Trade Marketing Manager

We are redefining recruitment across the Personal Care, Beauty, Aesthetics & Wellness space. We partner with ambitious businesses to source high-impact talent and make hiring feel seamless - and we guarantee our results every time. From entry-level to executive search, we bring market insight, global network depth, and a Refyned, high-touch approach. Whether youre building your founding team or hiring at scale - were your people. Our Client Our client is an established, award-winning, employee-owned distributor specialising in launching and scaling internationally recognised Beauty and Wellness brands across the UK market. Working with some of the industrys most exciting global brands, the business partners with leading retailers including Boots, Superdrug and Amazon, delivering commercially successful go-to-market strategies and exceptional retail execution. As the company continues to expand its brand portfolio, they are seeking an experienced Trade Marketing Manager to lead local trade marketing strategy, strengthen relationships with international brand partners, and drive commercial success across key retail channels. The business offers a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where commercial thinking, creativity, and innovation are encouraged, alongside genuine opportunities for career development. Overview We are seeking a commercially minded Trade Marketing Manager to act as the strategic link between international brand owners and the UK retail landscape. Managing a diverse portfolio of global Beauty and Wellness brands, you will be responsible for translating international brand strategies into impactful local trade marketing plans that maximise brand visibility, retail execution, and commercial performance. Working closely with both international stakeholders and internal commercial teams, youll oversee omnichannel trade activations, retail marketing campaigns, point-of-sale development, and promotional planning while leading and developing members of the creative team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Trade Marketing professional looking to make a significant commercial impact within a growing, internationally focused business. Key Responsibilities Brand & Principal Management * Act as the primary UK marketing contact for international brand partners. * Build strong relationships with overseas principals, providing local market insight and strategic recommendations. * Manage and present trade marketing budgets while ensuring local activity remains aligned with global brand positioning. * Champion brand consistency while adapting campaigns to maximise performance within the UK market. Trade Marketing & Retail Activation * Translate global marketing toolkits into locally compliant and commercially effective retail activations. * Develop impactful Point of Sale materials (POSM), endcaps, merchandising solutions and in-store promotional campaigns tailored to retailer requirements. * Plan and deliver integrated trade marketing calendars across physical retail and ecommerce channels. * Support retailer promotional activity through sampling campaigns, co-operative marketing initiatives and digital shelf optimisation. Commercial Planning * Partner closely with Category Managers and Commercial teams to develop compelling Joint Business Plans (JBPs). * Support retail pitches that secure premium shelf positioning, promotional opportunities and increased brand visibility. * Align trade marketing initiatives with wider commercial objectives to maximise sell-through and category growth. * Manage the sourcing, localisation and production of trade marketing assets including POS materials, testers and Gifts with Purchase (GWPs). * Coordinate with print suppliers, agencies and logistics partners to ensure timely delivery of all promotional materials. * Maintain high standards of quality, consistency and execution across all retail touchpoints. Trade Shows & Events * Lead the planning and execution of industry exhibitions, retailer showcases and trade events. * Manage stand design, visual merchandising and overall brand presentation to ensure exceptional execution. * Represent international brand partners professionally while supporting retailer engagement and new business opportunities. Leadership * Line manage and develop members of the Creative team. * Set clear objectives, provide regular coaching and performance feedback, and foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture. * Encourage creativity, accountability and continuous improvement across the department. Experience * Minimum 4 years experience within Trade Marketing, Channel Marketing, Account Management or Commercial Marketing. * Previous experience within Beauty, Cosmetics, Wellness, FMCG or consumer goods is highly desirable. * Experience managing multiple brands or product portfolios within a distributor, manufacturer or retail environment. * Strong understanding of UK retail channels including pharmacy, mass retail, beauty specialists and ecommerce platforms. * Experience collaborating with international stakeholders and managing external brand relationships. * Proven track record of delivering commercially successful retail marketing initiatives. Technical & Analytical Skills * Strong understanding of retail marketing, merchandising and shopper marketing principles. * Experience interpreting retail sales data and syndicated market reports such as Circana (formerly NPD) or Nielsen. * Commercially minded with the ability to evaluate campaign performance and identify growth opportunities. * Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. * Strong appreciation for creative design, visual merchandising and print production processes. * Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, alongside marketing and reporting tools. About You * Commercially driven with a passion for Beauty, Wellness and consumer trends. * Excellent relationship builder with strong communication and stakeholder management skills. * Confident representing both brands and business partners externally. * Solutions-focused with a proactive, positive attitude. * Curious, adaptable and eager to continuously learn. * Resilient and comfortable managing multiple projects within a fast-paced environment. * Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail. * A collaborative leader who enjoys developing and mentoring others. * Willing to travel within the UK and internationally when required. * Competitive salary package. * Annual performance bonus. * Employee Ownership Trust participation, giving employees a direct stake in the future success of the business. * Enhanced pension scheme. * Life assurance. * UK and international travel opportunities. * Ongoing learning and professional development. * Long service recognition. * Individual coaching and career development support. * Collaborative, employee-owned culture with genuine opportunities for progression. Why Join? This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established, award-winning business that partners with some of the worlds leading Beauty and Wellness brands. Youll play a pivotal role in bringing internationally recognised brands to life within the UK market, working closely with global brand owners, major retail partners, and senior commercial stakeholders. Offering a unique blend of strategic marketing, commercial influence and leadership, this role provides excellent exposure across international brand management, retail activation and omnichannel trade marketing. For an ambitious Trade Marketing professional looking to take the next step in their career, this represents an outstanding opportunity to make a meaningful commercial impact within a growing, employee-owned organisation. J-18808-Ljbffr