National Account Executive
Function: Sales Location:
LND, GB London, LND, GB
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Position Title:National Sales Executive, OPI (DSO & National Accounts)
Location: Hybrid (Remote/National travel - UK)
Reports to: Senior National Account Manager
Direct Reports: 0
Scope: OPI
ABOUT THE WELLA COMPANY
Together, WEenable individuals to look, feel, and be their true selves.
THE ROLE
The OPI DSO National Sales Executive is responsible for driving revenue growth and elevating brand presence within the Direct Salon (DSO) channel and National Accounts through the effective leadership of our external field sales partner, Standout Sales Agency, and their team of Business Development Consultants.
This role is primarily focused on managing and enabling the external sales team, ensuring they have the tools, information and support required to achieve sales targets and deliver exceptional brand representation in the field.
As the key liaison between Standout and our internal OPI teams including Brand, Trade Marketing, Demand Planning, and Finance, you will ensure alignment, communication, and flawless execution of commercial strategies.
The ideal candidate will be strategic, highly organised, and collaborative, with proven experience in direct-to-salon sales, people management, and national account management within the professional beauty or nail industry.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
External Sales Team Leadership
1. Manage and support the Standout Sales Agency and their team of 10 Business Development Consultants, driving performance and ensuring sales targets are met.
2. Lead regular communication, performance reviews, and development sessions to maximise team motivation and capability.
3. Host monthly National Sales Meetings with the DSO/Standout team to align priorities, performance, and promotional execution.
4. Conduct regular field visits (approx. 4 days per month) to coach, observe, and support the external team in driving excellence in salon partnerships.
Business Planning
5. Assist with day-to-day sales operations, reporting, and performance tracking.
6. Develop and execute promotional and activation plans tailored to each customer and channel.
7. Collaborate on the creation and implementation of Joint Business Plans (JBP) and annual trade terms, driving both profitability and revenue growth.
8. Understand customer objectives and ways of working to build mutually beneficial partnerships.
Cross-Functional Communication & Alignment
9. Act as the key conduit between the external sales team and internal departments — ensuring clarity, alignment, and timely information sharing.
10. Coordinate with Brand and Trade Marketing to provide the sales team with up-to-date assets, line lists, and promotional materials.
11. Work closely with Demand Planning to communicate stock availability and manage expectations with customers and the sales team.
12. Support internal and external stakeholders by responding to ad hoc requests, providing updates, and resolving issues promptly.
Forecasting & Financial Management
13. Support in managing monthly, quarterly, and annual sales forecasts, providing analysis and rationale to the Senior National Account Manager.
14. Partner with Finance on promotional investment requests, accruals, and profitability tracking.
15. Manage gross-to-net performance and investment budgets to maximise brand impact while protecting margin.
16. Conduct post-promotion analysis to evaluate effectiveness and inform future planning.
National Account Management
17. Strengthening partnerships with current National Accounts and drive new business acquisition by identifying and winning strategic opportunities across the nail industry
18. Drive commercial performance through tailored business plans, joint promotional initiatives, and strong partnership collaboration.
19. Represent OPI in quarterly Joint Business Plan meetings and external account reviews.
Relationship Building
20. Build and maintain strong relationships with both external customers and internal stakeholders.
21. Act as the voice of the customer within OPI UK&I, championing their needs and insights to influence strategy and execution.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
22. 5+ years’ experience in sales or account management within the professional beauty or nail industry.
23. Proven success managing external or field-based sales teams.
24. Strong commercial acumen with experience in forecasting, promotions, and financial planning.
25. Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
26. Highly organised, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
27. Confident working independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
28. Proficient in CRM systems, sales reporting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
29. Willingness to travel nationally as required.
30. A valid driver's license
WHAT WE OFFER
31. 25 days holiday + additional day off for your birthday (not including bank holidays)
32. 3 days’ personal leave for your own signification life events
33. 2 paid days off for volunteering/charity work
34. Optional Wella Pension Scheme (8% employer contribution, 3% employee contribution)
35. Optional Family Private Medical Insurance Cover
36. Income Protection
37. Life Insurance (8x base salary up to 2 million payable in the event of your death in service of Wella)
38. Staff Discount (80% of all hair products, 40% OPI, 1 x 50% ghd)
39. EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
40. Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
41. Gym Benefits
42. Eye Tests
43. WOW Program (Bonus following exit from KKR, eligible after successful probation. For permanent employees only)
44. Workplace/Nursery Benefits
45. 4 weeks working remotely abroad
46. Early Friday Finish during Summer
47. Company Car, Laptop, iPad, Phone