Channel Controller National On Trade

Beam Suntory; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global spirits company is seeking a Channel Controller, National OnTrade in the UK. This role is pivotal in driving brand growth by managing key customer relationships and leading a geographically dispersed team. With over 7 years of sales experience, the ideal candidate will develop business plans and forecasts while ensuring alignment with brand strategies. A strong ability to forge partnerships and an entrepreneurial spirit are essential. This position offers a unique opportunity to impact the UK spirits market.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of extensive sales/commercial experience, especially with national On Trade customers.
• Experience in FMCG and leading On Trade Teams.
• Ability to forecast accurately with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage key national UK customer relationships.
• Oversee P&L for National OnTrade with support from the On Trade Director.
• Lead a team to meet business objectives in key cities.

Skills

Extensive sales/commercial experience (7 years+)

Expert relationship builder

Strong analytical skills

Well-developed leadership & coaching

Highly developed negotiation skills

Passion for the drinks industry

Job description

At Suntory Global Spirits, we craft spirits of the highest quality and deliver brilliant experiences to people around the world. Suntory Global Spirits has evolved into the world's third largest leading premium spirits company ... where each employee is treated like family and trusted with legacy. With our greatest assets - our premium spirits and our people - we're driving growth through impactful marketing, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. Suntory Global Spirits is a place where you can come Unleash your Spirit by making an impact each and every day.

What makes this a great opportunity?

As Suntory Global Spirits accelerates its global footprint, we are establishing our own commercial business in the UK. As one of the largest, most sophisticated spirits markets in the world, the UK offers significant potential for our portfolio of premium brands. We’re building a world‑class team to create a new and exciting business that is rooted in strong foundations, led by our values and long‑term commercial ambition.

As Channel Controller, National OnTrade you will be responsible for leading the growth of our brands with a national On Trade team. With substantial experience under your belt, you’ll have the chance to make your mark and help us connect more consumers with our brands across the U.K.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage & support Key National UK customer relationships
• Manage the P&L for National OnTrade (incVolume, NSV, GP, Distribution, BI and Opex) with support from On Trade Director
• Responsible for formulating and controlling key business processes such as weekly & monthly performance updates, demand forecasting & annual bottom-up planning to build budgets
• Lead a geographically dispersed team (6 direct reports) to deliver against our objectives in key cities and groups
• Building clear business plans for investment in secondary space and activation
• Building positive, mutually beneficial business relationships with customers
• Working with Commercial Marketing, utilise internal and external sales data for your customers to support our strategy and their success
• Own the rolling sales forecast and work with the Commercial Leadership Team and Finance Teams to deliver this monthly
• Liaison with key company stakeholders, including, but not limited to, Finance, Logistics, Culture, Marketing and the leadership team
• Maximize new business opportunities and stay on top of market trends
• Develop and implement monthly reports for Directors
• Work closely with Marketing and other sales channels to ensure the UK commercial strategy compliments the overriding brand strategy
• Identify key areas for improvement in sales process
• Close collaboration with Commercial Marketing to ensure all execution is connected within outlet amplification

Qualifications

• Extensive sales/commercial experience (7 years+), including national On Trade customers with proven achievements and wins with key customers
• Experience working in commercial within FMCG with demonstrable previous involvement of leading On Trade Teams
• Expert relationship builder with an understanding of growing meaningful partnerships at national scale
• Experience of leading geographically dispersed and/or remote teams to deliver to a shared vision of success
• Well-developed leadership & coaching with proven team leadership and management experience
• A strong ability to forecast accurately and an attention to detail
• Able to demonstrate analytical skills and utilise category insights to develop compelling, mutually beneficial growth plans
• Entrepreneurship and an eye for new opportunities
• Well-developed written & verbal communication, presentation skills
• Highly developed negotiation and account management skills
• Passion for the drinks industry
• Happy to get hands‑on and get involved in all that is going on at Suntory Global Spirits
• Autonomous, with a can‑do attitude willing to go above and beyond

While relocation, immigration, and/or tax compliance support are not guaranteed, we may offer assistance to successful candidates depending on factors such as role requirements in accordance with company guidelines.

At Suntory Global Spirits, people are our number one priority, and we believe our people grow together in diverse and inclusive environments where their unique insights, experiences and backgrounds are valued and respected. Suntory Global Spirits is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, military veteran status and all other characteristics, attributes or choices protected by law. All recruitment and hiring decisions are based on an applicant’s skills and experience.