This multi-award-winning brand continues to grow across the UK and internationally, and are now seeking a talented and commercially-minded Business Development Manager to help drive their growth across Scotland — the beating heart of whisky culture.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and well-connected sales professional to lead the commercial growth across Scotland’s premium On Trade and specialist retail sectors. You will take ownership of the region, identifying new business opportunities and building strong, lasting relationships with key accounts, wholesalers, and luxury venues.
We’re looking for someone who knows the Scottish drinks landscape inside-out — someone with a black book of contacts, a deep appreciation for premium products, and the ability to sell with authenticity and precision.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Commercial Strategy
- Develop and execute a robust sales plan to grow the brand across Scotland in line with national objectives.
- Manage, grow and optimise existing relationships with key partners, including route-to-market distributors such as Inverarity Morton, Royal Mile Whiskies, Woodwinters, and other premium wholesalers.
- Identify and secure new listings in luxury venues, whisky bars, premium hotels, and On Trade accounts across Scotland’s major cities and regions.
- Lead commercial negotiations, pricing strategies, and promotional plans that drive volume and visibility.
Account Management & Relationship Building
- Serve as the face of the brand in Scotland, cultivating trusted relationships with trade buyers, sommeliers, bartenders, venue managers, and RTM partners.
- Provide exceptional account management and ongoing support to ensure high standards of brand execution and advocacy.
- Collaborate closely with marketing and brand teams to activate key partnerships, seasonal campaigns, and trade events.
Brand & Market Development
- Champion the brand in-market, ensuring a consistent and premium presence at all touchpoints.
- Deliver trade education and tasting sessions that deepen understanding of the brand's unique value and encourage trial.
- Attend key industry events, whisky festivals, and networking opportunities to enhance brand awareness and develop new leads.
Reporting & Insight
- Regularly report on performance, pipeline development, and key KPIs.
- Gather and communicate market intelligence, competitor activity, and emerging trends that can inform strategy.
Candidate Profile
Essential:
- Proven track record in commercial sales within the premium drinks, spirits, or FMCG sector.
- Strong knowledge of and existing relationships within Scotland’s On Trade and luxury drinks market.
- Experience managing RTM partners and wholesalers in the Scottish market.
- A confident and articulate communicator with strong influencing and presentation skills.
- Proactive, results-driven, and comfortable working autonomously.
- Passionate about whisky, premium products, and delivering high standards of service.
Desirable:
- Background working with or alongside whisky or spirits brands.
- Experience activating premium brands in hospitality or retail environments.
- Existing relationships with venues and influencers in the whisky community.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonus.
- Opportunity to work with a fast-growing, disruptive brand making real waves in the industry.
- High levels of autonomy, creativity, and influence.
- A supportive, ambitious team committed to doing things differently.
- Travel opportunities across Scotland and the UK, with potential for international exposure.