Senior Account Manager

Gerrard Seel Wine Merchants; Warrington; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerrard Seel Wine Merchants in Warrington is seeking a Senior Account Manager to manage a portfolio of key trade accounts, developing long‑term relationships with hotels, restaurants, conference venues and off‑trade retailers. The role is on-site, with occasional local travel.

Responsibilities include visiting clients, presenting wine ranges, advising on product selection and pricing terms, coordinating orders with logistics, monitoring sales performance, and preparing account plans and

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' North West trade sales experience.
• Proven ability to manage multiple accounts and pipelines.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• WSET3 or wine qualifications are an advantage.
• Willingness to travel locally and occasional home-based work.

Responsibilities

• Visit key trade accounts and present wine ranges.
• Advise on product selection and pricing terms.
• Coordinate orders with logistics and warehouse teams.
• Develop account plans, forecasts and growth strategies.
• Support tastings, events and brand representation.
• Monitor sales performance and report to stakeholders.

Skills

Account management

Sales

Relationship-building

Negotiation

Communication skills

Presentation skills

CRM experience

Time management

Wine knowledge

Driving license

CRM software

Tools

CRM 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 Senior Account Manager role is a full-time, on-site position based in Warrington. The role involves managing a portfolio of key trade accounts (Hotels, Restaurants, Conference & Wedding Venues, Off-Trade Retail outlets), developing long-term relationships, and identifying opportunities for growth and cross-selling within existing customers. 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 Senior Account Manager will monitor sales performance, prepare account plans and forecasts, and provide regular updates to internal stakeholders. This role also contributes to new business development, supports tastings and events, and helps maintain high standards of customer experience and brand representation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in account management or sales within the North West wine, beverages, or hospitality 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 Trade 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.