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.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, generous leave, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for travel and events.
- Why this job: Represent award-winning wine brands and grow your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience, strong wine knowledge, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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
- 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
- Comfortable interpreting market data
- 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.
Closing date
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
- £500 referral scheme
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.
Sales Account Manager - Kent employer: 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 other professionals. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for wine! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or at networking events, share your experiences and knowledge about wines. This will help you stand out as a genuine candidate who truly cares about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Berkmann Wine Cellars, and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common sales scenarios. Think about how you would approach a new account or handle objections. Being ready to showcase your skills in real-life situations will impress potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Account Manager - Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine: When writing your application, let your love for wine shine through! Share any relevant experiences or knowledge you have about the industry, as this will resonate with us and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight your sales experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Be Personable: Remember, we’re looking for someone who can build relationships. Use a friendly tone in your cover letter and let your personality come through. This is your chance to show us how you’d connect with clients and represent our brand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 you’re serious about joining our team at Berkmann Wine Cellars.
How to prepare for a job interview at Berkmann Wine Cellars
✨Know Your Wines
Brush up on your wine knowledge, especially the brands and producers represented by Berkmann Wine Cellars. Be prepared 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 building relationships and managing accounts effectively.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the wine industry and the competitive landscape. Being able to provide insights on market data and how it affects sales will demonstrate your analytical skills and commercial acumen.
✨Be Ready to Engage
Since this role involves hosting tastings and events, practice your presentation skills. Think about how you can bring the Berkmann portfolio to life and engage potential clients. Confidence and charisma are key in making a lasting impression!