Sales Manager – Independents

Role Overview

• Guide, coach, and develop Regional Sales Managers in the South of the UK.
• Execute the global and UK Independent strategy.
• Build store culture and drive retail excellence.
• Strengthen partnerships with independent retailers.
• Deliver against defined global and UK Independent plans.
• Provide clear guidance and support with store visits and retailer relationships.
• Ensure consistent delivery of Jellycat standards across RSM territories.
• Partner with Head of Independents and Team Leads for aligned execution.
• Champion retail culture across independent partners.
• Support RSMs with in-store coaching on visual merchandising and storytelling.
• Review store execution and give actionable feedback.
• Strengthen relationships with independent retailers.

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years managing sales teams or leading sales managers (independent retail experience strongly preferred).
• Strong understanding of premium retail environments.
• Proven track record of coaching teams to deliver high standards of retail execution.
• Experience working with independent retailers and navigating diverse retail environments.
• Excellent people leadership with a motivating, supportive, and energetic style.
• Strong communicator, able to influence, guide, and partner with both RSMs and retailers.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable with Excel & PowerPoint to a high standard.
• Great problem-solving and proactive solution-finding mentality.
• A positive, premium, joyful, and fanfirst mindset.
• The ability to be calm under pressure with a resilient, “cando” approach.
• A teamcentric mindset, collaborative and proud to support your people.
• Passion for the store experience, retail storytelling and creating joyful discovery moments.

Benefits

• Discretionary Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance through Vitality including Optical and Dental cover.
• Group Life Cover at 4 x basic salary
• 25 days paid holiday
• Hybrid working model
• Employee Assistance Program through Health Assured.
• Private Chef providing breakfast and lunch.
• Regular social & team events
• Contributory Pension Scheme through Scottish Widows with 5% contribution from company and employee.