Head of UK Independent Sales Sales · London ·

Jellycat Toy Co. Ltd.; City of London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading toy company in the UK is seeking a Head of Independent Retail to lead a large sales team, drive transformation, and deliver growth across independent retailers. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience, a strong strategic mindset, and a passion for retail excellence. This pivotal role balances field management with head office responsibilities, ensuring brand standards and achieving sales objectives.

Benefits

Dynamic work environment

Opportunity for growth

Cultural engagement with a beloved brand

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience as a senior commercial professional.
• Experience in luxury retail and independent stockist management is desirable.
• Strong strategic and commercial mindset with a track record of growth.

Responsibilities

• Leading a team of 3 Sales Leads and 18 Regional Sales Managers.
• Driving transformation from agency to in-house model.
• Developing and presenting financial plans and forecasts.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Communication skills

Strategic mindset

Retail excellence

Job description

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakable about each one of them.

We are seeking a strategic, commercially astute leader to join Jellycat as Head of Independent Retail, a pivotal senior management role within our UK sales team. This is an opportunity to shape the future of our independent retail channel, leading a large, high-performing team and driving growth across more than 1,400 stockists in the UK and Ireland.

Reporting to the International Sales Director, you will define and execute a short and long-term strategy that elevates brand presence, retail excellence, strengthens partnerships, and delivers sustainable brand first revenue growth without compromising Jellycat’s elevated positioning.

You will work closely with your International Sales Director/UK management team to deliver go-to-market plans and be responsible for setting and aligning on annual budget plans/product forecasts and how you will achieve those, understanding that we would never compromise brand positioning (Luxury) in favour of revenue, so this is critical in the underpinning of everything we do.

This position will require you to spend time in the field supporting, developing and coaching your regional sales team, comprising of 3 Sales Leads and 18 Regional Sales Managers to ensure brand standards are maintainedand sales objectives are achieved. There is a head office based coordinators team who you will also manage who will support the Sales Team Leads. Your time will be a mix of field based management, as well as being in the London head office.

The Head of Independent Retail is a senior management appointment, and we are looking for someone to join the UK Sales team who wants to take on this exciting role with both hands.

You’ll be:

• Leading and inspiringa team of 3 Sales Leads, 18 Regional Sales Managers, and a head-office support team.
• Driving transformation through overseeing the continued transition, from agency to in-house model, ensuring our salesforce embodies Jellycat’s brand values and delivers exceptional customer experience.
• Shaping market strategy by aligning independent stockists with our luxury distribution model, optimising channel performance, and identifying new growth opportunities.
• Championing brand & retail excellence by ensuring flawless in-store execution, visual merchandising, and customer engagement across all independent accounts.
• Operating with resilience and agility: This role demands a leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, demonstrating grit and adaptability to navigate complexity and deliver results under pressure whilst leading with empathy and kindness.
• Owning the UK & Ireland independent retail portfolio and delivering annual sales and growth targets.
• Developing and presenting robust financial plans, forecasts, and quarterly business reviews to senior leadership (CCO, COO, CEO).
• Building strategic partnerships with key stockists and unlocking new opportunities across categories (Baby Jellycat, Loveables, Amuseables, Books, Accessories).
• Leading seasonal collection presentations and ensuring consistent, high-impact buyer engagement.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales Planning, Brand Activation, Demand Planning, and Customer Service to deliver seamless execution.
• Monitoring market trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to inform strategy.
• Driving operational excellence in logistics, reporting, and S&OP processes.
• Acting as a brand ambassador, ensuring every retail touchpoint reflects Jellycat’s luxury positioning.

You’ll have:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience as an experienced senior commercial professional.
• Passion for retail excellence.
• The ability to lead with resilience and confidence, maintaining clarity and focus when priorities shift and challenges arise.
• Proven senior leadership experience (5+ years) managing large, multi-regional sales teams.
• A strong strategic and commercial mindset with a track record of delivering growth in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Experience in luxury or premium retail and independent stockist management is highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills; confident presenting to senior stakeholders and leading high-level negotiations.
• The ability to coach, develop, and inspire teams, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• The ability to be highly organised, financially literate, and comfortable with data-driven decision-making.
• The opportunity to work for a well‑loved and growing company with a unique brand identity.
• A dynamic and positive work environment. Resilient, adaptable, and thrives under pressure in an entrepreneurial setting.