At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK retail partnerships and drive international expansion in beauty & wellness.
- Company: Ambitious Beauty & Wellness business with a purpose-led mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership visibility, and opportunity to shape EMEA expansion.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing team and make a real impact in the beauty industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior commercial roles within beauty or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
An ambitious Beauty & Wellness business is looking for a strategic and commercially astute Head of Retail to lead its UK retail partnerships and play a pivotal role in driving international expansion. Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, this is a senior, high-impact role with full P&L ownership and direct visibility to global leadership.
The Opportunity
As Head of Retail, you’ll own relationships with leading UK and European retailers, steering the commercial agenda across multiple markets. From shaping Joint Business Plans and trade terms to driving execution in-store and online, you’ll have the mandate to deliver sustainable growth and set the business up for EMEA expansion in 2026.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and grow major retail accounts across the UK & Europe with full P&L ownership.
- Develop and deliver Joint Business Plans and customer strategies that drive category growth.
- Negotiate retailer agreements, promotions, and trade terms.
- Oversee shopper marketing activations across digital, in-store, and POS channels.
- Partner with Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution.
- Manage forecasting, promotional investment, and trade spend to maximise ROI.
- Provide insight-led performance reviews and recommendations to senior leadership.
About You
- Proven track record in senior commercial/account management within beauty, personal care, or FMCG.
- Experience managing top UK retail accounts (grocery, health & beauty, or high‑street).
- Strong JBP, negotiation, and financial management skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to influence at senior levels.
- Comfortable working at pace and across time zones in an international business.
- Confident communicator with leadership capability.
Why Join?
- Play a key leadership role in a fast‑growing, purpose‑led business.
- Shape the expansion into EMEA in 2026.
- Work across a diverse portfolio of beauty & wellness brands with strong consumer appeal.
- Join an entrepreneurial, collaborative team with direct visibility to global leadership.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Sales, Business Development, and Management
Industries
Personal Care Product Manufacturing, Retail Health and Personal Care Products, and Consumer Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Channel Controller - High-Street employer: Vertical Advantage
Contact Detail:
Vertical Advantage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Channel Controller - High-Street
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in driving growth and managing retail partnerships.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past successes in managing accounts and driving sales. We want them to see the value you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re here to help you every step of the way in landing that perfect job.
We think you need these skills to ace Channel Controller - High-Street
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Retail. Highlight your experience in managing retail accounts and any relevant achievements in the beauty or FMCG sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your strategic thinking and negotiation skills, and don’t forget to mention your passion for beauty and wellness.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you drive significant growth in a previous role? Let us know! Numbers speak volumes, and we love to see how you've made an impact in past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and ready to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Channel Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on P&L statements and be ready to discuss how you've maximised ROI in previous roles. Bring specific examples of successful negotiations or Joint Business Plans you've led.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to developing customer strategies and driving category growth. Think about how you can articulate your strategic vision for retail partnerships and how it aligns with the company's goals for EMEA expansion.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since negotiating retailer agreements is key, practice articulating your negotiation style. Be ready to share past experiences where you successfully navigated complex trade terms or promotions, highlighting the outcomes and benefits for all parties involved.
✨Communicate with Confidence
This role requires strong communication skills, especially when influencing senior leadership. Prepare to present your ideas clearly and confidently. Consider practising with a friend or mentor to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as a confident leader.