Full job description*£40,000 – £45,000
*Remote (UK-wide travel)
A thriving UK creative brand, known for standout product design and a fast-growing presence across both major retail and the independent sector, is building out its commercial team. This is a pivotal hire: someone who will own a diverse portfolio of retailers, deepen existing relationships, and onboard the right new partners.
Equal parts relationship-builder, analyst and brand champion - this role suits someone who gets energy from being in front of people, loves great product, and knows how to turn a conversation into commercial success.
What you’ll be doing
Strategic Retail Partnerships
*Own a defined portfolio of major high-street partners - department stores, garden centres, book retailers and become their trusted commercial contact
*Bring Joint Business Plans to life and keep them on track quarter to quarter
*Monitor in-store performance and trading data to identify what’s working and where the opportunity lies
*Sharpen ranging, layout and shopper engagement to drive productivity per location
*Lead seasonal range pitches from sign-off through to shelf
In-Store Presence & Brand Activation
*Spend meaningful time in market - UK-wide store visits are central to this role, not an afterthought
*Hold the brand to the highest visual standards across every retail environment
*Build genuine relationships with store managers and floor teams, turning them into real advocates
*Deliver energetic, hands-on product training that gets sales teams excited to sell
*Stay sharp on what competitors are doing, what’s shifting in the category, and what’s next
Independent Channel Development
*Take ownership of a portfolio of indie and specialty stockists and grow it strategically
*Identify and pursue premium, on-brand new stockists worth investing in
*Build lasting relationships with some of the best independent retailers in the UK
*Maintain an active pipeline of prospects and channel opportunities
Performance & Commercial Insight
*Set up data-sharing with key partners to get a clear view of sell-through performance
*Translate data into actionable insight - wins, gaps, and what to do next
*Feed market intelligence back into the business to inform ranging, pricing and commercial strategy
Category & Brand Leadership
*Develop genuine expertise in the gift, stationery and home fragrance space
*Keep product and brand teams informed on what you’re seeing and hearing out there
*Track competitor activity — pricing, promotions, new launches
*Represent the business at trade shows and industry events throughout the year (some weekend and overnight travel involved)
What you’ll bring
Essential
*3–5 years in UK retail sales - account management, field sales or new business development
*A track record of working towards commercial targets in a B2B environment
*A genuine passion for product, retail and how brands show up in real life
*Natural relationship-builder - as comfortable with a buyer as with a shop floor team
*Self-motivated, driven and comfortable with autonomy and accountability
*Experienced working remotely and managing your own time and travel schedule
*Confident with Excel or Google Sheets (or willing to get up to speed quickly)
*Polished and persuasive in front of an audience, whether it’s a buyer presentation or a product training session
*Full UK driving licence and readiness for regular nationwide travel
Desirable
*Background in giftware, homeware, stationery, home fragrance, candles or a comparable lifestyle category
*Existing relationships with relevant high-street groups (department, garden or specialist chains) or premium independents
*Experience running Joint Business Plans with major UK retailers
Diversity & Inclusion ILMJ values diversity, equality and inclusion and warmly encourages applications from all backgrounds and identities.