Senior Brand Manager - NARS

Here's the enhanced job description based on the provided input data:

📌 Core Information

Job Title: Senior Brand Manager - NARS

Company: Shiseido

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Hybrid

Category: Marketing & Branding

Date Posted: 2025-07-30

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the UK strategic direction for the NARS Complexion category, aligning local strategies with global brand vision
• Overseeing brand strategy, trade marketing, media planning, and performance analysis to drive growth and innovation
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute complex projects, such as NPD launches and retail strategy
• Mentoring and developing a Marketing Coordinator, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and wellbeing

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, able to balance global brand vision with local market dynamics. Experience in beauty brand management and a deep understanding of the UK market are essential.

📋 Key Responsibilities

Brand Strategy & Leadership

• Act as the UK strategic lead for the NARS Complexion category, ensuring full alignment with global brand vision while tailoring strategies to local market dynamics
• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive brand strategies, identifying growth opportunities and driving innovation across all touchpoints
• Influence global and regional campaign strategies, POSM development, and creative execution through deep consumer insights and market intelligence
• Own the GTM strategy for all Complexion campaigns, defining messaging, creative priorities, and ensuring cross-functional alignment across departments
• Lead high-impact, complex projects such as NPD launches and the Free Standing Store strategy, including international coordination and crisis management, ensuring timely and effective execution

ASSUMPTION: This section requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, able to balance global brand vision with local market dynamics. Experience in beauty brand management and a deep understanding of the UK market are essential.

Trade Marketing & Retail Activation

• Lead strategic collaboration with Commercial & E-Retail teams, owning the development of retailer-specific trade plans and promotional activations
• Drive the creation of exclusive retailer programs (e.g., previews, sets, GWPs, in-store events), ensuring consistency and excellence across the retail calendar
• Oversee the execution of all retail marketing initiatives, including windows, promotional sites, and counter updates, in collaboration with VM, Retail, and Commercial teams
• Lead bi-annual strategy presentations, coordinating cross-functional input and delivering compelling retailer activation plans

Media & Communications Strategy

• Under the direction of the Senior Marketing Manager, lead multi-channel media planning and execution in partnership with external media agencies and internal stakeholders, leveraging best practices & insights to optimize campaign impact
• Review PCA and provide strategic recommendations to the Senior Marketing Manager for future campaign optimization
• Drive influencer strategy in collaboration with the PR team, selecting partners, developing briefs, negotiating terms, and optimizing based on performance data and market feedback
• Recommend optimizations and learnings to inform future brand and media strategies

Forecasting, Pricing & Stock Management

• Lead forecasting for all new Complexion launches and core catalogue, ensuring alignment with commercial goals and market trends
• Oversee POSM and sampling strategy with larger budgets, ensuring alignment with retail strategy and consumer behavior insights
• Own pricing strategy and competitive analysis, driving annual pricing reviews and value proposition development

Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Lead post-campaign analysis, ROI tracking, and competitor benchmarking, delivering actionable insights to UK and EMEA stakeholders
• Provide strategic commentary on monthly retail performance and Circana data, acting as the category expert and market authority

Budget Ownership

• Take a leading role in the annual budget process, working closely with Finance and the Senior Marketing Manager to shape strategic investment decisions
• Manage day-to-day budget oversight for the Complexion category, ensuring accurate phasing, PO management, and financial compliance
• Provide in-depth budget tracking and reconciliation, identifying opportunities for reallocation and efficiency

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and develop the Marketing Coordinator, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and wellbeing
• Support cross-functional team development through knowledge sharing, coaching, and leadership in key strategic initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This section requires a strong leader with excellent communication and mentoring skills. Experience in team development and a passion for fostering growth and collaboration are essential.

💰 Required Qualifications

Education

Education: Relevant degree(s) in marketing, business, or a related field

Experience

Experience: Relevant experience in marketing with strong career progression; preferably within beauty

Required Skills

• Proven experience in brand management, with a strong track record of driving brand growth and innovation
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at all levels
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making abilities
• Proven experience in trade marketing, retail activation, and media planning
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead complex projects to successful completion
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, with the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with luxury or prestige beauty brands
• Fluency in additional languages, particularly Spanish or French
• Knowledge of the UK beauty market and consumer behavior

ASSUMPTION: This section requires a strong leader with a proven track record in brand management and a deep understanding of the beauty industry. Experience in luxury or prestige beauty brands and a strong analytical mindset are highly desirable.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum (based on experience level and industry standards for senior brand management roles in the UK beauty industry)

Benefits:

• 26 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday day off
• Holiday buy - up to 5 days
• Day off when you get married or move house
• Generous contributory pension scheme - match up to 8%
• Annual performance related bonus
• Private medical insurance with Vitality
• Enhanced parental allowance
• Generous product allocation & discount
• Life Assurance up to x4 your salary
• Flexible Friday finish
• Flexible & hybrid working
• Wellbeing programmes
• Annual performance and development reviews

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for senior brand management roles in the UK beauty industry. The benefits listed are based on the provided job description and industry-standard benefits for similar roles.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Personal Care Product Manufacturing

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1872

Company Description:

• Shiseido is one of the top cosmetics companies in the world, with a rich portfolio of international brands in 120 countries and regions
• Our mission is to offer solutions to social problems and achieve a sustainable society, helping people find happiness through our mainstay beauty business
• We strive to create a better world through beauty innovations, as we perceive and respond to each person's profound need for betterment in an ever-changing global environment

Company Specialties:

• Prestige
• Fragrance
• Skin care
• Cosmetics
• Beauty
• Science
• Art & Design
• Japanese Aesthetic
• Luxury
• and Makeup

Company Website: Shiseido Group Website

ASSUMPTION: Shiseido is a global beauty company with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. Their extensive portfolio of brands and commitment to social responsibility make it an attractive employer in the beauty industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Manager/Executive

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Marketing Manager, with potential cross-functional relationships with Commercial, E-Retail, and other departments

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (combination of on-site and remote work)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential progression to a regional or global marketing role within the Shiseido Group
• Opportunities to lead cross-functional projects and collaborate with senior leadership
• Possibility to gain experience in luxury or prestige beauty brands and expand industry knowledge

ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential within the Shiseido Group, with opportunities to progress to regional or global marketing roles and gain experience in luxury or prestige beauty brands.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (combination of on-site and remote work)

Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

• London is a major global hub for the beauty industry, with a diverse range of brands and consumers
• The UK is the world's fourth-largest beauty market, offering significant opportunities for growth and innovation
• London's vibrant cultural scene and international connectivity make it an attractive location for beauty professionals

Work Schedule: Flexible, with the ability to work remotely when needed

ASSUMPTION: London is an ideal location for beauty professionals, offering a diverse range of brands, consumers, and cultural experiences. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility and the ability to balance work and personal life.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final round interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Brand management and strategy
• Trade marketing and retail activation
• Media planning and communications
• Leadership and team development
• Problem-solving and analytical skills

Application Tips:

• Highlight your relevant brand management experience and achievements
• Demonstrate your understanding of the UK beauty market and consumer behavior
• Prepare examples of successful trade marketing campaigns and retail activations
• Showcase your leadership skills and team development strategies
• Be ready to discuss your approach to data-driven decision-making and performance analysis

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Trade Marketing, Retail Activation, Media Planning, Leadership, Beauty Industry, UK Market, Consumer Behavior, Data Analysis, Luxury Beauty, Prestige Brands

ASSUMPTION: The interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's brand management, trade marketing, and leadership skills, as well as their understanding of the UK beauty market and consumer behavior. Preparation and research are key to success in the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics, Tableau)
• Media planning and buying platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable using a range of software solutions to manage projects, analyze data, and plan media campaigns.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Think Big, Take Risks, Hands on, Collaborate, Be Open, Act with Integrity, Be Accountable, Applaud Success

Work Style:

• Collaborative and inclusive, with a focus on teamwork and open communication
• Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality products and services
• Innovative and open to new ideas, with a willingness to take calculated risks

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with the company's values, particularly 'Think Big' and 'Collaborate'?
• What is your approach to taking risks and being open to new ideas in a work environment?
• How do you ensure accountability and integrity in your daily tasks and projects?

ASSUMPTION: Shiseido values candidates who align with their company values and can thrive in a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their fit with the company culture and values during the interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Balancing global brand vision with local market dynamics and consumer preferences
• Adapting to changes in the beauty industry and consumer behavior
• Managing a team with varying levels of experience and expertise

ASSUMPTION: This role presents several challenges, including managing multiple stakeholders, balancing global brand vision with local market dynamics, and adapting to industry changes. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their strategies for overcoming these challenges in the interview process.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other senior brand management positions in its focus on the luxury or prestige beauty sector and the need to balance global brand vision with local market dynamics
• Experience in luxury or prestige beauty brands and a strong understanding of the UK beauty market are essential for success in this role
• Compared to other senior brand management roles, this position offers strong growth potential within the Shiseido Group and the opportunity to gain experience in luxury or prestige beauty brands

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on the luxury or prestige beauty sector and the need to balance global brand vision with local market dynamics. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how they would approach these unique aspects of the role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a successful trade marketing campaign for a new NARS Complexion product launch, including retailer-specific trade plans and promotional activations
• Leading a cross-functional team to optimize media planning and execution for a global NARS campaign, resulting in improved ROI and market share
• Managing a team to deliver a comprehensive brand strategy for the NARS Complexion category, driving growth and innovation across all touchpoints

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with relevant projects and provide specific examples of their achievements in brand management, trade marketing, and media planning.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
• How does this role fit into the broader marketing and commercial strategy for NARS in the UK?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the NARS Complexion category in the UK market, and how can this role address them?
• How does Shiseido support the growth and development of its senior brand managers?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure success in this role, and how are they tracked and reported?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role, the company, and the beauty industry. Asking about the role's priorities, challenges, and growth opportunities shows a proactive and engaged approach to the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Shiseido careers website
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant brand management, trade marketing, and leadership experience
• Prepare examples of successful brand strategies, trade marketing campaigns, and media planning initiatives
• Research the NARS brand, the UK beauty market, and Shiseido's competitive landscape
• Prepare questions to ask the hiring manager about the role, the team, and the company culture

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.