Sales Manager

COREcruitment; Newcastle on Clun; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for an experienced Sales Manager to drive performance for a major drinks wholesaler in Newcastle. The role involves leading a high-performing sales team, managing national accounts, and shaping the commercial strategy. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills, a background in drinks or FMCG, and excellent relationship-building abilities. The position offers a salary of up to £65,000 plus a package.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a sales management role within drinks, FMCG, or wholesale.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing and motivating teams.
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation and strategic planning skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of sales representatives/account managers.
• Set clear objectives, KPIs and performance expectations.
• Identify growth opportunities and create action plans for distribution.
• Manage key on-trade accounts including pub groups and restaurants.
• Collaborate with marketing and category teams to develop activation plans.

Skills

Sales management experience

Leadership skills

Relationship building

Negotiation skills

Strategic planning

Understanding of the hospitality sector

Results-driven

Job description

Sales Manager – Leading Drinks Wholesaler – North East – Up to £65,000 plus package

Are you a people first leader with experience managing on-trade accounts? This could be for you!

Join one of the UK’s leading drinks wholesalers, supplying an exceptional range of premium brands to the on‑trade. With strong partnerships across pubs, bars, restaurants, and hospitality groups, the business is experiencing significant growth and is looking for an experienced Sales Manager to drive performance, strengthen customer relationships, and lead a high‑performing sales team.

The Sales Manager will play a crucial role in shaping and delivering the commercial strategy for the on‑trade channel. This individual will lead and coach a field sales team, manage key national and regional accounts, and work closely with senior leadership to drive sustainable business growth.

This role requires a candidate with leadership experience and a network across the On‑Trade in the North East.

Your role as Sales Manager will include:

• Lead, manage and motivate a team of sales representatives/account managers.
• Set clear objectives, KPIs and performance expectations.
• Provide coaching, training, and ongoing development to elevate team capability.
• Foster a positive, high-performance sales culture.

• Execute the company’s commercial and channel strategy across the on‑trade.
• Identify growth opportunities and create action plans to increase distribution, rate of sale and share of back bar and menu listings.
• Analyse market trends, competitor activity and customer insights to support informed decision‑making.
• Contribute to forecasting, budgeting and annual sales planning.

• Manage key on‑trade accounts—including pub groups, restaurant groups, hotels and late‑night venues.
• Build strong, long‑term relationships to drive volume, visibility and brand adoption.
• Negotiate terms, pricing and promotional plans that deliver mutual value.
• Monitor account performance and take proactive steps to maximise results.

• Identify and convert new business opportunities across the region.
• Support the team in winning new customers and expanding existing portfolios.
• Collaborate with marketing and category teams to develop compelling activation plans.

• Work closely with marketing, operations, logistics and finance to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Partner with brand suppliers on joint business plans and promotional activity.
• Ensure smooth communication between internal stakeholders and the sales team.

Have you achieved any of the following:

• Proven experience in a sales management role within drinks, FMCG, or wholesale.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing and motivating teams.
• Excellent relationship‑building abilities with key on‑trade customers.
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation and strategic planning skills.
• Knowledge of the on‑trade, hospitality sector and the wider drinks industry.
• Results‑driven, proactive and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Full UK driving licence.

If you are interested in having a chat about this role, please forward updated CVs to [e-mail]

COREcruitment are experts in recruiting for Hospitality, Catering, Leisure, Retail, FM, Property and Construction sectors. We currently have over 1350 live roles across the UK, Middle East, Europe, Africa, North & Central America and South East Asia.

To view other great opportunities please check out our website www.corecruitment.com or call us on [phone] for a confidential chat about upcoming opportunities. Likewise, if you are looking to recruit then we would love to hear from you.

Follow COREcruitment on your favourite social networks - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram