At a Glance
- Tasks: Grow brand presence in pubs and bars across London while building strong customer relationships.
- Company: Join HEINEKEN, a certified Great Place to Work with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, annual bonus, and 35 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the vibrant drinks industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales or account management; strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: London, United Kingdom
Function: Commerce
Function: On-Trade
Location: Field based – across the London & Greater London area due to the nature of the work and to ensure you can achieve the right work-life balance, we’re looking for someone who lives in or close to this area.
Salary: £37,000 - £45,000 base depending on experience, plus full benefits listed below.
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 18th November 2026 (We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we'd encourage you to apply sooner rather than later).
With 2,100 colleagues, a nationwide pub network and a portfolio of brilliant brands proudly made in the UK, we combine pioneering spirit with real scale. We’re also a certified Great Place to Work®, a recognition of the culture and colleague experience we build every day. Together, we’re shaping the future of beer, cider, pubs and beyond.
Now we’re looking for a Customer Development Manager (CDM) to join our field sales team covering the London & Greater London region. Whether you’re working in FMCG, retail, hospitality, or another fast-paced environment, if you’ve got commercial experience and a passion for working with people, we’d love to hear from you.
About the role:
- As one of HEINEKEN's Customer Development Managers (CDMs), you’ll be responsible for growing our presence across a variety of outlets, from community locals to trendsetting bars.
- You’ll manage a portfolio of around 60-80 pubs and bars across London and Greater London, working closely with customers to boost brand visibility, grow sales and improve commercial performance.
- You’ll build strong relationships with licensees, understand what makes their businesses tick and help them make the most of every opportunity.
- From negotiating commercial agreements and getting the right drinks ranges in place to driving Smart Dispense and making the most of seasonal events and promotions, you’ll play a hands-on role in helping customers grow their businesses.
- There's a new business element too. You’ll spend around 20% of your time targeting competitor outlets, developing new relationships and bringing new customers into the HEINEKEN network.
- You’ll also bring our brands to life through major marketing activations, from the Champions League and Rugby Champions Cup to UEFA Women's Euros and Formula 1, helping customers make the most of the opportunities these bring.
It's a busy, varied field-based role where you’ll be out meeting customers, spotting opportunities, negotiating deals and making things happen across your territory.
So, what will you be doing?
- Negotiating and executing commercial agreements.
- Growing brand distribution and Smart Dispense penetration across your territory.
- Providing insight-led category, ranging and pricing advice.
- Understanding customer performance and identifying opportunities to drive sales and profitability.
- Winning new customers and strengthening HEINEKEN's presence across London and Greater London.
Who we’re looking for:
- We’re looking for someone with commercial drive, strong relationship-building skills and the confidence to influence and negotiate.
- You’ll enjoy getting to know customers, understanding how their businesses work and finding practical ways to help them grow.
- You don't need to come from the drinks industry or an identical role. If you've built experience in frontline sales, account management or business development in FMCG, retail, hospitality or another customer-focused environment, you could be a great fit.
- We’re keen to hear from people who:
- Have experience in frontline sales, account management or business development.
- Are commercially minded and comfortable working with sales figures, pricing and business performance.
- Can build lasting relationships, influence decisions and negotiate with confidence.
- Enjoy coaching and supporting customers, helping them get the best from their businesses.
- Are proactive, organised and comfortable balancing existing customer relationships with new business opportunities.
- Can work independently, manage their own territory and adapt to changing priorities.
A full UK driving licence is essential for this role. Ideally, you'll have at least three months of professional driving experience, but if you don't, that's fine. We'll provide full on-road driver training during your first few months with us. Professional driving experience means driving as part of your job, not your commute. This includes field sales, account management, service technician roles, or any position involving regular business travel by car.
Why join us?
We're the people behind some of the world’s most iconic beers and ciders, steeped in history and energised for what’s next. From pioneering low and no alcohol to backing the great British pub, we’re building something that matters. Every career here starts with the same three words: Pioneer. Grow. Together. From day one, you’ll be valued, included and supported, with the opportunity to go further than you thought possible. Because when you win, we all win.
Your Benefits:
- Company Car (a full drivers licence is essential for this role)
- Annual bonus
- Company funded Private Medical Healthcare
- Double matched pension (up to 10%)
- 35 days holiday
- A quarterly allowance towards purchasing our delicious ciders and beers! (including low and no alcohol)
- Retail, restaurant and coffee discounts
- Development pathways and learning opportunities
- Access to employee networks and inclusion groups
- Wide-ranging support for family life, neurodiversity, menopause and mental health
- …and much more!
Please note: Some benefits are taxable and may be based on employee contributions. We’re happy to discuss further throughout the application process.
Customer Development Manager - On Trade London & Greater London employer: Heineken
Heineken is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Edinburgh or London. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented finance team while enjoying generous benefits such as a 15% cash allowance, private healthcare, and a supportive environment that encourages career growth and personal well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Development Manager - On Trade London & Greater London
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Customer Development Manager - On Trade London & Greater London at Heineken, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Heineken. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Customer Development Manager - On Trade London & Greater London. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Development Manager - On Trade London & Greater London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Heineken:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Heineken. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heineken
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Heineken that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Heineken that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Heineken’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.