Commercial Operations Manager

HOURGLASS COSMETICS — Senior Manager, Commercial Operations, UKI EMEA

Connected by creativity and driven by purpose. Hourglass Cosmetics is a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand, redefining luxury cosmetics with high-performance products, innovative formulas, and award-winning franchises. Recognized by Forbes, Fast Company and Time Magazine as one of the most inventive beauty companies, Hourglass leads the industry with its breakthrough products and its commitment to animal welfare. Founded in 2004, Hourglass is globally available in 32 markets and over 4,600 doors including Sephora, Ulta, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, Space NK and more. Hourglass became part of the Unilever Prestige division in 2017. Discover more about the Hourglass brand story and mission on our website hourglasscosmetics.com.

The Senior Manager, Commercial Operations, UKI EMEA oversees the day-to-day operational activity essential to the sales and marketing productivity within our UK, Ireland, EU and Middle East regions. The scope of the role includes but is not limited to: collaborating with multiple stakeholders across multiple timezones to achieve a smooth running of day-to-day operations, fill rate optimization, and partnering with global and local teams on developing and implementing processes. The position leads a team whose overarching aim is to optimise on shelf inventory availability at point of sale in order to fully maximize all sales and marketing initiatives, enabling sales and marketing teams to focus on driving sales and business growth.

The Senior Manager, Commercial Operations, UKI EMEA will possess strong organizational capabilities, exceptional communication and leadership skills and have a knack for building collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. They will also be skilled in managing and developing a team to excel in their roles. The ability to work under pressure against tight deadlines is imperative.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Manage a team’s day-to-day workflow and priorities across multiple regions to ensure an overall efficient operation
• Own resolution of operational challenges that fall outside the norm, identifying corrective actions, and proposing process improvements to prevent recurrence
• Forge strong relationships with local warehouse management teams to define day-to-day priorities, ensuring a smooth and timely flow of outbound orders
• Own the sell-in cycle of new product launches and re-promotes, balancing risk and opportunity in under/over orders to ensure on-time-in-full delivery and sufficient inventory at points of sale, while avoiding excess inventory situations
• Where available, use visibility of customer stock levels to reduce over-ordering, stockpiling and RTV risk
• Lead regular meetings with internal and external partners ensuring the smooth running of the Commercial Operations department, enhancing its impact on the overall business
• Own resolution of recurring fill rate issues, deciding and directing corrective action across regions and teams for problematic SKUs and franchises
• Oversee retail operations within the concession model, reviewing processes and proposing changes that streamline and strengthen processes
• Ensure robust development plans for direct reports are in place
• Drive continuous improvement by defining, implementing, and revising operational processes for the region.
• Position self as a reliable trustworthy point person to retailers and internal stakeholders on all matters operations related
• Champion the use of AI to refine workflows and realise efficiencies

YOU’LL LOVE THIS JOB IF:

• Attention to detail: You are thorough and accurate in the work you do.
• Strong communicator and collaborator: You work and communicate effectively with members across multiple functions.
• Strategic and adaptive: You can efficiently anticipate, identify and articulate problems in a fast-paced environment.
• Results-oriented: You have a bias for action. When problems arise, you reliably produce responses and thoughtful solutions.
• Entrepreneurial: You always question if something can be done better, and don’t overly rely on external resources when it comes to getting things moving.
• Ambitious: You have the enthusiasm to persevere through setbacks and help support your team as needed.
• Curious: You are a natural learner with a genuine interest in beauty, luxury, design & art.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years experience in an operational, customer supply chain or merchandising role, ideally within the cosmetics or beauty sector
• Experienced in effectively interfacing with people at all levels within cross-functional teams
• Competent operational and financial acumen
• Demonstrates outstanding analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Self-driven solution seeker who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Position requires attention to detail, adaptability and high degree of collaboration
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge of ERP software systems preferably NetSuite
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, notably Excel
• Ability to lead, inspire and develop a team
• Ability to travel within the markets as needed