Key Account Manager - Middle East

About the role

Reporting to the Middle East Commercial Director, you will manage a portfolio of key customers, including Al Tayer, Ulta and Gold Apple, among others. Working closely with the Commercial Director, you will develop account plans, build strong customer relationships and identify opportunities to drive sustainable business growth. The role combines strategic account management with day-to-day coordination across Commercial, Marketing and Supply Chain teams, helping ensure plans and product launches are delivered smoothly while contributing to sell-out, VMS and ranking targets.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the annual key account strategy and account plan, aligned with the longer-term three-year vision
• Build trusted customer relationships and partner with retailers to maximise sell-in, sell-out and investment opportunities
• Lead key account negotiations on commercial terms, investments, visibility and retailer support
• Negotiate permanent and temporary in-store spaces, including animations and visibility opportunities
• Manage day-to-day account operations and act as main point of contact for retailer operational matters
• Ensure NLTs, retailer templates, listings and supporting documentation are submitted accurately and on time
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Marketing and Brand teams so new products arrive on time and launches are fully prepared
• Oversee launches through to completion, resolving ordering, listing, replenishment and logistics issues
• Lead forecasting with retailers, maintaining monthly rolling forecasts for new products and launches, and quarterly rolling forecasts for core and best-selling SKUs
• Monitor stock cover and replenishment, and identify supply and inventory risks early
• Share account and market trends with the Commercial and Marketing teams

Required profile

• Sales or commercial experience, with exposure to key account management, ideally within the beauty or luxury industry
• Fluency in English
• Collaborative approach, able to work across functions and act as a trusted business partner
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen, attention to detail and data-management skills
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities and follow through reliably
• Cultural awareness and ability to work across diverse markets and stakeholders in the region