Sales Account Manager - Kent

Sales Account Manager - Kent

Kent Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Berkmann Wine Cellars

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales growth and build relationships in the vibrant wine industry.
  • Company: Join Berkmann Wine Cellars, a leading family-owned wine importer in the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, company car, generous leave, and staff discounts.
  • Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for travel and events.
  • Why this job: Be an ambassador for award-winning wines and grow your career in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven sales experience, strong wine knowledge, and excellent communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Are you a passionate wine professional with a strong sales acumen and a flair for building lasting relationships? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where your ideas and initiative matter? Come join us, the UK’s leading family-owned wine importer and distributor, and take your sales career to the next level.

About Us

Berkmann Wine Cellars is proud to represent one of the most respected and diverse portfolios in the UK wine trade, featuring iconic producers from across the globe — from family-owned estates in Italy, France, and Spain to pioneering New World wineries in Argentina, South Africa, and beyond. Our exclusive agency brands are widely admired in the on-trade sector for their quality, authenticity, and innovation.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially minded Sales Account Manager to drive profitable growth across Kent. This is more than just a sales role – it is an ambassadorial position, representing the Berkmann portfolio and our prestigious agency brands in the South of England. You will be responsible for winning and managing a designated account base, driving profitability, identifying new business opportunities, and bringing our brands to life through tastings, events, and strategic brand activities. You will also work closely with our Marketing, Logistics, and Finance teams to deliver an exceptional end-to-end customer experience.

Your Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

  • Achieve and exceed volume, value, and margin sales targets
  • Identify and onboard profitable new accounts without compromising existing sectors
  • Develop strong, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders in trade accounts
  • Act as a confident brand ambassador, hosting tastings and supporting after-hours events
  • Provide accurate forecasting and market feedback to support planning and logistics
  • Manage pricing, promotional investment, and account-level profitability
  • Use customer data to optimise sales strategies and stock management
  • Champion collaboration between Berkmann, our producers, and customers
  • Keep the business informed with timely competitor and market insights
  • Support portfolio development based on customer and market trends

What We Are Looking For

  • Proven on trade sales experience
  • Strong wine knowledge, WSET Level 2 minimum
  • Experience selling luxury or premium brands is highly advantageous
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Experience working with brand owners and developing go-to-market strategies
  • Analytical, commercially astute, and numerate – comfortable with pricing models and P&L interpretation
  • A persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and confidence to influence at all levels
  • Creative thinker with strong negotiation skills and a solutions-driven mindset
  • Organised, proactive, and resilient – thrives in a results-driven team
  • Full UK driving licence

Why Join Us?

At Berkmann Wine Cellars, we don’t just sell wine — we champion world‑class producers. Our portfolio tells a story of provenance, passion, and partnership. We offer a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment where your expertise and creativity will be valued. If you're eager to represent some of the most distinctive and award‑winning wine brands in the world, whilst growing your career with a market leader, this is the role for you.

Working Pattern

This is a full‑time role, working 37.5 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:30pm. However, given the nature of our clients in the hospitality sector, flexibility is essential — evening and occasional weekend work will be required to support customer needs, events, and tastings. Some activities may also involve international travel, so a valid passport is necessary.

Location

This is a field based position in Kent.

How to Apply

This is a key role within our business, therefore if you are interested in applying for the vacancy please follow this link. Please note that should any suitable CVs be received whilst the advert is live then individuals will be invited to interview.

Offer

  • Competitive salary and bonus
  • Company car
  • 25 days annual leave rising to 26 days after 5 years’ service and 27 days after 10 years’ service, plus bank holidays
  • Company pension
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
  • Contribution to Dental Costs
  • Generous staff discount on our wine
  • A bottle of wine on your birthday and Berkmann anniversary

We cannot consider your application if you do not have the legal right to work in the UK. You must also satisfy the required knowledge and experience criteria detailed above. Equal consideration will be given to all candidates, irrespective of their gender, race, disability, marital status, religion, age or sexuality. No agencies please - We thank you for your interest in working with Berkmann Wine Cellars, however, we have our own internal HR and Recruitment team who support our recruiting needs. We will not pay fees or acknowledge any CV's supplied to Berkmann Wine Cellars unless you have been briefed on the role by a member of our HR Team. Thank you for your understanding in advance.

Sales Account Manager - Kent employer: Berkmann Wine Cellars

Berkmann Wine Cellars is an exceptional employer that values passion and creativity in the wine industry. With a collaborative work culture, competitive benefits including generous annual leave and a company car, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive while representing prestigious wine brands. Located in Kent, this role offers the chance to engage with a diverse portfolio and build lasting relationships in a dynamic environment.
Berkmann Wine Cellars

Contact Detail:

Berkmann Wine Cellars Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sales Account Manager - Kent

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend wine tastings, industry events, and local meet-ups to connect with potential employers and fellow wine enthusiasts. Building relationships in the industry can open doors that a CV just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion for wine! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or at interviews, share your favourite wines and experiences. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! If you see a company you love, reach out directly even if they’re not advertising a position. A well-timed email expressing your interest can make a lasting impression.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Berkmann Wine Cellars.

We think you need these skills to ace Sales Account Manager - Kent

Sales Acumen
Relationship Building
Wine Knowledge
WSET Level 2
Experience Selling Luxury Brands
Microsoft Office Proficiency
Analytical Skills
Commercial Awareness
P&L Interpretation
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Organisational Skills
Proactivity
Resilience
Flexibility

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Wine: Make sure to highlight your love for wine and any relevant experience you have in the industry. We want to see that you're not just a salesperson, but a true wine enthusiast who can represent our brands with authenticity.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Sales Account Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for and how you fit into our team.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're excited about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention any specific achievements in sales or relationship-building that demonstrate your capabilities.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Berkmann Wine Cellars

✨Know Your Wine

Brush up on your wine knowledge, especially the brands and producers that Berkmann Wine Cellars represents. Be ready to discuss your favourite wines and how they fit into the market. This will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Sales Account Manager.

✨Showcase Your Sales Skills

Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully driven sales in previous roles. Highlight your experience with luxury or premium brands, and be ready to discuss your strategies for identifying and onboarding new accounts while maintaining existing relationships.

✨Be a Brand Ambassador

Think about how you would represent Berkmann's portfolio at tastings and events. Prepare to share ideas on how you can bring their brands to life and engage customers. This role is about building relationships, so demonstrate your interpersonal skills and confidence.

✨Understand the Market

Familiarise yourself with current trends in the wine industry and the competitive landscape. Be prepared to discuss how you would use customer data to optimise sales strategies and provide valuable market insights. This shows you're not just a salesperson, but a strategic thinker.

Sales Account Manager - Kent
Berkmann Wine Cellars
Location: Kent

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