We are looking for an ambitious Business Development Manager to join our team in London 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.
ABOUT SECRET GARDEN DISTILLERY
Established in 2017 Secret Garden is the producer of a range of super premium natural Scottish gins. The Secret Garden Distillery showcases the wonder of nature. The Garden is home to a wide range of botanicals that have inspired the creation of our gins. Every sip tells a story of dedication to quality, commitment to nature and unwavering resolve to sharing the flavours of our Secret Garden.
Under new ownership since mid-2022, Secret Garden has been navigating away from being a small player in the spirits business towards its ambition of being an epic brand in the UK and beyond. Built around our ethos of producing high-quality, sustainable products: inspired by our Garden, we have ambitious plans and are looking for the right individual to help us achieve our goals.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Business Development Manager in Central London 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 Central London markets, and the ability to strategically navigate and succeed in diverse sales channels.
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 Secret Garden Distillery 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.
DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE
- Experience (3+ 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.
DEMONSTRABLE KNOWLEDGE
- Drinks industry knowledge is essential.
- Strong knowledge of London’s On-Trade.
- Regional & national On-Trade knowledge and relationships are essential.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- WSET Qualification preferable (but not essential)
- Educated to degree level preferable (but not essential)
- Actively immersed in London’s On-Trade scene with a passion for premium gin.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- Requires occasional weekend and evening working to support physical and virtual events.