At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales and e-commerce for a thriving craft brewery, driving growth and innovation.
- Company: Beak Brewery, a respected independent brewery in East Sussex with big ambitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days leave, beer allowance, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of an exciting brewery.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales or e-commerce, strong organisational skills, and a passion for quality drinks.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel, creative influence, and career growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Role: Head of Sales and E-Commerce
Term: Full Time
Location: Lewes, East Sussex
Salary: Competitive and dependent on skills and experience
Start date: As soon as possible
ABOUT US
Beak is an industry-leading craft brewery located in the East Sussex town of Lewes (10 mins from Brighton). Since launching in 2020, we’ve grown to become one of Europe’s most respected independent beer producers. We package in excess of 5,000 hectoliters per year; export to more than 30 countries worldwide and deal directly with 1,000+ stockists. In addition, we run a successful subscription service, an international beer festival and recently launched the highest rated alcohol-free beer brand in the UK. We are a small but dedicated team of people who push boundaries, embrace challenges and consistently deliver excellence.
THE POSITION
With annual sales exceeding £3m, we are looking for a creative and commercially astute sales leader to help drive the next phase of our growth. This is a role for a true self-starter: highly organised, strategically minded and motivated, with a genuine passion for our product and brand. Following a recent investment, the business is on the brink of significant expansion, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow alongside it, taking on increased responsibility and building a best-in-class sales team.
Working closely with the Director and Head Brewer, you will lead sales across both direct-to-consumer and trade channels. The role combines sales leadership with hands-on involvement in sales administration, e-commerce, operational planning and brand representation, offering real scope to shape how the business evolves. You will play a central role in aligning production with demand, ensuring smooth order fulfilment and protecting margins as we scale.
As Head of Sales, you will also act as a key ambassador for the brewery. We are seeking someone with confidence, charisma and authenticity, who can build lasting relationships across our customer base and the wider brewing community, from independent bottle shops and pubs to export partners, festivals and international breweries. This role will involve regular travel across the UK, Europe and beyond.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensuring we hit predetermined monthly sales targets across all channels
- Managing all sales orders across DTC and trade channels, ensuring accurate processing and timely fulfilment
- Managing our e-commerce platforms, including beakbrewery.com, Sellar, Eebria, Klaviyo and Breww
- Taking a leading role in managing and growing our monthly subscription service Beak Social Club
- Handling customer queries, invoicing, export paperwork and order reconciliation
- Acting as a point of contact for trade clients by answering enquiries, resolving issues, providing product information and maintaining strong, professional relationships
- Producing monthly sales reports and performance insights
- Monitoring and managing gross profit margins across product ranges and channels
- Supporting forecasting and sales planning to inform brewing schedules
- Working closely with the Head Brewer on brewing schedules, volume planning and product mix
- Establishing permanent lines
- Overseeing dispatch operations and coordinating with the warehouse team to ensure efficient, accurate deliveries
- Maintaining smooth day-to-day logistics and stock flow
- Representing the brewery at UK and international industry events
- Supporting and leading new product launches
- Acting as a brand ambassador, building relationships with customers, partners and distributors
- Developing and executing online sales strategies and campaigns (seasonal drops, limited editions, bundles, merchandise)
- Improving e-commerce customer retention
- Managing CRM systems and automated customer communications (reorder reminders, newsletters, launch announcements)
- Collecting and analysing customer feedback for continuous improvement
- Assisting, from time to time, with the organisation of the brewery’s international beer festival, These Hills
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven experience in sales, e-commerce, or operations (drinks or FMCG preferred)
- Experience with Breww, Sellar, Eebria, Klaviyo and Shopify apps preferred
- Strong administrative and organisational skills
- Strong commercial awareness with confidence managing margins and reporting
- Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends for events
- Self-starter and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent project management and communication skills
- A passion for high quality food and drink
WHY JOIN US
We’re a small team with big ambitions. You’ll have real freedom and creative influence, the chance to travel and the opportunity to work closely with some of the world’s most exciting drinks producers. You’ll also play a key role in shaping one of the UK’s most exciting independent breweries as it enters a period of major growth.
Expect a friendly, supportive environment with plenty of space to experiment, take ownership and create work you can be genuinely proud of.
At Beak, we’re committed to:
- Building a safe, inclusive, and professional workplace that values dedication, creativity, and honesty
- Supporting your development and helping you grow new skills
- Growing Beak into a successful, long-standing business with exciting opportunities for our team
In addition, we offer (among other things):
- 33 days’ annual leave (including Bank Holidays)
- Company pension scheme
- Beer allowance
- Staff merch discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
Head of Sales and E-Commerce in Brighton employer: Beak Brewery
Contact Detail:
Beak Brewery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales and E-Commerce in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the brewing industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the product! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for craft beer shine through. Share your favourite brews and what excites you about Beak Brewery’s mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the company inside out. Know their products, their market position, and recent news. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your professionalism and genuine interest in the role. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Sales and E-Commerce position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales and E-Commerce in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Sales and E-Commerce role. Highlight your relevant experience in sales, e-commerce, and operations, especially if you've worked in the drinks or FMCG sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our ambitions!
Show Your Passion: In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for craft beer and our brand shine through. Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to work with us at Beak and how you can contribute to our growth. Authenticity goes a long way!
Be Specific: When detailing your achievements, use specific examples that demonstrate your success in sales and e-commerce. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve hit targets or improved processes, make sure to include those details. We love a good success story!
Apply Through Our Website: While we’ve provided an email address for applications, we encourage you to check out our website for more insights into our culture and values. It’ll help you tailor your application even better and show us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Beak Brewery
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Sales and E-Commerce, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of sales metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators like sales targets, gross profit margins, and customer retention rates. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Beak Brewery is all about high-quality craft beer, so let your enthusiasm shine through! Share your personal experiences with the product and the industry. Whether it's a favourite beer or a memorable brewery visit, showing genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare examples of how you've handled challenges in sales or e-commerce, such as managing a difficult client or launching a new product. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Research and Relate
Familiarise yourself with Beak's products, values, and recent achievements. Mention specific beers or initiatives during your interview to show you've done your homework. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you connect your experience to their goals.