HOURGLASS COSMETICS AREA MANAGER - North West UK
Connected by creativity and driven by purpose. Hourglass Cosmetics is a vegan and cruelty‑free beauty brand redefining luxury cosmetics with high‑performance products and innovative formulas. Recognized by Forbes, Fast Company and Time Magazine as one of the most inventive beauty companies, Hourglass leads the industry with breakthrough products and a strong commitment to animal welfare. Founded in 2004, Hourglass is available in 32 markets and over 4,600 doors including Sephora, Ulta, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, Space NK and more. In 2017 Hourglass became part of the Unilever Prestige division.
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Area Manager to oversee and elevate the performance of our regional stores across the North of England, Scotland and Ireland. The role requires a passionate leader with a proven track record in people management and hands‑on sales leadership. You will coach teams to deliver the premium customer experience in each store.
The Area Manager will drive sales KPIs, services and eventing across retail partners such as Selfridges, Arnotts, Brown Thomas, Harvey Nichols, John Lewis and Fenwicks. You will lead and inspire a network of Hourglass Managers, ensuring they have the knowledge, passion and tools to exceed commercial targets. The position requires weekly store visits to all locations within your area and close collaboration with both retailers and internal teams to maintain brand consistency and impactful education programmes.
Key Responsibilities
* Own and drive retail performance across North England, Scotland and Ireland Regional stores, ensuring sales targets and KPIs are achieved.
* Analyze business performance and identify opportunities to maximise sell‑through, ranking and brand positioning.
* Develop and implement sales strategies that align with brand objectives and retail partner goals.
* Collaborate with marketing, merchandising and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of brand initiatives and new product launches.
* Work closely with Managers and store leadership to drive engagement and results.
* Manage time effectively between regular store visits and quality time spent with the sales team on the shop floor.
* Set and manage the regional stores’ sales targets & KPIs to maximise sales and rankings across all doors.
* Plan and organise the business for success, leading by example.
* Understand retail context and category performance in the region to assess risk, identify opportunities and devise a retail strategy door‑by‑door.
* Coach and inspire Managers to remain sales and customer focused.
* Oversee VM operations for stores, working closely with the VM and Store Design team to ensure smooth installations for new doors and launches.
* Review stock holding levels consistently and work with the Operations Director to resolve issues and ensure all processes are followed.
* Support and drive eventing and activity plans to build brand awareness and secure additional business opportunities.
Education
* Work closely with the Education team to ensure your team is set up for success by attending regular training sessions.
* Collaborate with Education Executives to drive product knowledge and service excellence through masterclasses and in‑store coaching.
* Ensure Hourglass values are reflected in all customer interactions across regional stores.
Team Leadership & Brand Advocacy
* Effectively lead and manage the retail team, celebrating success and challenging business opportunities fairly and consistently.
* Inspire through leadership, empowering teams and engaging them with the brand.
* Recruit and manage area vacancies, acting swiftly to fill the right roles.
* Act as the key liaison between Hourglass and retail partners, fostering strong relationships to drive advocacy and long‑term success.
* Represent the brand at key retail and industry events.
* Proactively and reactively set clear targets to maintain consistent performance and build the business.
* Follow company budget parameters and use resources responsibly to achieve goals.
* Maintain payroll documents, ensuring commissions and overtime are accurately logged.
* Approve team rosters and review time & attendance sheets.
* Support HR matters, including investigations, disciplinaries, performance management and employee engagement initiatives.
* Uphold the Unilever Code of Conduct.
WHAT YOULL GAIN
* A wealth of experience in a dynamic, fast‑paced role within Hourglass.
* The opportunity to shape brand presence and performance across key retail partners.
* Deep understanding of building and managing a strong retail team.
* Exposure to the Senior Leadership Team in both the UK and LA.
* Be part of a fast‑growing, passionate luxury makeup brand.
* Build strong relationships with retailers and customers.
YOULL LOVE THIS JOB IF
* Action‑oriented: You are self‑motivated and can inspire your team to achieve targets.
* Organised: You continuously plan for success with a methodical approach.
* Inspirational people manager: You lead by example and manage a diverse, remote team effectively.
* Strong communicator and collaborator: You communicate with sales teams, internal teams and retail partners to foster collaboration.
* Purpose driven: You share a genuine interest and passion for Hourglass and its mission.
* You are PASSIONATE about beauty & retail: Eager to learn and immerse yourself in beauty.
QUALIFICATIONS
* 6 years of beauty management experience in luxury specialty retailers.
* Positive energy and passion for makeup, skincare and service.
* Superior training and motivational skills.
* Highly organised and structured management approach.
* Strong analytical skills to review sales results, forecasts and promotional impact.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Advanced makeup artistry skills.
* Strong eye for merchandising and detail in a luxury environment.
* Thrives in a fast‑paced, agile environment and manages multiple priorities.
* Effective communication with customers, peers and management.
* Experience with MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
* Ability to travel and manage remotely.
Additional Information
* Required Experience: Manager
* Key Skills: Business Development, Company Policies, Customer Service, Financial Performance, Revenue Growth, Oversight, Regional Sales, Account Management, Project Management, Product Line, Ensure Compliance, Human Resources, Procedures, Sales Goals, Direct Reports
* Employment Type: Full Time
* Experience: 6+ years
* Vacancy: 1
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