Head of Independent Off-trade Sales

Liberty Wines; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent wine distributor in Greater London is seeking a dynamic leader to drive their Independent Off-trade sales strategy. You will lead regional teams, identify market trends, and ensure sales objectives are met. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in sales, excellent analytical skills, and strong leadership capabilities. This role comes with competitive benefits including a commission scheme and generous holiday entitlement, situated in a supportive and inclusive working environment.

Benefits

25 days holiday increasing after 2 years

Competitive commission scheme

Personal bonus up to 5% of salary

Company pension matching up to 5%

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Cycle to work and electric car scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel insurance

Employee wine discount

Various discounts on retail and services

Qualifications

• Must have proven experience in developing Independent Off-trade sales strategies.
• Strong track record of achieving sales targets across key customers.
• Ability to analyze sales data and apply insights effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of Off-trade sales strategy.
• Develop tailored strategies for fine wine merchants and luxury retail.
• Identify market trends to expand company presence.
• Provide guidance to team leaders for performance improvement.

Skills

Proven experience in Independent Off-trade sales strategies

Strong track record in achieving sales targets

Skilled in identifying market trends

Confident in analyzing sales data

Ability to build strong relationships

Proven leadership and motivational skills

Highly organized with attention to detail

Adaptable in fast-paced environments

Experienced in collaboration with cross-functional teams

Strong wine empathy and knowledge

Education

WSET Diploma level or equivalent wine knowledge

Tools

Excel

Job description

We’re seeking a dynamic leader to drive our Independent Off‑trade sales strategy and deliver against ambitious growth targets. In this pivotal role, you’ll provide strong leadership and guidance to regional team leaders and direct reports, ensuring national performance is achieved in line with sales objectives. You’ll also play a key part in unlocking new business opportunities across the country, supporting teams to meet annual new business targets and strengthen our market presence.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the continued development and execution of the Independent Off‑trade sales strategy aligned with company growth targets
• Develop and implement tailored strategies for fine wine merchants and luxury retail, alongside the independent retail strategy
• Identify market trends and opportunities to expand Liberty Wines' presence across key Independent Off‑trade sub‑channels
• Provide strong leadership, guidance and support to direct reports and regional team leaders to drive national Independent Off‑trade performance in line with sales targets
• Provide market insights and share Independent Off‑trade feedback with the wider business to inform strategic decision making
• Ensure that commercial decisions across Independent Off‑trade, Luxury and Fine Wine sub‑channels are fully aligned with Liberty Wines On‑Trade strategy
• Manage sales of specific producers and wines in the Independent Off‑trade to annually agreed targets
• Maintain and develop existing Independent Off‑trade customer accounts to achieve FY budgeted revenue and margin targets
• Support direct reports and team leaders across the country in developing new business opportunities in the Independent Off‑trade to achieve annual new business targets
• Collate, analyse, and summarise monthly performance data for the Independent Off‑trade channel and sub‑channels
• Maintain and update the prospective customer database, tracking outreach, web enquiries, and lead progression to support strategic decision‑making and sales growth
• Lead the creation, management, and communication of Independent Off‑trade offers, ensuring alignment and effective execution across all sales teams
• Manage expenses to budget
• Work cross‑functionally with the brand management, buying, education and design teams to ensure effective promotional support and education within the Independent Off‑trade

About you

• Proven experience developing and executing Independent Off‑trade sales strategies across fine wine, luxury retail, online, and independent retail sub‑channels to deliver sustained growth
• Strong track record of achieving sales targets and driving long‑term account growth across key Independent Off‑trade customers
• Skilled at identifying market trends and growth opportunities
• Confident analysing sales data and using Excel to turn insights into action
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with existing Independent Off‑Trade customers. Demonstrated ability to win new business and support sales teams in achieving growth targets
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and coach sales teams, driving accountability, high performance and individual and team development
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and excellent time management
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and adaptable in fast‑paced environments
• Experienced in collaborating with cross‑functional teams and positively influencing stakeholders to drive results Strong wine empathy and ability to demonstrate wine knowledge, preferably at WSET Diploma level

What you can expect

• 25 days holiday excluding public holidays increasing after 2 years' service and the option to buy additional days
• Competitive commission scheme
• Personal bonus of up to 5% of salary, based on performance against key objectives
• Company pension scheme matching up to 5% of contributions
• 18 weeks enhanced maternity leave and 4 weeks paternity leave.
• Cycle to work & electric car scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Travel insurance
• Employee wine discount
• Retail, wellbeing, technology, and travel discounts

Liberty Wines is an award‑winning company and accredited silver by Investors in People which offers excellent opportunities for training and development alongside a great working environment (and an even better coffee machine).

We encourage all our employees to further their wine knowledge through our in‑house Liberty Wines Academy and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) courses alongside building skills and experience over the course of their professional development.

Liberty Wines celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves.