Area Sales Manager (Japanese Speaking)

Centre People; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global beverage company is seeking an Area Sales Manager to enhance market presence in the UK and Europe. The candidate will manage customer relationships, build a sales network, and collaborate with multinational teams. This role is London-based but involves travel to Düsseldorf for training. Ideal for those with substantial sales experience and a passion for Japanese culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of sales experience in both channels.
• Proven ability in budget planning and financial management.
• Willingness to contribute long-term expansion in Europe.

Responsibilities

• Gain market insights through training with expat team.
• Build trust with customers to strengthen sales network.
• Conduct customer relationship management.

Skills

Sales experience in on- and off-premise channels

Trade marketing

Budget planning

Strategic mindset

Communication skills

Passion for Japanese food and culture

Team player

Presentation skills

Native level of English

Business level in Japanese

Job description

An established global beverage company is seeking an Area Sales Manager to join their sales team, focusing on their products’ market development across Europe. This is a London-based remote role with business trips to Düsseldorf during the initial training phase, and occasional travel thereafter. The successful candidate will work closely with multinational teams and be instrumental in shaping the company’s presence in the UK Market.

Type: Permanent, full-time
Salary: Negotiable - depending on experience + bonus
Working Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-17:30
Start Date: Ideally from October 2025
Location: London-based (home office), with regular travel to Düsseldorf and designated markets

Area Sales Manager Main Responsibilities:

• Gain insights into the beverage market and industry through on-the-job training with the expat team in Düsseldorf and sales managers in France, Italy, Germany, and Spain
• Build and maintain trust with wholesalers and diverse customers to grow a strong sales network
• Conduct intensive customer relationship management (CRM)
• Gather market intelligence, identify new trends and opportunities, and share insights with the team
• Collaborate with the Düsseldorf sales team to develop and execute effective sales and marketing strategies
• Lead the business expansion within assigned markets
• Organise and participate in sales and customer events
• Manage social media marketing (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.) in designated regions
• Build relationships with food/beverage industry influencers and experts
• Prepare regular market and trend reports for internal use
• Represent the company during business trips within Europe and occasionally to Japan

Area Sales Manager Skills, Experience & Competencies:

• Minimum 5 years of sales experience in both on- and off-premise channels in the industry
• Strong experience in trade marketing and promotion planning
• Proven ability in budget planning and financial management
• Strategic mindset with the ability to drive business growth
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and business etiquette skills
• Passion for Japanese food and culture
• Willingness to contribute long-term expansion in Europe
• Proactive, approachable, and a team player in a multinational environment
• Strong presentation skills and ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Native level of English, Business level in Japanese is required
• Additional European languages welcome
• Driving Licence is required

All applicants for the Area Sales Manager role must have the right to work in the UK without any restrictions as the Company is not able to offer visa support. We regret that we cannot accept applications from YMS, Graduate or Student visa holders.