Lead Partnerships Manager

Why This Role Matters

This is a pivotal role supporting our O+O (Offline & Online) working with senior stakeholders, supplier partners and commercial teams across multiple European markets, you will lead the negotiation and renewal of strategic international partnership agreements, oversee delivery of supplier commitments under existing agreements, identify new partnership opportunities, and ensure successful execution of joint business initiatives across Europe.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded relationship builder who thrives on influencing at a senior level, shaping long-term business strategy and creating mutually beneficial partnerships that positively impact how more than 5.3 billion customers and members experience our brands every year.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the negotiation, renewal and optimisation of strategic international partnership agreements, delivering sustainable commercial growth and long-term value for the business.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with leading supplier partners and senior stakeholders across multiple European markets, acting as a key link between commercial teams and external partners.
• Manage and coordinate a senior cross-market Steering Committee comprising commercial leaders from AS Watson Group and Rossmann, shaping meeting agendas, facilitating discussions, capturing outcomes and ensuring delivery against agreed priorities.
• Lead delivery of services and commitments under international supplier agreements across Europe, including data-sharing programmes, regional eCommerce projects, category development initiatives and supplier engagement programmes.
• Drive the successful execution of joint business plans and partnership programmes, including category workshops, digital initiatives, data collaboration projects and growth programmes with key supplier partners.
• Identify, evaluate and develop new partnership opportunities and commercial initiatives that generate additional revenue and support future business growth.
• Work closely with analytics and digital teams to leverage customer, sales and market insights, developing innovative partnership propositions and growth programmes.
• Monitor partnership performance, prepare high-quality presentations and reports for senior stakeholders, and provide robust governance across all commercial agreements and initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• Degree educated with a strong commercial foundation and excellent interpersonal skills.
• 10+ years' experience within FMCG, retail, commercial partnerships, supplier management or related commercial functions, with a strong understanding of commercial operations and business growth drivers.
• Proven track record of leading complex commercial projects, negotiations and strategic partnerships within a fast-paced international environment.
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels across different markets, functions and cultures.
• Strong analytical and numerical capability, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to translate data and insights into clear business recommendations.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, navigate ambiguity and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
• A commercially minded, entrepreneurial and results-driven approach, with a passion for identifying growth opportunities and creating value through partnerships.
• A collaborative, proactive and adaptable mindset, with the resilience, curiosity and energy to thrive in a dynamic international environment. 

How You Will Make an Impact

• Create lasting partnerships that deliver mutual value and strengthen our position as a trusted partner of choice.
• Use insight, data and commercial judgement to uncover new opportunities and influence strategic decision-making across multiple markets.
• Bring people together around shared goals, building alignment and momentum across diverse teams, stakeholders and supplier partners.
• Champion innovative thinking and challenge the status quo to unlock growth opportunities and improve ways of working.
• Take ownership of complex challenges, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution to deliver meaningful business results.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where ideas are shared, relationships are strengthened and success is achieved together.

Who We Are 
You may not have heard of us, but you’ll know our brands! AS Watson is the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, with over 17,000 stores across 31 markets serving over 5.3 billion customers each year. 
From Rossmann, Superdrug, Kruidvat and Watsons to Marionnaud, The Perfume Shop and many more, our brands are loved by customers around the world. Behind them are passionate people who are encouraged to innovate, collaborate and grow. 

What You'll Get From Us

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
• Hybrid working model.
• Holiday entitlement with flexibility options.
• Exclusive discounts across our iconic retail brands.
• Excellent refer-a-friend programme.
• Extensive learning and development opportunities.
• Mental health and wellbeing support.
• The opportunity to work with some of the world's leading health and beauty brands, helping shape strategic partnerships across Europe.