Senior Account Manager (Chicago)

The Role

Reporting directly to the Account Director, we are seeking a results-driven Senior Account Manager to lead the strategic management of our partnership with Walgreens. In this pivotal role, you will act as the primary liaison between our brand and the retailer, focused on driving sales growth, optimizing customer service, and building robust cross-functional relationships. You will be responsible for delivering the annual sales plan, managing financial forecasting, and executing comprehensive retail strategies. Additionally, you will provide leadership and coaching to the Assistant Account Manager, ensuring team alignment and professional development.

Location: This role is based in Chicago, Illinois, with a hybrid work arrangement of three days per week in the office and two days working remotely.

Key Responsibilities

Account Management & Strategic Partnership

• Lead Merchant Partnership: Serve as the primary point of contact for the Walgreens merchant team; own the relationship to ensure alignment on joint business objectives and long-term strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Cultivate high-impact relationships with internal departments and key stakeholders at Walgreens to facilitate smooth operations and project execution.
• Assortment & Distribution: Establish and execute assortment and distribution plans that align with brand goals and retailer capabilities.

Sales Strategy & Financial Planning

• Drive Sales Performance: Deliver the annual sales plan by working closely with Walgreens to exceed sales targets (gross and net) and identify new growth opportunities.
• Financial Ownership: Manage the delivery of financial budgets, forecasting, and performance tracking. Oversee commercial reporting on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis.
• Trade Investment: Manage trade investment budgets effectively to maximize ROI.
• Omnichannel Execution: Develop and execute a digital plan that complements brick-and-mortar strategies to drive a cohesive customer experience.
• Promotional Planning: Set, implement, and evaluate integrated activity and promotional plans to increase market share.

Operations & Supply Chain Alignment

• Inventory Management: Analyze weekly sales performance and inventory levels to ensure optimal on-shelf availability.
• Supply Chain Partnership: Collaborate with internal Demand and Supply Planning teams to secure planned receipts and maintain healthy inventory levels.
• Performance Analysis: Continuously monitor business performance against budget; initiate corrective action plans when required to bridge gaps.

Team Leadership

• Talent Development: Coach and mentor the Assistant Account Manager – Walgreens, providing ongoing feedback and support to foster professional growth.
• Customer Service Excellence: Ensure the team addresses business needs promptly and effectively, implementing initiatives that enhance the overall customer experience.

A bit about you…

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or a related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: 6+ years of progressive experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sales or account management.
• Industry Focus: Beauty industry and drug channel direct sales experience is highly valued.
• Strategic Planning: Proven experience in sales strategy development, execution, and long-term account planning.
• Financial Acumen: Experience building, managing, and optimizing financial forecasts and P&L management.
• Analytical Expertise: Outstanding analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel; ability to translate complex data into strategic, actionable insights.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent presentation and negotiation skills, with the confidence to influence high-stakes discussions with senior leadership both internally and externally.
• Matrix Management: Ability to work effectively in a complex matrix environment and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Problem Solving: Proactive problem solver with excellent decision-making and prioritization skills to manage multiple complex projects successfully.

A bit about us…

We are No7 Beauty Company, a division of The Boots Group, a modern consumer goods company with purpose, that combines the best of traditional companies with the vibrancy and pace of a new digital-first business. With operations in North America, Europe and Asia, we offer beauty products that consumers can trust wherever they are in the world. Since No7 launched in 1935, our iconic brand has been joined by equally strong characters in Liz Earle Beauty Company, Soap & Glory, Botanics, Sleek MakeUP and YourGoodSkin. All our brands have a deep understanding of what customers want because we’re great at listening. As part of the Boots Group, we have the rich insight of our own retailers and thousands of beauty advisors across our stores, so we can truly get to know our consumers and better meet their every skin need. Supported and encouraged by inclusive leaders, the people that make up our global teams are the beating heart of No7 Beauty Company. They’re not just passionate about beauty; it’s their innate enthusiasm to innovate that sets them apart and drives them to deliver the very best for our customers. Welcome to the next generation, welcome to No7 Beauty Company.

What we can offer you:

We offer the chance to work in a consumer-led environment with the chance to make an impact on a global scale. With a truly entrepreneurial mind-set, we recognize the importance of a diverse workforce who work collaboratively with shared values and ambition. We invest in our people by challenging you and developing you, and provide a great local reward scheme including:

• Competitive Salary
• Annual discretionary bonus plan
• Employee Discounts

Diversity and inclusion is at the centre of everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. To learn more about our functions, explore our brands and find opportunities all over the globe please visit: .