The Director of Brand Relationships & Business Development is responsible for managing the brand partnerships of Scentbird’s growing roster of luxury beauty clients, while also bringing new brands into the platform. The Director supports the business development team by recruiting new brands, and also owns the client relationship from the initial onboarding process to promotional planning, to the generation of brand reports and analysis. This individual will ensure aesthetics and guidelines of partner brands are properly reflected in all communication on Scentbird’s beauty discovery platform and social media channels. Collaborating effectively with all stakeholders, both internally and externally, is essential in ensuring the timely and successful execution of brand partner marketing strategies. An entrepreneurial spirit is essential in this high-growth, fast-moving environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Scentbird:

• Manage an increasing portfolio of brands and products on the Scentbird platform, ensuring client needs and commitments are met in this service-oriented relationship
• Position Scentbird to partners as a vital marketing arm that can help build awareness with subscribers and influencers as well as delivering meaningful consumer data
• In partnership with VP, establish priorities and strategies to achieve desired KPIs and objectives
• Source and onboard beauty brands into the Scentbird platform, considering subscriber base and agreed KPIs
• Present the Scentbird business model and value proposition to prospect new brands
• Oversee on-boarding of new brand partners including asset development, marketing plans and social media calendar
• Effectively lead the Brand Relationships group, establishing a positive, pro-active team culture
• Manage key brand partnerships and relationships, participating on relevant calls and meetings, leading initiatives and resolving conflicts
• Generate marketing strategies, in collaboration with brand partners, based on quantitative data, subscriber trends and digital marketing tools
• Secure alignment and support from cross-functional partners such as Operations, Procurement, Digital Marketing, Ensure proper inventory levels are maintained and arrange new shipments as needed with brand partners
• Oversee preparation of performance summaries for current clients, including sample tracking and subscriber research information
• Work closely with Digital Marketing to ensure social media plans are scheduled and executed
• Support the growth and optimization of assortments by category, by identifying and effectively negotiating new products with brand partners
• Use data to draw insights and actionable strategies
• Structure deals and lead negotiations with potential brand partners.  Customize contracts once deals are finalized
• Follow-up pending items with prospect brand partners
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing and Forecasting teams to obtain materials and information relevant for onboarding brands
• Regularly update Senior Management on status of potential brands

Private label brands:

• With the support of the VP, develop the go-to-market strategy for launching Scentbird’s private label brands with US Retailers
• Initiate, coordinate and manage onboarding meetings and presentations
• Negotiate terms and contracts
• Develop and nourish the relationship with retailers
• Create and develop the internal assets and capabilities required to support the agreed distribution

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related field
• 10+ years of experience in Marketing, Sales or Account Management
• Beauty industry experience in multiple categories (i.e. fragrance, cosmetics) is mandatory
• Previous experience managing US beauty retailers (Sephora, Ulta, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, etc.) is required
• Digital marketing experience required
• Strong people management and team leadership skills
• Strategic thinker, prioritizes well
• Motivated self-starter, detail oriented and organized
• Excellent problem solver who is analytical in nature and can effectively interpret data
• Team-player with the ability to work effectively with people at all levels, both internally and externally
• Energetic communicator who can build consensus on future initiatives and strategies
• Multi-tasker with a hands-on, flexible attitude in an entrepreneurial environment
• Ability to build and manage relationships to achieve results
• Highly proficient in PowerPoint, Excel and Word