Kendo Brands, an incubator of Beauty and Skincare brands belonging to the LVMH group, has become a leading name in creativity and innovation. Through their expert knowledge, keen understanding of the market, and their ability to constantly innovate in an extremely dynamic environment, Kendo teams are revolutionizing the cosmetics industry by offering inspiring brands (Ole Henriksen, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Fenty Skin, Fenty Hair) and very high-quality products. Entrepreneurial spirit, perseverance, generosity, and fun are the values that drive us every day.

Kendo is looking for a:

Key Account Manager

Reports To: Key Account Director

Start date: April 2026

Context:

As part of the expansion of a Beauty Brand owned by a major international cosmetics group, we are looking for a passionate, visionary, and strategic Key Account Manager. This key role will be responsible for building and deploying the business strategy in a highly competitive market.

Mission of the Role:

To define, negotiate and pilot an ambitious key account strategy to maximize sales, profitability, and brand presence within assigned retail partner, aligning with overall company objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Management:

  • Define and align sell-out and wholesale targets.

  • Monitor profitability objectives.

• Legal / Contract:

  • Be part of the yearly negotiation of the terms and commercial agreements.

  • Coordinate contract establishments in partnership with the Group legal entity.

  • Submit documentation and coordinate to ensure registration of new customers.

• Assortment:

  • Assortment of negotiations, including exclusives or pre-launches to build partnerships with retailers (if relevant).

• In-Store / E-Shop Visibility & analysis:

  • Select the best doors and locations for distribution and brand visibility.

  • Follow up on wholesale margin and E-shop execution with retailers to meet quality targets linked to back margins.

  • Profitability analysis by door (In-store & E-shop).

• Trade / Activation:

  • Negotiate trade opportunities to achieve business targets.

  • Collaborate closely with Brand, marketing and supply chain teams to ensure 360° strategy consistency.

  • Manage the invoicing process: tracking, sharing and following up on invoices to ensure alignment with the budget defined.

• Sales:

  • Provide weekly/monthly sales performance reports.

  • Identify growth levers and anticipate trends to adapt the strategy in real-time.

• Supply / Demand:

  • Share, review, and challenge retailer’s forecasts.

• Meeting:

  • Prepare and conduct business reviews with retailers.

  • Be the brand’s voice and an ambassador for our values and vision.

Qualifications:

• 5 to 10 years of experience in Key Account Management, Business Development, or Trade Marketing, ideally in the cosmetics/beauty, industry.

• Solid business and marketing culture, with an ability to understand market and consumer dynamics.

• Proactive and results oriented.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with retail partners.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, specifically related to market analysis and sales data.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively, with experience in managing animation calendars & product launches.

• Understanding of retail operations and key account management principles within the beauty industry, including knowledge of distribution channels and merchandising strategies.

• Passion for the beauty industry and a strong understanding of current trends in make-up and skincare, including competitive landscape and emerging brands.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

• Fluent in English.

Skills:

• Negotiation

• Business development & Sales management

• Analytical Skills

• Communication

• Organizational

• Project Management & operational efficiency