At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global travel retail portfolio and drive sales across key UK airports.
- Company: Exciting premium spirits group with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Gain commercial ownership and autonomy in a dynamic, high-impact role.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in prestigious travel retail locations while shaping growth in APAC markets.
- Qualifications: Experience in Global Travel Retail and strong relationship management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
A rare opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile global travel retail portfolio for one of Scotland's most exciting premium spirits groups on a 6-month fixed term contract. You'll be managing flagship UK airport accounts while shaping growth across APAC markets. This is a pivotal position sitting at the heart of our Global Travel Retail function.
As Commercial Manager, you will lead their direct business with World Duty Free Group across UK airports, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester, while also providing commercial support across APAC operations through their Singapore distributor. You will manage a team of brand ambassadors, build lasting relationships with key buyers, and drive a portfolio of premium spirits brands to prominence in some of the world's most competitive retail environments. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who thrives on both strategy and execution.
What You'll Do
- Commercial & Financial Leadership
- Drive sales and grow market share across key airport locations, achieving budget targets and building long-term investment plans.
- Own the P&L for your accounts, managing investment, product mix, pricing, and profitability.
- Develop and implement sales strategies and promotional plans aligned to global GTR objectives.
- Provide regular commercial insight and market intelligence to the MD, GTR.
- Build and deliver annual business plans and long-term commercial frameworks.
- Customer & Relationship Management
- Manage the strategic relationship with World Duty Free Group at head office level.
- Develop strong local relationships with key personnel across targeted airport locations.
- Lead customer promotional planning and conduct quarterly business reviews.
- Partner with the marketing team to align GTR activity with wider brand strategies.
- Position the business as the partner of choice for key retail partners.
- Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of brand ambassadors across UK airports.
- Conduct regular in-person and virtual communication with your team.
- Foster a high-performance culture, recognising success and providing constructive feedback.
Who We're Looking For
You are a commercially driven, relationship-focused professional who brings:
- Exceptional commercial acumen with solid experience in P&L management, investment analysis, and ROI.
- At least 2 years' experience in Global Travel Retail.
- Proven ability to build and sustain strong relationships with major retail partners.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the confidence to manage senior stakeholders.
- Experience managing or mentoring field-based teams.
- A self-starting, collaborative mindset, equally comfortable working independently and as part of a wider team.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the wider Office suite.
- A valid UK passport and full willingness to travel, regularly within the UK, and internationally as required.
Why This Role?
Join a growing premium spirits group with a genuine passion for quality, provenance, and innovation. You'll have real commercial ownership, a global remit, and the autonomy to make your mark across some of the world's most prestigious travel retail locations.
Commercial Manager - Travel Retail in Glasgow employer: DrinkAbility
Join one of Scotland's most exciting premium spirits groups, where you'll enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Commercial Manager in Travel Retail, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team, drive significant growth in key airport accounts, and shape your career within a supportive environment that values professional development and recognises success. With a global remit and the chance to make a real impact in prestigious retail locations, this role offers a unique blend of autonomy and responsibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Travel Retail in Glasgow
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at companies you’re interested in. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informal chats with people already in roles you want. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the company culture. This not only gives you valuable info but also shows your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your commercial acumen and relationship-building abilities. We want to see how you can drive results!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Travel Retail in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your P&L management experience and any previous work in Global Travel Retail to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the premium spirits industry and how your relationship-building skills can drive success in this role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven sales or built relationships with key partners to demonstrate your impact.
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 this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at DrinkAbility
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your exceptional commercial acumen. Brush up on your P&L management skills and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven sales and managed budgets in previous roles. This will show that you understand the financial side of the business.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Since this role involves managing key relationships with major retail partners, do some homework on the World Duty Free Group and other stakeholders. Mention any connections or insights you have about their operations during the interview to showcase your proactive approach to relationship management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You'll be leading a team of brand ambassadors, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've motivated teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to foster a high-performance culture and how you provide constructive feedback.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and negotiation skills. Think of situations where you've had to influence senior stakeholders or navigate complex negotiations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
