At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a portfolio of private clients and source luxury wines and whiskies for them.
- Company: Join Hackstons, a leading luxury asset business in Knightsbridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission, career progression, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic retail environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Engage with high-net-worth clients and explore the world of fine spirits.
- Qualifications: WSET Level 2 or above in Spirits/Wine and strong customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
- Private Client Account Manager – Luxury Wines & Whiskies
- Location – Knightsbridge, London
- Salary – Up to £31,000 + Commission
- Hours – 40 Hours Monday to Sunday (5 on 2 off)
About Us
Hackstons is a reputable and multifaceted asset ownership, retail, and e-commerce business based in London, specialising in luxury assets.
We empower individuals to build wealth through the acquisition of fine and rare wine, whisky, and spirits, whether in cask or bottle form.
Our services include education, secure premium insurance, and tailored storage solutions for our clients.
Additionally, we offer an unparalleled, curated range of products in both our physical and online retail stores.
About the Role
We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Private Client Account Manager to join our team at our retail experience in Knightsbridge.
This is primarily a client-facing role: you will own a portfolio of private clients, understand what they want to collect or hold, and source the right wines, whiskies, and spirits for them through regular contact by phone, email, and in person.
Alongside this, you will support the day-to-day running of our Knightsbridge store to uphold our reputation for exceptional customer service.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and manage your own portfolio of private clients, understanding their budgets, tastes, and collecting or ownership goals.
- Source fine and rare wines, whiskies, and spirits to client briefs, drawing on our range, allocations, and market contacts.
- Present suitable opportunities to the right clients at the right moment, including new releases, allocations, and cask offerings.
- Advise clients on building and balancing a collection, including what to hold in storage and what to drink.
- Guide clients from first enquiry through to completed purchase, handling quotes, orders, and follow-up accurately.
- Keep a strong grasp of market pricing, availability, and trends so your advice is credible.
- Take inbound client calls and progress towards a diary of scheduled outbound conversations as your portfolio grows.
- Work to monthly sales targets, with coaching and support from the management team.
- Record client preferences, conversations, and orders in our CRM and ordering systems.
- Turn good service into repeat business and referrals, and introduce our cask, storage, and insurance services where relevant.
- Retail and Store Duties (Secondary)
- Provide personalised and attentive service to customers visiting the store, offering expert product knowledge and recommendations.
- Process sales transactions accurately and efficiently, handling cash, credit, and other forms of payment with professionalism and discretion.
- Assist in maintaining the store’s luxurious atmosphere and high visual merchandising standards.
- Assist in monitoring inventory levels, including restocking shelves, organising displays, and conducting regular stock checks.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Manager and General Manager to deliver in-store tastings, events, and promotions, including inviting your clients to attend.
- Key Requirements
- A warm, engaging manner and a confident telephone presence, with a natural ability to build rapport.
- Self-motivated and resilient, with the drive to meet targets and the optimism to keep going when a call doesn’t land.
- Minimum WSET Level 2 or above in Spirits and/or Wine (Essential).
- Strong passion for and knowledge of whisky, fine spirits, champagne, and wine.
- Quick-thinking and adaptable, able to answer client questions in the moment.
- Comfortable using CRM and ordering software as part of your daily routine.
- Detail-oriented and organised, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- A background in high hospitality or sales is also desirable.
Benefits
- Huge potential for career progression as the team grows
- Exposure to alternative investments and HNW clients
- Collaborative, ambitious environment
- Company pension
- Eligibility for our Cask Loyalty Programme (gifted casks at 3, 5 and 10 years of service)
- Staff discount in our Knightsbridge retail experience and e-commerce store
- 21 days holiday plus bank holidays
Private Client Account Manager in London employer: Hackstons
Hackstons is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and collaboration across teams, ensuring that every team member can contribute to our success in the luxury asset market. Our commitment to a supportive work culture, combined with the unique advantage of working in a prestigious sector, makes Hackstons a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Client Account Manager in London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Hackstons, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Hackstons!
We think you need these skills to ace Private Client Account Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Hackstons, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Hackstons and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Hackstons that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackstons
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
