We are looking for an ambitious Business Development Manager to join our team in Glasgow as we begin our new chapter. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who has enthusiasm for the industry, drive to grow with us as a distillery and passion for products that put sustainability and provenance at the forefront.
The Business Development Manager in Glasgow is responsible for overseeing both the On-Trade and Off-Trade channels. This dynamic role involves managing existing outlets, seeking opportunities for business expansion, and establishing a strong presence for the premium spirits portfolio in select bars, hotels, restaurants, and retail environments. The key responsibilities include account management, new business development, strategic planning, and execution of commercial agreements, as well as network development and collaboration with key stakeholders. The role aims to drive volume, revenue, and brand building activations while fostering strong relationships and enhancing brand visibility in both the On-Trade and Off-Trade sectors. The ideal candidate should have proven experience in premium spirits sales, in-depth knowledge of the Glasgow market, and the ability to strategically navigate and succeed in diverse sales channels.
Key Responsibilities
- Achieve Sales Targets: Working closely with the Head of Sales to deliver the UK sales strategy and achieve our sales targets.
- Account Management: Skilfully manage existing On-Trade and Off-Trade outlets working with these accounts to maximise and realise their growth potential.
- New Business Development: Actively identify opportunities and secure new business partnerships for our spirits in key locations for both the On-Trade and Off-Trade channels.
- Commercial Agreements: Strategically plan, implement, and execute commercial agreements to drive volume, revenue, and brand building activations in both channels.
- Off-Trade Responsibilities: Take charge of the independent Off-Trade sector ensuring effective distribution and visibility of the brands in retail environments.
- Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships with key channel partners, including wholesalers, to enhance distribution and visibility across both On-Trade and Off-Trade channels.
- Network Development: Establish a robust network within the trade, engaging with bartenders, buyers, and other key influencers to foster brand advocacy and awareness.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with peers, including other Business Development Managers, and collaborate with various departments such as Marketing and Brand Ambassadors.
- Route To Market: Work with the wider sales team to ensure complementary contact and sales strategy with a focus on pull through from RTMs. Actively work to grow our relationship with our RTM customers.
Qualifications
- Proven experience of sales growth in premium spirits with a network in both the On-Trade and Off-Trade channels.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and changing environment.
- Can-do attitude to finding solutions for adverse situations.
- Strong team player with the positive passion to succeed.
- Progressive, forward thinker; able to spot trends and act to ensure competitive advantage.
- Attention to detail and follow through on actions. This encompasses attention not just to areas in your immediate responsibility but to the wider industry. You need to understand the levers to your success and recognise trends to recommend change to preserve competitive advantage.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively with a cross-functional team.
- Experience (1+ years), ideally in premium spirits business with experience in both On-Trade and Off-Trade channels, working with both independents and groups.
- Budgeting, forecasting, costings, and commercial planning.
- Ability to develop and execute successful commercial agreements in diverse sales channels.
Knowledge
- Drinks industry knowledge is essential.
- Strong knowledge of Glasgow’s On-Trade.
- Regional & national On-Trade knowledge and relationships are essential.
Qualifications
- WSET Qualification preferable (but not essential)
- Educated to degree level preferable (but not essential)
- Actively immersed in Glasgow’s On-Trade scene with a passion for premium gin.