Travel Retail Senior Manager

 Noble Panacea is a new revolutionary skincare brand founded by Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart and launched in October 2019. The ground-breaking OSMV™ Technology at the core of the brand enables transformational efficacy and precision. We create with intention and deep respect by adhering to the global principles of green chemistry. We take our commitment to nature and sustainability to all stages of product development, from R&D to packaging.

Ultimately, we strive to promote absolute skin health by empowering all who seek authentic, natural, and ageless beauty.

 

This highly experienced executive will join a dynamic and rapidly growing organisation that has been developing its travel retail business for several years. In this role, they will grow the existing travel retail partnerships, build the global travel retail strategy and lead travel retail business development to open new airlines, airports and other retailers, aligning with the global travel retail strategy. With a holistic, end-to-end view of the customer experience across all global travel retail channels (airlines, airports and eCommerce), this role will serve as the steward of the Noble Panacea Travel Retail experience. This leader will have a data-driven approach and full P&L responsibility (including setting and achieving KPIs) for the Global Travel Retail operations.

Travel: 33%

Reports To: VP of Global Sales

Duties and Responsibilities

 

Business Development

• Develop a strategy for Travel Retail expansion, prioritising airlines, airports and locations with a strong existing local Noble Panacea offline retail or eCommerce presence.
• Negotiate the lowest feasible retailer margins with the most advantageous terms.
• Open new travel retail locations in line with the Travel Retail Strategy and company priorities.
• Exercise commercial discipline to ensure only the highest-potential locations are prioritised for new door openings.

 

Sell-Out and Commercial Strategy

• Build and execute a clear Travel Retail strategy to drive growth and meet and exceed forecasts.
• Own P&L including annual sales and cost forecasts, trade marketing, travel and headcount.
• Data-driven approach to retail strategy setting, tracking and ensuring delivery of KPIs and OKRs at regional, store and individual employee levels.
• Translate customer insights into action plans that improve the retail experience and increase loyalty.

Retail Operations & Trade Marketing

• Oversee airline, store and counter operations, ensuring excellence in execution.
• Implement an 'always-on' strategy for trade marketing, digital marketing, airline and in-store activations.
• Ensure airline, digital and in-store marketing and activations are integrated with global platforms.
• Ensure that Trade Marketing spend is aligned with Travel retail cost forecasts.

 

Retailer Relationship Management

• Develop and manage relationships with key travel retail partners.
• Negotiate improved margin and payment terms; secure and upgrade counter locations.
• Manage retailer stock and replenishment cycles to maintain stock health and turn.

 

Consumer and Clienteling Focus

• Deep understanding of the luxury travel retail consumer: preferences, motivations, and service expectations.
• Implement in-store CRM and clienteling systems to drive acquisition, retention, and repeat purchases.
• Leverage retailer CRM systems to drive conversion and growth.
• Collaborate with the digital team on omni-channel integration.

 

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with global and local digital, marketing, merchandising, training, and operations teams.
• Tailor global strategies to Travel Retail’s needs in partnership with global leadership teams.

 

Team Development and Talent Management

• Lead cross-regional teams with cultural sensitivity and motivation.
• Coach, mentor, and manage the performance of Sales and Education Managers, Counter managers, beauty advisors and third-party staff (e.g. airline crew).
• Recruit new talent as needed in partnership with global HR.

Strategic Sales Expertise:

• 10+ years of experience in skincare or beauty, Travel Retail sales and operations.
• Deep understanding of Travel Retail market trends, cultural nuances, and consumer behaviour.
• Ability to manage budgets, forecast sales, and optimise marketing spend.
• Proven success in senior sales roles in the luxury or premium skincare or beauty industry.

 

Leadership and Communication:

• Strong leadership skills to guide cross-regional teams, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Fluency in English is essential, and knowledge of other relevant languages is highly advantageous to ensure effective communication.
• Strong relationships within the Travel Retail ecosystem with an existing network of contacts and strategic partners at airlines, airports, retailers and distributors (e.g. Emirates Airline and Changi Airport).

Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Proven track record of using data analytics to inform strategy, track key metrics, and optimise campaigns.
• Strong analytical skills and a data-driven, execution-focused approach with experience in retail P&L, sell-through strategy development, and premium retailer partnerships.

 

Education

• A degree from a top-tier university, MBA preferred.
• International exposure and a global mindset are essential.