Wholesale Executive | Aesop Italy

For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organisation, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.

Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others.

We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Wholesale Account Executive will work alongside the Europe Wholesale & Commercial teams to assist in the expansion of Aesop’s Wholesale business on a market level, across the multiple sub-channels of Online & Physical Resellers, Online & Physical Wholesale Department Stores, Amenities, and Corporate accounts.

The role will be responsible for supporting and developing accounts to maximise the exposure, representation, and performance of the Aesop brand and products through an effective and relevant presence across a range of business partnerships.

The Wholesale Account Executive will report directly to the Head of Wholesale, Europe, with a dotted line to the Commercial Director Italy & Spain, and will work closely with the Global Head of Amenities & Business Development & Wholesale & Business Development Executives (Amenities & Corporate).

This role will be based in the general area of Milan, and will require travel as needed.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Wholesale Account Management:

· Take ownership of select customer relationships, ensure regular meetings are scheduled, organise, and lead the meetings and ensure all relevant internal stakeholders are aligned.

· Work cross functionally with finance, operations, training, marketing, visual merchandise, and other teams to ensure customers have a full 360 growth plan where appropriate.

· Manage all day-to-day requests made by accounts and follow up any issues with stock availability, order fill rates, stock quality, campaign assets, VM and training material

· Work on appropriate product ranges with customers ensuring the brand is appropriately represented within the wholesale network

· Collaborating with regional supply chain to ensure smooth flow of stock and stock allocation when needed

· Having a pro-active and collaborative approach to problem solving

· Communicating directly with customers in a clear concise manner and building relationships both internally and externally

· Monitor and analyse sales results on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis, identifying trends or concerns in revenue, margins and product mix and work with accounts to make positive changes

· Building budgets and forecast for partners, and delivering sales and controlling spend

· Take ownership of the day-to-day order process, working closely with Supply Chain to ensure order process efficiency.

· Conduct account visits and trainings, to maintain brand standards and optimise performance

· Build relationships with local stakeholders including but not limited to the market’s Commercial Director, Retail Business Managers, and Store Managers, to establish and support the onboarding of local partnerships.

· Influencing and leading to ensure Aesop is presented in the best possible way at all times and in all locations.

· Analyse data, track business performance, assist in reporting and identifying issues and opportunities.

· Proactively communicating internally, the needs of the Wholesale business and influencing to ensure these needs are met

· Working with finance to understand customer invoice and any accounting discrepancies and resolving matters in due course

· Maintaining customer data files

Wholesale Business Development:

· Identify and understand potential new revenue streams and customers, presenting opportunities internally and building the case for opening new distribution where appropriate.

· Proactively seek out new business, establish new partnerships in key markets/cities across the region.

· Manage the onboarding process for all new wholesale accounts.

· Agreeing and negotiating commercial terms.

· Providing excellent Account Management for new accounts, per the standards for existing accounts listed above.

SKILLS / EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

· Ability to speak fluent Italian is a requirement, proficient Spanish is preferred

· Must have right to work in Europe, and reside in Italy with ability to travel across Italy & Spain markets

· Experience managing premium / luxury consumer goods across the European region through a minimum of 2 years.

· Bachelor’s degree or higher in one or more of the following degrees: Marketing, Business, Commerce etc

· Experience in sales necessary

· Strong account management skills to proactively develop new and existing relationships

We take a holistic approach to employment, promoting professional development, career growth, employee wellbeing initiatives and encouraging deep connections with the local community through the Aesop Foundation, volunteering, and matched giving programs. Employee benefits include –

• Flexible, hybrid working pattern
• Generous product discount allowance and bi-annual complimentary product allocation
• Paid volunteering allowance for all employees
• Bonus opportunity based on personal, and business, performance
• Suite of options to aid development, including complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning, in-house Product and Core skills training and study support opportunities
• Access to employee assistance programmes, complimentary subscription to Headspace mindfulness app and summer hours options.
• The opportunity to work in a dynamic and stimulating environment alongside a talented team.
• An inclusive B-corp with vegan and cruelty-free certified products.

Aesop proactively seeks out curious, creative, passionate individuals who think laterally and are capable of delivering work of the highest standard. We place great importance on employee retention and development.

If this sounds like something you may be interested in, please do apply now.

Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organisation. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.

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