The three-tier executive landscape
C-suite and global leadership
Established brands are typically offering £120,000–£250,000+ base for proven global leaders, while scaling start-ups often present £80,000–£150,000 with equity components. The key difference is how companies structure their total compensation packages.
Regional Directors and Country Managers
We are seeing £70,000–£140,000 as the standard range. What is interesting is the increased emphasis candidates place on company culture and vision alongside compensation. The strongest appointments happen when both elements align.
Senior management
The £45,000–£85,000 bracket continues to evolve as these mid-level positions transform. Companies investing in clear progression paths are having more success attracting and retaining talent at this level.
Hair versus beauty: understanding the salary difference
Professional hair Account Managers and Field Educators typically see £35,000–£55,000 base with 15–25% OTE. Senior positions such as Global Education Director can reach £80,000–£120,000. The focus remains on product expertise and salon relationship management.
Professional beauty positions consistently command 10–20% higher salaries across equivalent positions. Beauty Account Managers can earn £40,000–£65,000 base, with senior appointments reaching £90,000–£140,000.
Why the difference?
The beauty sector can require additional technical expertise, including aesthetician training, equipment knowledge and, in some positions, injectable product understanding. Beauty professionals may also have broader career mobility across medical aesthetics and high-end spa management, strengthening their negotiating position.
Strategic considerations for hiring
Understanding these distinctions helps businesses budget realistically. Hair brands seeking to attract beauty talent should factor in the premium, while beauty companies can use training and development opportunities when recruiting strong professionals from hair backgrounds.
Regional variations
London maintains its premium positioning, although there is increased flexibility around remote working. European markets typically offer 10–20% higher base salaries, while US and Australian markets can show 30–50% premiums alongside different benefit structures.
Looking forward
The brands succeeding in today's market are not necessarily the highest payers. They are the ones that understand how to structure compelling total packages while clearly articulating their vision and growth opportunities.