Prestige Sales Manager (London, On Trade)

Prestige Sales Manager (London, On Trade)

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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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.
  • Other info: This role offers autonomy, creativity, and opportunities for career growth.
  • 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.

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

At Ian Macleod Distillers, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and straightforward work culture where every team member is valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact. As an Interim HR Business Partner, you will benefit from our commitment to employee growth and development, while enjoying the unique advantage of working in a respected family-owned company that balances tradition with innovation in the heart of West Lothian. Join us and be part of a team that prioritises trust, execution, and achieving the right commercial outcomes together.

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Contact Details:

Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Prestige Sales Manager (London, On Trade)

✨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 Prestige Sales Manager (London, On Trade) at Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd, 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 Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Prestige Sales Manager (London, On Trade). Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Prestige Sales Manager (London, On Trade)

On-Trade Sales
Account Management
Business Development
Luxury Brand Management
P&L Accountability
Commercial Acumen
Negotiation Skills

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 Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd. 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 Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd

✨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 Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd 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 Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd 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 Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd’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.