Account Manager - South & South West UK

The Whisky Exchange; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading supplier of fine spirits is seeking a driven individual for their Regional Sales Team in the UK. Responsibilities include managing key accounts, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring exceptional customer service. Ideal candidates should have strong knowledge of the spirits industry, excellent account management skills, and must hold a valid driving license. The role offers a field-based opportunity with travel across key regions including Bristol and Cardiff. Enjoy a variety of benefits including staff discounts, career development, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Staff Discount

Product Education

Cycle to Work Scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Career Development

Qualifications

• Proven success in account management within wholesale spirits.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Self-motivated and results driven.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of key accounts across the South of England.
• Identify and convert new business opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally to deliver seamless customer service.

Skills

Excellent customer service

Account management

In-depth spirits and Champagne knowledge

Strong interpersonal skills

Proficient IT skills

Organisational skills

Education

WSET advanced certificate

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

Job description

About us

The Whisky Exchange is a globally recognised leader in the world of fine and rare spirits. As part of Speciality Drinks Group and the wider Pernod Ricard family, we offer exceptional products, expert guidance, and seamless online experiences to spirits lovers and connoisseurs around the world.

At The Whisky Exchange Trade, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding service. Renowned as the UK's premier supplier of whiskies, fine spirits, and Champagne to the on‑trade – supplying bars, restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality venues. Our comprehensive portfolio boasts access to over 10,000 products at any given time, offering everything from rare single malts to the latest premium spirits. A passion for discovery and service excellence has earned us a trusted reputation among hospitality professionals.

The opportunity

We have a rare and exciting opportunity to join our Regional Sales Team servicing the UK's leading hospitality venues. Delivering growth and driving profitability across the country. While managing existing business is a key part of the role, the primary focus of the role will be identifying and building a pipeline of sustainable and profitable new accounts. As a key member of the team you will be an integral support for the sector manager and work closely with the wider sales and customer service teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience combining deep industry knowledge with a keen eye on emerging trends.

This is a field role based in the South and South West of the UK, with customer‑specific travel to key cities including Bristol, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Cotswolds, and the Home Counties on a monthly and quarterly basis.

We are looking for a self‑motivated and driven individual, someone who has a passion for the drinks industry, can build relationships remotely and in‑person, has proven success working with the premium and high‑end on‑trade delivering customer service excellence, and is a real team player.

In this dynamic environment it will be critical to the success that the role holder is able to think strategically but is also hands‑on and agile in adapting to changing circumstances.

Please note that having a valid driving licence is a requirement for this role.

Your unique contribution

• Manage a portfolio of key accounts across the South of England and Wales, driving growth through strong service and proactive account management
• Identify and convert new business opportunities through effective research and networking
• Work cross‑functionally to deliver seamless customer service, resolve issues, and improve processes
• Maintain strong category knowledge across spirits and Champagne to provide valuable insights and recommendations
• Use a consultative approach to add value for customers through brand introductions, training, and access to exclusives
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of wholesalers' role within the drinks industry and the value they bring to customers and suppliers
• Achieve annual targets through strategic planning, relationship building, and successful tendering
• Contribute positively to the wider team with a proactive, solutions‑focused attitude

Your blend of talent

• Excellent customer service and account management within wholesale spirits or brand company
• In‑depth spirits and Champagne knowledge
• WSET advanced certificate desirable
• Proficient IT skills – Microsoft Package: Excel, PowerPoint and Word
• Good presentation skills and attention to detail
• Strong organisational skills
• Self‑motivated and results driven
• Flexible, reliable, and hardworking
• Able to communicate well with others and strong interpersonal skills.
• Polite, professional and approachable telephone manner
• Commercially astute
• ‘Team’ mentality
• Presentable and professional, always

Benefits of joining Speciality Drinks

Fun Stuff

Staff Discount at The Whisky Exchange | Tastings | Product Education | Access to Events | Cycle to Work Scheme

Serious Stuff

EAP | Great Parental Leave Policies | Life Cover | Private Medical Insurance

Feel Good Stuff

S&R Initiatives | Career Development | Responsib'All Day | Employee Networks | Flexi Work | 25 Days Holiday (plus Bank Holidays)

We're committed to diversity and inclusion.

We promote diversity and inclusion throughout our business. In our teams, we proactively foster a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture – an environment where we can truly be ourselves.

We will assess your application for this role based on your skills, experiences and achievements, not your gender, age, ethnic or educational background or any other such factors. Please feel free to leave these off your CV and application form if you so wish.