Prestige Brand Development Manager (London)
Prestige Brand Development Manager (London)

Prestige Brand Development Manager (London)

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales and build relationships in London's luxury spirits market.
  • Company: Join Ian Macleod Distillers, a respected family-run business with a rich heritage.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for continuous learning.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the premium spirits industry while working with iconic brands.
  • Qualifications: Experience in on-trade sales and a strong network in the luxury sector.
  • Other info: Be part of a passionate team and enjoy autonomy in your role.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Prestige Brand Development Manager in London. 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.

Ian Macleod Distillers is a respected, family-run business behind Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Edinburgh Gin. Decisions are quick and we back creative ideas that move the needle in Prestige. We’re 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 prestigious 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.

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/cigar 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.

Why join us…

  • 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 to be able to be considered for this opportunity candidates must already have full eligibility documentation to be able 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 so our recommendation is that you apply early to ensure 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 Brand Development Manager (London) employer: Ian Macleod Distillers

Ian Macleod Distillers is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates passion for premium spirits and fosters creativity. With a competitive salary and benefits package, alongside continuous learning and development opportunities, employees are empowered to make a significant impact in the luxury On-Trade sector across London's prestigious venues. Join a dedicated team where your expertise in brand development will thrive, and enjoy the autonomy to shape the future of our award-winning portfolio.
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Contact Detail:

Ian Macleod Distillers Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Prestige Brand Development Manager (London)

✨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 with F&B Directors and GMs can open doors for you that a CV just can't.

✨Show Off Your Knowledge

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, flaunt your expertise in premium spirits. Share insights about market trends or your favourite whiskies to demonstrate your passion and credibility in the luxury sector.

✨Be Proactive

Don’t wait for job openings to pop up! Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Ian Macleod Distillers, and express your interest. A well-timed email can make a lasting impression and might just lead to an opportunity.

✨Tailor Your Approach

When you do apply, make sure your application is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in on-trade sales and your connections in the luxury market. This will show that you’re not just another applicant, but the perfect fit for their team.

We think you need these skills to ace Prestige Brand Development Manager (London)

On-Trade Sales
Account Management
Commercial Acumen
P&L Accountability
Negotiation Skills
Market Intelligence
Relationship Building
Training and Hosting
Luxury Brand Knowledge
Networking in the London On-Trade Scene
Problem-Solving Skills
Creativity
Adaptability
Understanding of Consumer Trends

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 Brand Development Manager. Highlight your experience in the luxury spirits market and how it aligns with what we're looking for.

Show Off Your Network: We love candidates who have strong connections in the London On-Trade scene. Don’t be shy about mentioning your relationships with F&B Directors, Buyers, or GMs. This could really set you apart from the crowd!

Be Authentic: Let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also passionate about premium spirits. Show us your enthusiasm and why you want to be part of our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ian Macleod Distillers

✨Know Your Brands Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into Ian Macleod Distillers' portfolio. Familiarise yourself with Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank, and Edinburgh Gin. Be ready to discuss what makes these brands unique and how you can leverage their stories in luxury settings.

✨Network Like a Pro

Since this role requires strong relationships within the London On-Trade scene, think about your existing connections. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships with F&B Directors, Buyers, and GMs in the past.

✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Be prepared to discuss your experience with P&L accountability, pricing strategies, and negotiation tactics. Bring specific examples of how you've driven sales growth and margin uplift in previous roles, especially in the premium spirits sector.

✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Premium Spirits

Your enthusiasm for luxury spirits should shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your passion for whisky and gin, and be ready to discuss any relevant qualifications, like WSET certifications, that bolster your credibility.

Prestige Brand Development Manager (London)
Ian Macleod Distillers
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