National Account Manager (Prestige Retail) Maternity Cover

Beam Suntory; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the spirits industry is seeking a National Account Manager for Prestige Retail in London. This role focuses on expanding premium brands within the luxury retail channel, leveraging strong relationships and strategic planning. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in sales, particularly with luxury products, and a passion for the drinks industry. This fixed-term position is expected to commence in August or early September 2025.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of sales or commercial experience with premium products.
• Strong forecasting and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage customer accounts to promote brand growth.
• Achieve budgeted volume and distribution targets.
• Collaborate with Marketing to execute brand plans.

Skills

Sales

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical

Relationship Building

Job description

Job Opportunity: National Account Manager Prestige Retail

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What makes this a great opportunity?

As Suntory Global Spirits accelerates its global footprint, we are establishing our own commercial business in the UK. The UK, being one of the largest and most sophisticated spirits markets, offers significant potential for our portfolio of premium brands. We are building a world-class team to create a new and exciting business rooted in our values and long-term commercial ambitions.

As the National Account Manager for Prestige Retail, you will be responsible for growing our brands within the prestige retail channel. This role involves working across a unique range of outlets in London, providing a great opportunity to leverage your network and understanding to expand our premium portfolio in the capital, supporting our goal of becoming the world's most admired spirits company.

This is a fixed-term maternity cover position, expected to commence in August or early September 2025.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage your assigned customer accounts to foster mutually beneficial relationships that promote brand growth and meet customer needs.
• Achieve budgeted volume, £NSV, £GP, and distribution targets.
• Formulate and oversee key business processes, including weekly and monthly performance updates, demand forecasting, and annual planning to build budgets.
• Develop clear business plans for investment in secondary space and activation strategies.
• Contribute to the Luxury Retail & Whisky Specialists strategy for immediate and medium-term planning.
• Collaborate closely with Commercial Marketing to execute brand plans effectively in the market.
• Work with other departments such as Finance, Culture, and Operations to meet KPIs and targets.
• Build positive relationships with customers and prepare presentations to align on implementation strategies.
• Manage promotional plans and coordinate the launch of new products, especially during key periods.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of sales or commercial experience, particularly with premium products in luxury retail environments, demonstrating the ability to grow niche and luxury brands.
• Understanding of the complexities of Luxury Retail and strategies to drive performance without compromising brand integrity.
• Experience in FMCG with a focus on luxury customer engagement.
• Strong forecasting, analytical, and communication skills, capable of developing compelling growth strategies.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and keen eye for new opportunities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proven negotiation and account management abilities.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a robust network within customer accounts.
• A passion for the drinks industry, especially rare and unique whisky.
• Self-motivated, autonomous, and proactive attitude willing to go above and beyond.