Business Development Manager - Edinburgh

JR United Kingdom; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading family-owned spirits company is seeking a Brand Development Manager based in Edinburgh. You'll manage a diverse portfolio of prestige whisky and gin brands, drive visibility and distribution across the On Trade, and collaborate with sales and marketing teams to achieve ambitious growth targets. This role is ideal for a commercially savvy individual with strong industry relationships and a passion for premium spirits.

Benefits

Supportive, people-focused work environment

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of whisky and gin categories.
• Experience in brand development within the On Trade.
• Strong negotiation skills and profitability knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Manage approximately 150 On Trade accounts.
• Develop and execute territory plans aligned with commercial goals.
• Provide market insights and competitor analysis.

Skills

Account Management

Negotiation

Networking

Market Analysis

Job description

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Business Development Manager - Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Client: DrinkAbility

Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 4

Posted: 16.06.2025

Expiry Date: 31.07.2025

Job Description:

Are you passionate about whisky and gin?

Do you have a proven track record of building premium and prestige brands within the On Trade? If so, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

The Opportunity

An established, family-owned whisky and spirits business is seeking a Brand Development Manager to grow its premium and prestige portfolio across Edinburgh and the East of Scotland.

This is a key role for a commercially savvy and highly motivated individual who knows the On Trade inside out and can confidently represent award-winning brands across the region.

You’ll be responsible for managing a diverse and high-potential territory, driving brand distribution and visibility within independent free trade (IFT) accounts. Working closely with internal sales, marketing, and national account teams, you'll be instrumental in building strong customer relationships and delivering against ambitious growth targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage approximately 150 On Trade accounts, including smaller groups with up to 20 sites.
• Take full responsibility for account management, including commercial investment decisions.
• Develop and execute effective territory plans, aligned with broader commercial goals.
• Analyse customer data and forecasts in collaboration with the supply chain team.
• Champion both whisky and gin brands, ensuring balanced and strategic growth across the portfolio.
• Actively represent the business at trade events, tastings, and industry functions.
• Build strong advocacy for the brand among operators, bartenders, and consumers.
• Provide market insights and competitor analysis to inform strategic decisions.

About You

• Deep knowledge of the whisky and gin categories, as well as the wider premium spirits sector.
• Proven experience in developing brands within the On Trade, particularly the premium/prestige space.
• A confident networker with strong On Trade relationships and a natural flair for advocacy.
• Commercially minded, with excellent negotiation skills and an understanding of the levers that drive profitability.
• Results-oriented and proactive, with the ability to manage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Comfortable balancing brand building and commercial delivery.

Why Join This Business?

• You’ll be part of a respected, independent spirits company with strong heritage, premium positioning, and an ambitious growth trajectory.
• The team culture is collaborative, passionate, and focused on excellence, from the quality of the liquids to the depth of customer relationships.
• A supportive, people-focused work environment
• The chance to work with some of the most exciting whisky and gin brands in the industry
• Career growth opportunities in a business that values creativity and results