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- Tasks: Lead growth and strategy for key UK retail partners in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join John Cotton UK, a leader in sustainable sleep innovation with over 100 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Full P&L responsibility, high visibility, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UK retail while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in National Account Management and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on quality, integrity, and ambitious innovation.
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. We are the UK’s leading supplier of mattress components and one of Europe’s largest pillow and duvet manufacturers.
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.
Our culture is underpinned by our Core Values:
- Delight Customers
- Excel in Quality
- Rigorous Integrity
- Integrated Teamwork
- Ambitiously Innovative
- Passionate About Sustainability
We’re now looking for a commercially driven Senior Business Manager – Retail to lead growth and account development across 2 key UK retail partners.
The Opportunity: As the Senior Business Manager- Retail, you will take full ownership of 2 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.
The Role Will Focus On:
- Managing and growing national retail accounts with full commercial responsibility
- Developing and implementing tailored growth strategies by customer
- Leading customer communication across buying, merchandising, and technical functions
- 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
Key Drivers:
- Deliver strategic account growth and long-term commercial value
- Own full P&L responsibility across multiple retail partnerships
- Coordinate cross-functional delivery across internal teams
- 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
Why Join?
- Trusted UK heritage – Over 100 years of quality, innovation, and operational excellence
- Lead with impact – Full account ownership and visibility within the senior leadership team
- Grow in a values-led culture – Collaboration, innovation, and sustainability at the core
- High-impact role – A rare opportunity to shape strategy and drive real growth
- Future-facing business – Strong investment in products, people, and long-term partnerships
Candidate Requirements: 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
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage internal delivery
- Analytical mindset with strong forecasting, costing, and pricing skills
- Experience launching and managing seasonal NPD (ideal)
- Positive, proactive, and naturally collaborative
Ready to shape the future of UK retail in a heritage business with fresh ambition? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Please note: We have chosen to work exclusively with PT Executive and 1 other PSL Recruiter; therefore, we kindly ask that other recruiters respect our decision and do not contact us in relation to this role. Thank You.
Senior Business Manager employer: John Cotton Group Ltd.
Contact Detail:
John Cotton Group Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Business Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent innovations. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in being part of their mission to enhance sleep quality.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role’s requirements, especially around account management and P&L responsibility. A confident delivery can make all the difference in leaving a lasting impression.
✨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 a company that values innovation and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Business Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing national retail accounts and any relevant achievements that align with our commitment to quality and innovation.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: We want to see your strategic thinking! Include examples of how you've successfully driven growth and profitability in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to take full P&L responsibility, which is key for this position.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration: Since this role involves working cross-functionally, share instances where you've effectively collaborated with different teams. Highlight your relationship-building skills across buying, merchandising, and technical functions to show you’re a great fit for our integrated teamwork culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of UK retail with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Cotton Group Ltd.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Business Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L management. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven profitability in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how your strategies have positively impacted sales performance.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
This role requires excellent relationship-building skills across various teams. Prepare to share stories about how you've successfully collaborated with buying, merchandising, and technical teams. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to strengthen those relationships.
✨Be Ready for Market Analysis
Understanding market trends is crucial for this position. Familiarise yourself with current trends in the UK retail environment, especially in consumer goods and FMCG. Be prepared to discuss how you've used market data to shape promotional strategies or product launches in the past.
✨Emphasise Your Innovative Mindset
Innovation is key in this role, so think of examples where you've led new product development or implemented creative solutions. Discuss how you approach seasonal NPD and how your innovative ideas have contributed to account growth and customer satisfaction.
