At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and build relationships in London's luxury on-trade scene for premium spirits.
- Company: Join Ian Macleod Distillers, a respected family-run business with a passion for premium spirits.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, continuous learning, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team and shape the presence of iconic brands in prestigious venues.
- Qualifications: Experience in on-trade sales and a strong network in London's luxury market are essential.
- Other info: This role offers autonomy, creativity, and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a London centric and highly experienced on trade business development and sales focussed professional to join our UK trade team. Do you have a deep passion for premium spirits, a strong network in the London On-Trade scene, and a flair for building brands in luxury environments? Make an impact, fast.
Here at Ian Macleod Distillers, we are a respected, family-run business behind some fantastic spirits brands such as Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank, Smokehead and Edinburgh Gin. Decisions are quick and we back creative ideas that move the needle in Prestige and luxury markets. We are looking for a commercially driven and innovative manager to be responsible for On-Trade Sales and Account Management within Luxury and Prestige to champion our award-winning whisky and gin portfolio across London’s most illustrious and prestige venues.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, relationship-led environment and have a proven track record of growing brands in the On Trade, this is your opportunity to make a real impact with us.
Our role:
- You will own and grow our Tier 1 whisky & gin portfolio across London’s luxury On‑Trade: prestige hotels, fine dining, private members’ clubs and specialist whisky/c lounges. This is a commercial, relationship‑led role, not a brand/marketing post.
What you’ll deliver:
- Portfolio ownership: Lead growth of Fine & Rare whiskies and core prestige SKUs across ~150 London accounts (including small groups) with full P&L accountability.
- Distribution & rate of sale: Win new listings, expand distribution, and drive net margin through joint business planning.
- Senior relationships: Deepen ties with F&B Directors, Buyers, GMs and Head Sommeliers; unlock long-term opportunities.
- Programming & advocacy: Build sell‑out calendars, host tastings, deliver training, and bring our stories to life in luxury settings.
- Cross‑functional wins: Partner with Advocacy/Marketing/RTM to execute commercial plans that convert.
- Market intelligence: Track competitor activity and luxury consumer trends to stay ahead.
- Representation: Represent the brand at trade events and maintain a strong presence in the field, including evenings and weekends.
What success looks like:
- New Tier 1 listings across target segments and rate‑of‑sale up on priority SKUs.
- Margin uplift via mix optimisation and premiumisation.
- Standout programmes/activations that become repeatable assets.
- A visible, respected presence across the London luxury scene.
About you:
- Already operating at prestige/luxury on‑trade management level in spirits, or ready to step up, with evidence.
- Demonstrable experience in on‑trade sales/account management for premium spirits (whisky/gin advantageous).
- A London luxury network, proven access to senior decision‑makers and you’re comfortable at management level.
- Strong commercial acumen with P&L ownership, pricing, negotiation, forecasting.
- Confident host/trainer; credible whisky & gin knowledge (WSET Spirits 2/3 welcome).
- London field‑based, proactive, and happy covering the evening/weekend hospitality rhythm.
Be part of a passionate, high-performing team with a shared love for premium spirits. Work with a prestigious portfolio of brands and help shape their presence in the UK’s most iconic venues. Competitive salary and benefits package. Continuous learning and development opportunities. A role that offers autonomy, creativity, and the chance to make a real difference.
Next Steps:
To apply for this opportunity, click the ‘apply now’ button to create your own recruitment account with us and submit your application. Please note, that along with your CV, you will need to answer some key questions and submit a tailored cover letter, clearly outlining why your skills and previous experiences are a perfect fit to what we are looking for – remember this is your opportunity to make yourself stand out from the crowd!
Please note, that candidates must already have full eligibility to live and work in the UK. This is also an open application window, therefore we may close the advert at any point depending on the candidate applications received. Our recommendation therefore is that you apply early to ensure that you don’t miss out.
Proudly supporting the #OpenToWork movement. Here at Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD), we are an equal opportunity employer and proud members of the Scotch Whisky Association, Drink Aware and the Portman Group. We have developed our ‘Responsible Spirits’ approach, also following best practice to help shape our commitment to wider social responsibility and industry standards and promoting responsible selling and consumption of alcohol.
Prestige Sales Manager (London, On Trade) employer: Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prestige Sales Manager (London, On Trade)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and mingle! Attend industry events, tastings, and trade shows to meet key players in the London On-Trade scene. Building relationships is crucial, so don’t be shy – introduce yourself and share your passion for premium spirits!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or clients, flaunt your knowledge of whisky and gin. Share insights about trends, brands, and your experiences in the luxury market. This will position you as a credible candidate who knows their stuff!
✨Be Proactive
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to venues and decision-makers directly. Offer to host tastings or training sessions that showcase your portfolio. This not only demonstrates your initiative but also helps you build valuable connections.
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you’re keen on joining our team at Ian Macleod Distillers, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Tailor your cover letter to highlight how your skills align with our vision for the luxury spirits market!
We think you need these skills to ace Prestige Sales Manager (London, On Trade)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Do Your Homework: Before you start writing, take a good look at our company and the brands we represent. Understanding our history and values will help you tailor your application and show us why you're a great fit for Ian Macleod Distillers.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: This is your chance to shine! Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Prestige Sales Manager. Highlight your experience in on-trade sales and how your network in the London luxury scene can benefit us.
Show Off Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to grow brands in the on-trade sector. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t be shy about showcasing your successes!
Apply Early: Since this is an open application window, we recommend applying as soon as possible. The sooner you submit your application through our website, the better your chances of standing out before we close the advert!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd
✨Know Your Spirits
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of premium spirits, especially whisky and gin. Be prepared to discuss the nuances of different brands in Ian Macleod's portfolio, like Glengoyne and Edinburgh Gin. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since this role requires a strong network in the London On-Trade scene, think about your connections. Be ready to share how you've built relationships with F&B Directors and Head Sommeliers in the past. Highlighting your existing contacts can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience with P&L management and how you've driven sales growth in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you've optimised margins or won new listings. This will demonstrate your ability to make an impact in a commercial role.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, convey your excitement for the role and the brand. Share ideas on how you would host tastings or create engaging sell-out calendars. Showing your creativity and passion for luxury environments will resonate well with the interviewers.