Account Manager, Gift & Lifestyle

• £40,000 – £45,000
• Remote (UK-wide travel)

A thriving UK creative brand, known for standout product design and a fast-growing presence across both major retail and the independent sector, is building out its commercial team. This is a pivotal hire: someone who will own a diverse portfolio of retailers, deepen existing relationships, and onboard the right new partners.

Equal parts relationship-builder, analyst and brand champion – this role suits someone who gets energy from being in front of people, loves great product, and knows how to turn a conversation into commercial success.

What you’ll be doing

Strategic Retail Partnerships

• Own a defined portfolio of major high-street partners – department stores, garden centres, book retailers and become their trusted commercial contact
• Bring Joint Business Plans to life and keep them on track quarter to quarter
• Monitor in-store performance and trading data to identify what’s working and where the opportunity lies
• Sharpen ranging, layout and shopper engagement to drive productivity per location
• Lead seasonal range pitches from sign-off through to shelf

In-Store Presence & Brand Activation

• Spend meaningful time in market – UK-wide store visits are central to this role, not an afterthought
• Hold the brand to the highest visual standards across every retail environment
• Build genuine relationships with store managers and floor teams, turning them into real advocates
• Deliver energetic, hands-on product training that gets sales teams excited to sell
• Stay sharp on what competitors are doing, what’s shifting in the category, and what’s next

Independent Channel Development

• Take ownership of a portfolio of indie and specialty stockists and grow it strategically
• Identify and pursue premium, on-brand new stockists worth investing in
• Build lasting relationships with some of the best independent retailers in the UK
• Maintain an active pipeline of prospects and channel opportunities

Performance & Commercial Insight

• Set up data-sharing with key partners to get a clear view of sell-through performance
• Translate data into actionable insight – wins, gaps, and what to do next
• Feed market intelligence back into the business to inform ranging, pricing and commercial strategy

Category & Brand Leadership

• Develop genuine expertise in the gift, stationery and home fragrance space
• Keep product and brand teams informed on what you’re seeing and hearing out there
• Track competitor activity — pricing, promotions, new launches
• Represent the business at trade shows and industry events throughout the year (some weekend and overnight travel involved)

What you’ll bring

Essential

• 3–5 years in UK retail sales – account management, field sales or new business development
• A track record of working towards commercial targets in a B2B environment
• A genuine passion for product, retail and how brands show up in real life
• Natural relationship-builder – as comfortable with a buyer as with a shop floor team
• Self-motivated, driven and comfortable with autonomy and accountability
• Experienced working remotely and managing your own time and travel schedule
• Confident with Excel or Google Sheets (or willing to get up to speed quickly)
• Polished and persuasive in front of an audience, whether it’s a buyer presentation or a product training session
• Full UK driving licence and readiness for regular nationwide travel

Desirable

• Background in giftware, homeware, stationery, home fragrance, candles or a comparable lifestyle category
• Existing relationships with relevant high-street groups (department, garden or specialist chains) or premium independents
• Experience running Joint Business Plans with major UK retailers

Diversity & Inclusion ILMJ values diversity, equality and inclusion and warmly encourages applications from all backgrounds and identities.