General Manager UK, luxury Fragrances in London

Location: UK (with travel across UK & Ireland)

Reporting To: Global CEO / Regional Director

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent, Part-time also possible, freelancer or corporate.

About the Brand

We represent a prestigious niche luxury fragrance house, renowned for exquisite fine fragrances and unparalleled craftsmanship. The brand embodies elegance, exclusivity, and innovation, catering to discerning clients in the UK and Ireland. As we continue to expand our presence in luxury department stores and niche retailers, we seek a dynamic and visionary General Manager to lead our operations, drive growth, and elevate our brand’s reputation in the market.

Job Summary

The General Manager will oversee all commercial, operational, and strategic aspects of the brand’s business in the UK and Ireland. This role requires a hands-on leader with a deep understanding of the luxury fragrance market, a strong professional network, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment. The ideal candidate will be responsible for P&L management, retail and wholesale development, team leadership, and brand representation, ensuring sustainable growth and heightened brand awareness.

Key Responsibilities

• Business & Financial Leadership
• P&L Ownership: Full accountability for the profit and loss of the UK & Ireland business, including revenue growth, cost control, and margin optimization.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute annual business plans, forecasts, and budgets aligned with global brand objectives.
• Performance Analysis: Monitor KPIs, sales trends, and market insights to drive data-informed decision-making.
• Retail & Wholesale Development
• Channel Strategy: Lead the expansion and management of specialty department stores and niche retailers, identifying new opportunities and strengthening existing partnerships.
• Account Management: Build and maintain relationships with key retailers, negotiating terms, and ensuring brand visibility and sell-through.
• Visual Merchandising & Brand Experience: Ensure consistent, high-standard brand presentation across all touchpoints, including in-store displays, training, and customer engagement.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Staff Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, including sales, retail, and operational staff.
• Recruitment & Training: Hire top talent and provide ongoing training to ensure alignment with brand values and sales excellence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, supply chain, and global teams to ensure seamless operations and brand consistency.
• Brand Representation & Growth
• Market & Competitor Insights: Stay ahead of industry trends, competitor activity, and consumer preferences to position the brand as a market leader.
• Brand Ambassadorship: Represent the brand at industry events, trade shows, and high-profile engagements, fostering relationships with media, influencers, and VIP clients.
• Awareness & Marketing: Collaborate with marketing teams to develop and execute brand-building initiatives, including PR, digital campaigns, and experiential activations.
• Operational Excellence
• Supply Chain & Logistics: Oversee inventory management, distribution, and logistics to ensure product availability and operational efficiency.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to local regulations, brand guidelines, and best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Proven Experience: Minimum 8+ years in a senior leadership role within the luxury beauty, fragrance, or fashion industry, with a focus on UK & Ireland markets.
• Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of the fine fragrance and niche retail landscape, including key players, trends, and consumer behaviour.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong track record in P&L management, retail/wholesale development, and business growth.
• Network & Relationships: Established professional network within luxury retail, department stores, and niche fragrance retailers.
• Leadership Skills: Exceptional ability to manage, inspire, and develop teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-On Approach: Willingness to roll up sleeves, multitask, and adapt to evolving priorities.

Desirable

• Experience working with international luxury brands or niche fragrance houses.
• Existing relationships with Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty, Brown Thomas, or similar high-end retailers.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Passion for fragrance, luxury goods, and brand storytelling.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to balance big-picture vision with operational execution.
• Results-Driven: Focused on achieving and exceeding targets.
• Resilient & Adaptable: Thrives under pressure and embraces change.
• Collaborative: Builds strong internal and external relationships.
• Brand Champion: Embodies the brand’s values and acts as its most compelling advocate.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a leading luxury fragrance brand in the UK & Ireland.
• Exposure to a global network and high-profile industry events.
• A dynamic, creative, and supportive work environment.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for luxury fragrance and the drive to elevate our brand, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.