Manager

National Account Management
Key Account Management
Full P&L Ownership
Commercial Performance Analysis
Relationship Building
Strategic Planning
Market Analysis
Costing and Profit Analysis
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Product Development (NPD)
Promotional Strategy Development
Forecasting Accuracy Management
Performance Feedback Delivery
Sales Growth Strategies
Consumer Goods Knowledge
FMCG Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Company Values: Familiarise yourself with John Cotton UK's commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Reflect these values in your application to show that you align with their mission.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in National Account Management or Key Account roles, particularly in Consumer Goods or FMCG. Use specific examples to demonstrate your success in driving sales performance and managing P&L.

Showcase Relationship-Building Skills: Detail your ability to build strong relationships across various teams, such as buying, merchandising, and tech. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different departments to achieve business goals.

Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Business Manager – Retail role. Address how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate for leading growth and account development.

How to prepare for a job interview at John Cotton Group Ltd.

✨Understand the Company Values

Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with John Cotton UK's commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've demonstrated similar principles in your previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

As a Senior Business Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L responsibility and account management. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts, driven profitability, and used market data to inform your strategies.

✨Highlight Relationship-Building Skills

This role requires excellent relationship-building skills across various teams. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams or built strong relationships with key stakeholders, and be ready to share these stories during your interview.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Practice articulating your thought process on how you would approach challenges related to account growth, product launches, and market analysis.

Business / Retail Manager
John Cotton Group Ltd.
J
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