Brand & Wholesale Manager UK – Luxury Watches

Full Job Description

For a niche player in the high-end luxury watch sector, we are currently looking for a highly driven, skilled and experienced regional Wholesale / Brand manager, with prior Area Sales / Regional Management exposure in the UK.

POSITION

Reporting to the VP Sales International as well as the group country manager UK, the Brand Manager will be responsible for all aspects of the wholesale operation of the specific brand, with a focus on driving sales and effective people management when- and wherever needed. In addition, you will be responsible for managing and improving sales, delivering and inputting sales into the brand strategy. All the while, ensuring protection of the brand and its exposure within the UK market being carefully monitored and managed.  

Ultimately, the Brand Manager will be responsible for the successful implementation and supervision of agreed objectives and plans and should at all times strive to achieve and set the highest standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the day to day activities and operations of the brand in the UK
  
• Take ownership of and manage the budget, balance sheet and income statement for the brand
  
• Provide training programmes to each account (products, VM, Storytelling, etc.)
  
• Seek new distribution opportunities including the completion of tenders and internal group documents to acquire appropriate funding
  
• Drive and seek continuous improvement in product sales
  
• Develop annual business plans
  
• Implement corporate and international procedures (sales techniques, security etc.)
  
• Establish the highest level of communication with the Country Manager, Brand Vice President and HQ
  
• Manage relationships with UK retailers
  
• Suggest and execute the distribution policy for the country in line with group and Brand HQ overall distribution policy
  
• Pricing of products according to the international pricing policy of the brand
  
• Responsible for the product purchase from Switzerland and the control of inventory levels (qualitative/quantitative)
  
• Supervise and manage the merchandising of customers in line with the marketing policies
  
• Assist Customer Services to achieve the expected level of service
  
• Constantly look to improve the brand’s position within retail environments
  
• Manage stock replenishment of accounts ensuring core profile is maintained and sales are not lost
  
• Assemble and execute the marketing budget whilst, monitoring, updating and reporting marketing costs through the correct financial reporting structures
  
• Negotiate advertising/promotional activity where appropriate
  
• Work closely with HQ Marketing and PR and put together engaging initiatives for accounts to drive sales
  
• Prepare annual sales forecasts and objectives for each of your accounts (retailers)
  
• Make all necessary arrangements for any new product launch, price lists, special POS requirements
  
• Deal with the logistical side of the Brand within the UK, including liaising with sales desk, raising necessary sales orders on corporate ERP system (SAP)
  
• Ensure customer enquiries are dealt with in an efficient and proper manner
  
• Deal with end customers for customer service issues. 
  

PROFILE

For our client, we’ll ideally be looking for a seasoned young Executive with proven and demonstrable wholesale / Distribution management experience, ideally within the prestige/luxury watches and jewellery segment in the UK. The following will also be of importance to our high profile client:

• Innovative & creative personality with solid sales and marketing experience
  
• Economic awareness with a strong business acumen
  
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
  
• Knowledge in (trade) marketing / Marketing savvy
  
• Highly flexible approach to work, willing to frequently travel across the UK and internationally when necessary
  
• Desire, ability and willingness to take on new and additional responsibility if the role develops beyond its existing parameters.