New Business Account Manager

Gerrard Seel Wine Merchants; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerrard Seel Wine Merchants in Warrington is seeking a New Business Account Manager to build from scratch a portfolio of trade accounts and grow the business through proactive outreach and excellent service. You will visit clients, present wine ranges, advise on selection, negotiate terms, and coordinate orders with logistics.

This full-time hybrid role combines field and office work. Two days per week in the office with local travel.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in New Business Development and account management within the North West wine sector.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and pipeline management capabilities.
• Wine qualifications (e.g., WSET3) are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Visit clients and present wine ranges.
• Advise on product selection and negotiate pricing/terms.
• Coordinate orders with logistics and warehouse teams.
• Prepare account plans and forecasts, providing regular updates to stakeholders.

Skills

New Business Development

Account management

Negotiation

Wine knowledge

CRM

Education

Wine qualifications e.g., WSET3

Tools

CRM tools

Office software

Job description

Company Description

Gerrard Seel Wine Merchants (the trade arm of Honest Grapes) has been supplying a carefully curated selection of wines to both on-trade and off-trade customers in the North West since 1984. The business is rooted in Warrington and has built long-term relationships through reliable service and deep product knowledge. Local account managers and drivers provide a personal, responsive service tailored to each customer’s needs. The company values expertise, authenticity, and consistent quality in everything it offers. Team members are encouraged to share a genuine passion for wine and customer service.

Role Description

The New Business Account Manager role is a full-time, hybrid position based in Warrington with two days per week based at the office. The role involves developing from scratch a portfolio of key trade accounts (Hotels, Restaurants, Conference & Wedding Venues, Off-Trade Retail outlets, wholesalers) and developing long-term relationships so this is a role for somebody who loves the thrill of developing new business. Day-to-day responsibilities include visiting clients, presenting wine ranges, advising on product selection, negotiating pricing and terms, and coordinating orders with logistics and warehouse teams. The New Business Account Manager will monitor sales performance, prepare account plans and forecasts, and provide regular updates to internal stakeholders. This role also contributes to ongoing account management, supports tastings and events, and helps maintain high standards of customer experience and brand representation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in New Business Development and account management within the North West wine sector, with strong relationship-building and negotiation skills. Please note that for this role, we shall only consider applicants with a minimum of 5 years North West Wine Trade experience. (We shall only respond to applicants with demonstrated experience).
• Solid commercial awareness, including the ability to analyse sales data, manage pipelines, and develop account growth strategies.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor product recommendations to different trade customers.
• Good organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple accounts, visits, and priorities effectively.
• Sound knowledge of wine or a willingness to develop product expertise through training; relevant wine qualifications (e.g., WSET3) are an advantage.
• Comfort working from home and 1-2 days per week in our Warrington headquarters, with readiness to travel locally to client sites as needed.
• Proficiency with basic office software and CRM tools to maintain accurate records and reports.
• Eligibility to work in the UK and a valid driver’s license are beneficial for client visits and trade engagements.