Sales Director

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading global beauty and cosmetics packaging manufacturer seeking a commercially driven Sales Director to lead growth across its UK and then Europe.

This is a hands-on commercial position focused on personally winning new business, developing strategic accounts and strengthening relationships with major beauty brands. The immediate priority is direct commercial delivery rather than managing a sales team.

The opportunity would suit an established commercial professional or a Senior Account Manager/Sales Director ready to step into a broader leadership role. There is a planned progression path towards a European leadership role, making this an opportunity for someone with both strong account ownership experience and longer-term leadership ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a direct portfolio of strategic customer accounts.
• Personally identify, pursue and secure new business opportunities.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across major beauty and cosmetics brands.
• Grow existing accounts through deeper customer engagement and increased share of wallet.
• Lead customer meetings, pitches and commercial negotiations.
• Develop and execute a clear commercial growth plan for the UK and wider Europe.
• Build a strong sales pipeline and maintain disciplined forecasting.
• Establish credibility quickly with customers and colleagues, taking ownership of regional commercial performance.
• Develop towards broader commercial leadership responsibilities as the business’s succession plans progress.

Experience & Requirements

• A proven track record of personally winning new business and growing strategic customer accounts.
• Strong experience in beauty or cosmetics packaging, ideally gained with a packaging manufacturer or supplier to major beauty brands.
• Injection-moulding knowledge is strongly preferred, enabling a quick transition into the role.
• Contract-manufacturing experience is also relevant, particularly where it includes direct commercial ownership and established customer relationships.
• Packaging and formulation knowledge would be advantageous.
• The credibility and commercial judgement to engage senior customer stakeholders and lead negotiations.
• A hands-on approach, with motivation to build a business rather than solely manage an established portfolio or sales team.
• The potential and ambition to progress into broader commercial leadership.
• Currently based in London or the surrounding area, with the ability to commute into London.
• Willingness to travel internationally.