At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive wholesale growth and build strong retail partnerships in the beauty industry.
- Company: Fast-growing premium beauty brand with a hands-on culture.
- Benefits: Flexible commitment, opportunity to make a real impact, and work with top retailers.
- Other info: Immediate start for the right candidate with excellent career opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and accelerate retail growth in a thriving beauty brand.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in beauty wholesale and strong buyer relationships.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
We are working with a fast-growing premium beauty brand looking for an experienced Interim Head of Wholesale to come in for an initial 3–6 month period and accelerate its retail growth. This is a very hands-on, execution-focused brief. We are looking for someone who knows the beauty retail landscape, has strong existing buyer relationships and can personally open doors, lead conversations and convert opportunities into major retail accounts.
The brand already has some great momentum, with new retail partnerships going live and a number of other conversations underway. There is also internal support in place to help coordinate pipeline, materials, follow-up and execution, so the focus for this person can really be on driving relationships and getting deals over the line.
The role will focus on:
- Owning and accelerating the wholesale sales pipeline
- Identifying and prioritising the right retail partners
- Activating existing senior buyer relationships
- Personally opening doors and leading buyer conversations
- Negotiating commercial terms and converting opportunities into deals
- Helping sharpen the sales materials and commercial proposition where needed
- Building a strong pipeline and momentum across wholesale
We are looking for someone with a proven track record of personally opening and growing major retail accounts within beauty, ideally across retailers such as Boots, Sephora, Space NK, John Lewis, Lookfantastic, ASOS and Cult Beauty. Strong brand-side beauty experience is important, particularly if you have helped an emerging or premium brand grow from relatively limited wholesale distribution into meaningful retail scale.
International retailer experience would be a bonus, particularly relationships with Ulta, Bluemercury or Douglas. This is not an advisory or strategy-only brief. We need someone senior enough to operate independently but who is still very happy to be hands-on, pick up the phone, speak to buyers and make things happen.
The initial brief is for 3–6 months and there is flexibility around the level of commitment and structure. The focus is very much on finding the right person who can deliver outcomes. We are moving quickly and looking to speak to relevant people immediately.
If you have a strong beauty wholesale network, a track record of opening major retail accounts and availability for an interim or fractional brief, I would love to hear from you.
We would love to respond to every application however due to the volume of applications we receive this isn't always possible. If you have not heard within 2 weeks of applying, please assume on this occasion that your application has not been shortlisted. We may retain your CV to contact you about future employment opportunities that are being managed by The Growth Foundation Talent.
The Growth Foundation Talent is deeply committed to building a diverse & inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Head of Wholesale - Premium Beauty (Fractional) in London employer: The Growth Foundation
As a leading Digital Marketing Agency in the Construction and Built Environment sectors, our client offers an exceptional work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, they provide a generous training budget, hybrid working options, and a vibrant culture filled with team socials and annual trips. Located in Central London or Northampton, this is an ideal opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Wholesale - Premium Beauty (Fractional) in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Wholesale - Premium Beauty (Fractional) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to The Growth Foundation:Don’t forget to personalise your application for The Growth Foundation! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Growth Foundation
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that The Growth Foundation offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at The Growth Foundation and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
