Key Account Manager | South East

Ridgeview Wine Estate; Ditchling Common; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Ridgeview Wine Estate is seeking an experienced Key Account Manager to expand our presence across premium bars, restaurants, hotels and specialist retailers throughout Sussex, Kent and central London. The role combines new business development with managing valued existing accounts to increase distribution of Ridgeview wines in on-trade and off-trade.

Initially ~70% focus on new business and ~30% on growing existing accounts, you will manage your territory with support from Ridgeview and our

Qualifications

• Established sales experience within the wine or premium drinks sector.
• Strong hospitality network relevant to the territory.
• Experience developing new business and building long-term customer relationships.
• Clear and effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to organise and manage a busy territory and workload independently.
• Collaborative approach and commitment to excellent customer service.
• Full, valid UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new premium on-trade and off-trade accounts.
• Build lasting relationships with customers, decision-makers and wholesalers.
• Grow distribution, repeat business, visibility and rate of sale.
• Deliver agreed territory targets across sales volume and distribution.
• Support pricing and listing negotiations within commercial frameworks.
• Represent Ridgeview at meetings, tastings, training and trade events.
• Support activations and other initiatives to bring the Ridgeview brand to life.
• Maintain high standards of brand presentation within customer outlets.
• Monitor market trends, customer developments and competitor activity.
• Manage your sales pipeline and maintain CRM records.
• Provide regular updates on activity, opportunities and performance.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Ridgeview team.

Skills

Wine industry sales

Hospitality network

New business development

Account management

Communication

Territory planning

Driver's licence

Education

WSET Level 2 or above

Job description

Grow Ridgeview's presence across the South East

Due to investment and exciting growth plans, we are looking for an experienced Key Account Manager to develop Ridgeview's presence across premium bars, restaurants, hotels and specialist retailers throughout Sussex, Kent and key London locations.

This is a relationship-led commercial role combining new business development with the management of valued existing accounts. You will build trusted partnerships, secure new listings and increase the visibility and distribution of Ridgeview wines across the on-trade and off-trade.

Initially, approximately 70% of your time will focus on developing new business, with the remaining 30% dedicated to managing and growing existing accounts. You will have the freedom to manage your territory, supported by colleagues across Ridgeview and our wholesale network.

What you'll be doing

• Identifying and securing new premium on-trade and off-trade accounts
• Building lasting relationships with customers, decision-makers and wholesaler contacts
• Growing distribution, repeat business, visibility and rate of sale
• Delivering agreed territory targets across sales volume and distribution
• Supporting pricing and listing negotiations within agreed commercial frameworks
• Representing Ridgeview at customer meetings, tastings, training sessions and trade events
• Supporting activations and other initiatives that bring the Ridgeview brand to life
• Maintaining high standards of brand presentation within customer outlets
• Monitoring market trends, customer developments and competitor activity
• Managing your sales pipeline and maintaining accurate CRM records
• Providing regular updates on activity, opportunities and performance
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider Ridgeview team

What you'll bring

• Established sales experience within the wine or premium drinks sector
• A strong hospitality network relevant to the territory and requirements of the role
• Experience of developing new business and building long-term customer relationships
• Clear and effective communication and relationship-building skills
• The ability to organise and manage a busy territory and workload independently
• A collaborative approach and commitment to delivering excellent customer service
• A full, valid UK driving licence

It would be an advantage if you have

• WSET Level 2 or above
• Experience of working with prestige hospitality customers
• Experience of delivering events, tastings or brand activations
• An interest in using digital and AI-enabled tools to support day-to-day productivity

The person we're looking for

You will be comfortable opening new conversations, developing trusted relationships and turning opportunities into sustainable business. You will represent Ridgeview with credibility and enthusiasm, take responsibility for your territory and maintain high standards in every customer interaction.

You will also be adaptable, well organised and keen to continue developing your knowledge of wine, customers and the wider market.

Inclusion at Ridgeview

Ridgeview is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We value the different experiences and perspectives each person brings.

We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Competitive salary

Job type: Permanent

Job terms: Full-time

Address: Hybrid / Ditchling Common, Hassocks, UK

Sector: Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry and Food Processing | General