International Business Development Manager

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Company Overview

The Creightons Plc group is made up of a select group of brands specialising in the creation of high-quality personal care and beauty products for the consumer and trade market.

Potter + Moore Innovations Ltd is the key trading company based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and focuses on the design, manufacture and distribution of product in its three key operating functions; Brands (owned), Private Label Supply and Contract Manufacturing.

Our customer base ranges from key multiple drugstore, grocery and fashion retailers to premium brands and are supplied throughout the UK and growing international markets.

We have a reputation for exceptional customer service, consistently leading the way forward in product and brand development and manufacturing resulting in Creightons Plc not only leading the way but setting standards.

Brands

Ranging in format and market position within several key health + beauty categories including bath, shower and body care, skincare, haircare, well-being, male grooming, fine fragrance and baby. Our core award winning brands include Feather & Down, Balance Active Formula, T Zone, The Curl Company, Janina and Creightons.

Role Description

We're looking for a proven passionate Business Development Manager for a dynamic growing brand owner with a unique portfolio of trend led beauty brands. We're a trend-led beauty brand owner with an exciting portfolio that's already making waves internationally-over 40% of our sales come from global markets, and we're just getting started. We have strategic plans in place to strengthen our presence in current markets and break into new territories. The Business Development Manager role will be responsible for all sales and commercial elements of the customer relationship with key retailers and distributors. The key objective is to drive brand penetration in target markets whilst managing a positive P&L.

The portfolio will be a mix of early-stage pipeline prospects with high potential and a strategic and dynamic selection of targets in key markets worldwide. Targets are mainly direct to retail, but some will be distributor partners where the market dynamic requires this. The ideal candidate will undertake market reviews to create market entry plans for the right target markets in combination with the relevant brand managers. Current core markets are Scandinavia, South East Asia, Middle East, Australia and South America. Next stage strategic targets include Germany, Spain, the middle East and selected southeast Asia targets. The USA and China remain long term strategic targets.

The ability to demonstrate direct to retail and effective management of distributor partners across a number of markets is essential.

The role reports into Head of Global Sales. The role will be home working with regular visits to Peterborough head office at least every two weeks for 1 to 2 days.

The ideal candidate for the role will possess a combination of lead generation, door opening and the ability to onboard new customers in the early lifecycle.

Role Objective

- Recommend and scope retailer and market targets globally

- Utilise available resources to establish contacts with new targets, gain initials meetings to pitch the relevant brands from the portfolio

- Agree commercial terms to commence and support initial trading

- Meet sales growth and margin targets for early pipeline and high potential customers

Role Responsibilities

Commercial and Sales Management

- Initiate, drive and execute a strategic sales plan in each targeted region to provide an ongoing pipeline of growth opportunities.

- Focus on nurturing and accelerating growth with high-potential customers through the early stages of their lifecycle, before seamlessly transitioning them to a Key Account Manager to maintain and build on the momentum.

- Assess new target markets and key retailers within the channel to produce matrix of targets.

- Profit and loss management for each key account, developing comprehensive two-year go-to-market strategies. Plan and allocate the necessary execution investments to maximise the success of product launches and long-term growth.

- Price and investment negotiation with customers to agreed profitability targets.

- Manage customer terms and brand trade marketing investment.

- For key accounts produce activation plans including

*Merchandising - shelf location

*Distribution (number of stores)

*Promotional plans utilising all relevant options within that retailer

*Range

- Manage product commercially throughout its lifecycle.

-Create sales budget and track adherence to it.

Customer Management

- Generate leads for target retailers by evaluating the most effective routes to market. Assess the need for a local presence in the market, including potential use of distributors, agents, or brokers.

- Manage distributors, ensuring they meet targets and adhere to agreements.

-Prepare and deliver customer presentations including product rationales, product positioning, competitive gap analysis, and price architecture definition.

-Handle daily customer interactions, taking full responsibility for all meetings and calls.

Order/ Stock Management

-Forecast demand including promotional activity.

-Monitor EPOS performance. Identify issues and develop/implement corrective action plans.

-Understand and manage agreed stock holding levels.

-Manage exit plans on discontinued lines.

-Manage customer stocks and reporting on the Monthly Stock Report.

-Oversee that stock is being produced in time to meet forecast or sales order.

-Manage Customer shortages to resolve and expedite any issues.

The Ideal Candidate Description:

• Possess a proactive, hunter mentality paired with outstanding organizational skills to methodically build relationships with key sales leads.
• Commercially astute and creative to generate win-win solutions.
• Demonstrate ability to work in fast-paced team environment.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Adaptable and positive in responding to changes as they arise.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.

Professional Experience & Qualifications:

- Evidence of driving and managing brands in international markets predominantly through direct to retail (versus distributors) of at least 5 years.

- Languages other than English desirable.

- Ideally experience within health/beauty industry, minimum of FMCG background.

- Management of multiple product types across multiple categories within key retail accounts.

- Highly proficient in MS Office systems including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Requirements:

- Full Driving Licence

What We Can Offer You:

Competitive Salary & Benefits: We believe in rewarding the hard work and dedication of our employees with a comprehensive compensation package. Our standard benefits include Life Assurance, Employee Assistance Programme, Employee Benefits Platform to name a few.

Dynamic Work Environment: Be part of a vibrant, collaborative team where innovation and creativity are encouraged.

Career Growth: Take advantage of clear career pathways, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse and inclusive workplace where different perspectives are valued, and everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Impactful Work: Contribute to meaningful projects that have a real impact on our customers, community, and industry.

We are committed to creating a supportive and enriching environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.