Wine Development Manager

LWC Drinks; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A beverage distribution company is seeking a Wine Development Manager to enhance the wine category across the region. The role encompasses managing both new and existing wine accounts, working closely with Account Managers, and providing training on wine knowledge. Candidates should have strong commercial experience in selling wine and a good understanding of the wine market trends. The position offers a dynamic work environment with benefits including a company car or allowance.

Benefits

Company Car or Car Allowance

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience in the wine industry, ideally on-trade.
• Proven ability to develop and manage client relationships.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop the wine category within the depot.
• Support Account Managers and develop business.
• Open new wine accounts and manage existing ones.

Skills

Commercial experience in selling wine

Knowledge of wine trade and trends

Good track record in sales

Education

WSET Level 3 preferred

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Wine Development Manager
Reports to: Sales Manager
Coverage: Birmingham, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, parts of Shropshire (Oswestry)

Responsibilities

• Develop the wine category within the depot as the local ambassador for the wine range; combine commercial focus with strong wine knowledge.
• Spend approximately 15 days per month in the trade area supporting Account Managers and developing business; work 40 hours per week with some hours outside regular business hours to support customers.
• NEW BUSINESS: Open new wine accounts alongside Account Managers; maintain and update a live customer prospect list.
• EXISTING BUSINESS: Work with Account Managers to develop and retain existing customers; manage the top 50 wine accounts in the region; undertake wine reviews twice yearly with the top 50 accounts and visit the top 20 accounts quarterly; take responsibility for Wine Development Plans within Key Accounts as agreed.
• CATEGORY MANAGEMENT: Build commercial and appealing wine lists aligned with market trends; maximise profitability by identifying LWCs own-brand opportunities; present a wine slot at each monthly depot meeting; conduct quarterly account reviews with Account Managers.
• Training and education of Account Managers, key events, tastings; liaise with WSET providers and run courses at regional depots where applicable; provide local bespoke customer training (including National accounts); manage samples within depot and the sample depot budget; work closely with Depot Managers, Stock Controllers, Telesales and the Wine Team.
• Take ownership of Regional Wine Tastings and wine-led events; support LWC wine business in Key and National accounts; occasional travel to head office in Manchester.

Administration

• Complete weekly call logs and send to the Line Manager; attend monthly meetings to discuss sales performance; attend quarterly meetings with the Regional Sales Manager to discuss depot wine performance; be fully prepared for Management, RSM, WDM meetings and 1:1s.
• Support depot in management of depot wine stock (slow-moving stock; QA/QC issues, etc.).

Knowledge And Experience

• Commercial experience in selling wine (on-trade preferred).
• A good track record in sales and meeting growth targets.
• Knowledge of the wine trade and trends.
• WSET Level 3 preferred.

Additional Information

• Company Car or Car Allowance
• 40 hours per week