The Role

Jellycat is a privately owned, design-led gift brand renowned for creating original and innovative luxury soft toys and accessories for all ages. Combining sumptuous fabrics with quirky, whimsical designs, Jellycat’s creations are loved and cherished by people around the world. For over 25 years, the Jellycat family has brought joy, wonder, and playful fun to countless homes, earning a reputation as one of the most loved and collected brands in their category.

With an established and growing customer base, Jellycat works closely with its partners to maximise reach and share joy across the globe. Their products are available online and through stockists in the US, UK, Europe, and beyond, bringing their unmistakable magic to every corner of the world.

We are looking to appoint a highly experienced, commercial Head of Independent Retail Sales to join the growing team to lead and manage a team of Sales Leads and Regional Sales Managers.

The focus of this position is working closely with the Head of UK Sales to build and execute a short term/long term strategy to continue growing brand awareness and sales in the market with 1500 + UK and Ireland independent stockists. Leading, managing, developing and coaching the in-house field sales team to maximise the opportunity and reach – whilst ensuring they look amazing at retail and the branding and in-store execution are to the highest of standards. 

• During the first 12 months, you would be the key facilitator of the brand's transition from a third-party agency model to an in-house sales management approach for the UK and EIRE markets.
• Part of this process will involve aligning the stockists with the luxury distribution strategy, which may necessitate the closure of certain stores. Additionally, you will be exploring new growth opportunities to strengthen the market position further. The ultimate goal is to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction, increase revenue, and ensure the brand's visibility and appeal at retail, thereby fostering consumer desire and spreading joy among customers and fans.
• You will work closely with your line manager and CCO to deliver go-to-market plans and be responsible for setting and aligning annual budget plans/product forecasts and how you will achieve those, understanding that they would never compromise brand positioning (Luxury) in favour of revenue, so this is critical in the underpinning of everything they do. 
• You will adopt a collaborative approach to achieving the strategic goals for the independent
• business and the wider company goals. They have a one team mentality and will work closely with the national key account business, Head of Key Accounts, as well as the Commercial Retail Events Manager and Business Development Manager.
• The position will require spending time in the field supporting, developing and coaching the regional sales team, comprising 3 Sales Leads and 13 Regional Sales Managers to ensure brand standards and sales objectives are achieved.

The Candidate

• Minimum of 5 years experience as an experienced senior commercial professional
• Passionate about retail
• Ideally some experience in regional sales and specifically independent stockists
• Ideally some experience within a Luxury brand setting
• Extensive experience in leading a team of account or sales managers
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships
• Strong leadership and coaching skills
• A strategic mindset with a focus on achieving long-term business objectives
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively
• Able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and thrives in a fast paced environment
• Must be a confident public speaker with the gravitas to chair and lead meetings
• Must be proficient in Microsoft - PowerPoint and Excel
• Ability to read, forecast and communicate financial projections
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Highly organised and able to multi-task and manage multiple deadlines
• Good understanding and working knowledge of best instore VM practice
• Problem solving and solution based methodology
• Thrives on a challenge and can react positively to the situation at hand
• Loves a fast-paced entrepreneurial business mentality
• A true team player who is flexible, personable, positive and motivated by being part of a high performing team.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners

Neil Renshaw

Delivery Consultant

neil.renshaw@berwickpartners.co.uk