Brand Development Manager

COREcruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

COREcruitment is recruiting a Brand Development Manager to drive growth in the Northwest national spirits market. The role focuses on accelerating On‑Trade success, expanding market share across independent venues and multi-site groups, and selling in premium spirits to boost brand presence.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in On‑Trade sales within the spirits or FMCG sector, with strong relationships across distributors and buyers.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in On-Trade sales within spirits, drinks or FMCG.
• Strong on-trade understanding and network across independent/multi-site groups.
• Commercially astute with experience in account management, business development & negotiations.
• Ability to lead trade marketing initiatives and brand activations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, autonomous but collaborative.
• Passion for premium spirits and brand building.

Responsibilities

• Win and manage key On-Trade accounts, securing listings and driving sales.
• Develop and execute a strategic growth plan to identify opportunities and strengthen partnerships.
• Collaborate with marketing to deliver activations and strong brand presence at POS.
• Build long-term relationships with buyers, distributors and retail decision-makers.
• Negotiate terms, promotions and trade agreements to boost revenue.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to refine strategies.

Skills

On-Trade sales

Spirits industry knowledge

Account management

Business development

Negotiations

Job description

Brand Development Manager – National Spirits Distributor – Northwest – Up to £40,000

Join one of the world’s leading spirits portfolio brands, where innovation, quality, and passion fuel everything they do. They are committed to delivering exceptional products and experiences that inspire their customers and communities, and own one of the most instantly recognizable spirit portfolios across the world.

My client is searching for a dynamic and commercially driven Brand Development Manager to accelerate growth in the On‑Trade sector. This role is pivotal in expanding market share across multiple independent on‑trade venues across the territory, with the ability to sell in spirits and drive brand awareness.

Experience working across the Drinks FMCG Spirits category, managing distribution and activations, and knowledge of the Northwest region are essential for this role.

What this business offers:

• A competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• The chance to work with a globally recognized brand in an exciting and dynamic industry.
• A collaborative and supportive work culture.

Brand Development Manager responsibilities include:

• Win and manage key On‑Trade accounts, securing listings and driving sales in independent and multi‑site groups.
• Develop and execute a strategic growth plan, identifying new business opportunities and enhancing existing partnerships.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to deliver best‑in‑class activations, ensuring strong brand presence at point‑of‑sale.
• Build long‑term relationships with key buyers, distributors, and retail decision‑makers to maximize brand performance.
• Negotiate commercial terms, promotions, and trade agreements to drive revenue and profitability.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and sales performance to refine strategies and identify areas for growth.

The Ideal Brand Development Manager candidate:

• Proven track record in On‑Trade sales within the spirits, drinks, or FMCG industry.
• Strong understanding of the on‑trade sector, with a network across independent and multi‑site groups.
• Commercially astute with experience in account management, business development, and negotiations.
• Ability to lead trade marketing initiatives and drive impactful brand activations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work autonomously while contributing to a collaborative team.
• Passion for premium spirits and brand building.