Key Account Manager Sephora Europe

Paula’s Choice, a global skincare leader that empowers individuals to define beauty on their own terms through science-backed products. We are an ambitious fast-growing brand with an inspiring mission: we uncover the truth about skincare and deliver smart, safe products based on scientific research, without gimmicks and misleading claims. Part of Unilever Prestige Brands since 2021, our mission comes to life through four core values that guide our actions, decisions, and impact:

• Build Trust: We set the standard for skincare, transparency, and shared knowledge.
• Be Bold: We lead through innovation and by challenging the status quo.
• Act with Kindness: We operate with respect and care—for our customers, colleagues, and the planet.
• Create Community: We believe in the power of connection—whether educating customers, supporting each other, or giving back, we grow stronger together.

Our Global Headquarters remains at the heart of the brand, where it was founded by Paula Begoun in 1995, Seattle. Our European headquarters are in the Netherlands and local offices in selected European countries like London, Berlin and Paris. We market our skincare via different business models: direct-to-consumer via our own websites, marketplaces and selected retail partners, including Sephora, Galeries Lafayette, Space NK, Douglas and many more.

We’re a rapidly growing entrepreneurial team that thrives on change, prioritising a culture of feedback and inclusivity. Our culture encourages continuous learning and is fuelled by connection, curiosity, and cross-functional collaboration.

Paula’s Choice is committed to diversity! Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for empowering people to achieve their own definition of beautiful, Paula’s Choice could be a wonderful fit for you.

Does this sound inspiring? That’s great! Because we’d love to get to know you.

Key Account Manager – Sephora Europe

Description

As Key Account Manager you will drive sales and brand growth with major retail partners by building strong relationships, developing strategic business plans, negotiating terms, executing marketing/merchandising, forecasting, and ensuring operational alignment across sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to maximize profitability and market share. You will act as the central liaison, translating brand goals into retailer-specific strategies for both online and offline channels. This position will report directly to the Directeur Commerce Europe.

What Will You Do?

• Client Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong, trusting relationship with strategic retail client, understanding their business needs, goals, and challenges.
• Strategic Account Planning: Developing and executing strategic plans to drive growth, maximize revenue, and ensure the continued success of key client accounts.
• Communication and Coordination: Acting as the main liaison between key customers and internal teams, coordinating efforts across departments such as marketing, education, customer support and supply chain. Provide accurate sales forecasts, manage inventory flow, and ensure smooth order processing and delivery.
• Sales and Business Development: Identifying and pursuing opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and expanding product or service offerings to key accounts. This also includes contributing to new business pitches. Drive sell-in (new products) and sell-out (in-store/online), manage account P&L, adjust strategies.
• Marketing & Merchandising: Collaborate with internal marketing/brand teams to align plans, ensure effective in-store visibility, manage digital assets, and support product launches.
• Problem Resolution and Support: Addressing client inquiries, resolving issues, and proactively identifying solutions to meet client objectives. Act as the voice of the customer internally, ensuring cross-functional teams (supply chain, finance, marketing) support the account's needs.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Conducting regular business reviews, analysing key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting on account health, satisfaction, and sales forecasts.
• Negotiation and Contract Management: Negotiating contracts, pricing, and terms with key account including promotions, and marketing investments to achieve growth targets.
• Market and Industry Awareness: Staying updated on industry trends, market developments, and competitor activities to adjust account strategies.

Key Skills & Focus Areas

• Omnichannel Strategy: Understanding and executing plans across physical stores, e-commerce, and social media.
• Data Analysis: Using insights from retailer portals and sales data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Communication & Negotiation: Strong presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are crucial.
• Brand Stewardship: Deep understanding of the brand's DNA and ensuring its effective representation in competitive retail environments.

Requirements

• 5-6 years in account management or sales or sales planning, with a proven ability to retain and grow strategic accounts
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with clients
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, confident in leading reviews and negotiations
• Ability to develop effective customer strategies, analyse sales potential, and translate data into actionable solutions
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complaints effectively
• Comfortable navigating through data to create opportunities
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to multitask and prioritize efficiently
• Familiarity with CRM systems and basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)
• A Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, sales, or a related field is often preferred
• A team player focused on expanding the company's reach and improving client results