Sephora Director of Makeup Brands, Europe

Sephora is a leading global prestige beauty retailer and marketplace, known for a wide curation of international brands alongside its own Sephora Collection. Operating across retail and digital channels, the company is part of the luxury ecosystem of the LVMH group and is recognised for its strong merchandising expertise, omnichannel innovation and brand-building capabilities.

1. Define and implement the European strategy and roadmap for the Makeup category in close partnership with global teams, national markets and cross‑functional stakeholders.
2. Manage a portfolio of partner brands across Europe, prioritising assortment, space allocation and commercial terms to maximise differentiation and growth.
3. Lead the introduction and rollout of new brands and key launches across European markets, designing 360° launch plans (media, social, trade marketing, e‑store, CRM, training, sampling).
4. Own category performance: assortment planning, forecasting, stock management, merchandising updates and comprehensive sales analysis to meet business targets.
5. Build and maintain strategic relationships with brand partners to influence product development, commercial conditions and marketing investments.
6. Manage and develop a team of 6–8 professionals, ensuring clear objectives, coaching, and cross‑border coordination.
7. Drive transversal projects to improve tools, transform processes and optimise team workflows; ensure best practices across category management activities.

1. Minimum 10 years’ progressive experience in category management, marketing and/or Key Account Management, ideally within retail or beauty.
2. Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams in an international, cross‑functional environment.
3. Strong commercial acumen with proven track record in assortment strategy, forecasting and P&L or budget responsibility.
4. Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills with brand partners and internal teams.
5. Fluent English required; ability to communicate clearly and persuasively across markets.

1. Category management
2. Assortment planning
3. Brand partnership and commercial negotiation
4. 360° launch planning (media, social, trade marketing, e‑store, CRM, training, sampling)
5. Forecasting and sales analysis
6. Merchandising and stock management
7. Budget and assortment governance
8. Cross‑functional project leadership
9. Stakeholder management and influencing
10. Retail and digital expertise
11. Analytical problem solving

At least 10–15 years of relevant experience across category management, brand or key‑account management and marketing, with a record of delivering commercial growth and leading teams across multiple European markets.

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, retail management or related field; a Master’s degree or equivalent is preferred.

Sephora fosters an inclusive, fast‑paced and collaborative culture where diversity of thought and authenticity are valued. Employees are encouraged to experiment, learn and grow while working at the intersection of retail and digital innovation in the beauty sector.