Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives with our high-quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all – a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.  As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values, we pride ourselves to be listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies since 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.

The role:

A critical leadership position within the UK Customer Team with accountability for the eCommerce Channel alongside leading and driving PAN EU Amazon. The purpose of this role is to establish and execute a channel strategy that grows and transforms our UK business, as well as lead a direct partnership with Amazon across Europe. Full eCommerce P&L responsibility with a team of 5.

What you will do:

• Ensure short term and long term sales and profit targets are met for the UK ecommerce pureplay channel.
• Develop and implement channel & customer strategy which adheres to the overall company strategy whilst working closely with other functions, i.e. marketing, shopper category, finance, supply chain, other mass markets. Develop KPIs to be able to measure success against the strategic priorities which can be consistently cascaded across the team
• Own & build senior customer relationships to provide a sound platform for the business and its future sales development in premium beauty categories.
• Manage of a team of 5. Support, guide and lead these team members to take ownership of their personal and professional development. Work together with other members of the customer leadership team to coach and develop talent for future leadership positions within the Kao Group of businesses.
• Establish and lead a direct partnership with Amazon across Europe. This role has a dual scope: 1) External relationships and negotiations with Amazon Pan EU buying organization 2) Internal strategic planning and execution of Amazon related activities across subsidiaries and Distributor markets.
• Ability to understand strategic objectives of the business and develop / implement appropriate plans that deliver to targets set.
• Generate and initiate ideas through excellent marketing understanding.

What you will need:

• BSc/BA hons degree or equivalent
• Proven track record of P&L accountability
• Strong experience in an account management and 5+ years managing ecommerce, notably Amazon 
• Proven experience of developing channel strategies within the UK market place, and working cross-functionally to execute them
• Track record of building and motivating teams.
• Best-in-class negotiation skills
• Knowledge of UK trade, of the competitive set and challenges ahead for the brands and categories
• Established network with main trade partners / strong negotiation skills
• Proven experience in Customer account leadership and developing a sales team/marketing & category understanding
• Proven leadership track record to grow profitable businesses / analytical / experience in cross functional teamwork
• Brand aware, experienced in developing the strength of brands with the customers and growing market share

How we work: Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community. 

Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit our Americas website (https://www.kao.com/americas/en/) or EMEA website (https://www.kao.com/emea/en/)

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