Account Manager - International (sales)

We are seeking an experienced International Account Manager to lead commercial expansion across the European Union, with an initial focus on launching products through a major European retail partner. This individual will own key retail relationships, ensure regulatory compliance, coordinate cross-functional launch activities, and drive long-term revenue growth across European markets.

The International Account Manager will serve as the primary commercial representative in the EU, working closely with retail buyers, distributors, regulatory bodies, and internal teams to execute successful product launches while supporting long-term international growth. This role requires a highly autonomous sales professional who can build strategic retail partnerships, navigate EU regulatory requirements, and collaborate effectively with global teams while working European business hours.

Key Responsibilities:

The International Account Manager will lead the successful execution of new product launches with European retail partners while building and maintaining strong relationships with buyers and key stakeholders. This role is responsible for ensuring products meet all EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 requirements, including CPNP notifications, Responsible Person requirements, ingredient labeling, safety assessments, and claims substantiation. Working cross-functionally with Product, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Marketing, Logistics, and Sales teams, the Account Manager will coordinate launch activities, monitor sell-through performance, identify opportunities for SKU expansion and revenue growth, execute promotional programs, and provide ongoing market intelligence and competitive insights. The role also oversees retailer portal management, logistics coordination, OTIF performance, and issue resolution while maintaining close collaboration with global teams. Additionally, the successful candidate will leverage AI tools to improve reporting, workflow efficiency, account management, and business analysis.

What Success Looks Like:

Success in this role is defined by the ability to execute flawless product launches with major European retail partners while ensuring all regulatory requirements are met without delaying timelines. The ideal candidate builds trusted, long-term relationships with retail buyers that lead to increased distribution opportunities, promotional placements, and sustainable revenue growth. They proactively monitor sell-through performance, identify risks before they impact the business, and use data to drive informed commercial decisions. They consistently provide valuable market intelligence on competitors, consumer trends, and regulatory developments, maintain operational excellence through effective retailer and logistics management, and collaborate seamlessly with global teams despite time zone differences. Above all, they demonstrate ownership, autonomy, and continuous improvement by utilizing AI tools and efficient processes to enhance communication, reporting, and overall business performance.

• 5+ years of International or EU Retail Account Management experience.
• Direct experience working with Douglas EU as either a retail buyer or vendor-side Account Manager.
• Experience managing large retail accounts within the beauty, personal care, or consumer goods industry.
• Experience launching products into European retail markets.
• Strong commercial sales and account management background.
• Strong knowledge of EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
• Hands-on experience with:
• CPNP notifications
• Responsible Person requirements
• Ingredient labeling
• Safety documentation
• Compliance timelines
• Skills:
• Retail account management
• Business development
• Sales strategy
• Relationship management
• Revenue growth
• Account expansion
• Sell-through analysis
• Promotional planning
• Market intelligence
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to work independently across multiple time zones
• Availability
• Must be available to work CET/CEST (European business hours).

• Haircare or beauty industry experience.
• Prestige beauty brand experience.
• Existing relationships with European retailers or distributors.
• Proven experience launching brands into European markets.
• Fluency in multiple European languages.
• Experience working with global or US-based teams.
• Experience managing multiple international markets.
• Strong commercial negotiation skills.

• Retail & Compliance
• Douglas Retail Portal
• CPNP Notification System
• EU compliance documentation and tracking software
• Retail analytics and sell-through reporting tools
• AI Tools
• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Perplexity
• CRM & Productivity
• CRM systems
• Outlook or Gmail
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Analytics
• Sales reporting tools
• Margin analysis
• Performance dashboards