At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sponsorship sales and develop partnerships in the vibrant food and drinks sector.
- Company: Join a21 UK, part of a leading experiential marketing agency with a passion for drinks and events.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, and support for wine & spirits education.
- Other info: Office-based in London with opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the dynamic world of food and drinks while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Five years in client-facing sales, preferably in food/drinks/FMCG sectors.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
a21 UK incorporates the IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition), drinks title Club Oenologique and a growing culinary event portfolio. Since 1969, the IWSC has set the global benchmark for quality wine, spirits and other drinks categories. The competition evaluates more than 11,000 entries annually from more than 90 countries and stands out for its expert judging and international recognition, as well as its prestigious awards events. Club Oenologique is the digital content arm of the IWSC, providing expert‑led recommendations and insights into drinks, food and travel through the lens of wine and spirits. a21 is also set to launch the London edition of the established US‑based Heritage Fire culinary event series in 2026. a21 UK is part of US‑based experiential marketing agency a21, which specialises in event operations, production, corporate sales and brand activations for live experiences. It plans to expand further in the UK, Europe and beyond.
The role involves looking for a commercially driven, ambitious Partnerships & Commercial Sales Manager to help grow revenues across the a21 UK business. This is a hands‑on role focused on sponsorship sales, IWSC competition entries, event partnerships and digital advertising opportunities across our events and media portfolio.
Core criteria
- Minimum five years’ experience in client‑facing sales roles, ideally within the food/drinks/FMCG sectors
- Proven expertise in developing commercial partnerships and driving successful sponsorship sales
- Event or media sales experience preferred
- Experience managing or mentoring small teams
- Existing network within drinks, hospitality, luxury or FMCG sectors highly desirable
- Passion for the food and drinks sector
- Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
- A hungry work ethic and thirst for growth
- Secondary language(s) desirable
Key responsibilities
- Lead on sponsorship sales for IWSC Awards event and IWSC National Drinks Retail Awards
- Lead on partnership development for a21 UK’s growing culinary event portfolio (to be announced)
- Drive wine and spirits entries into the IWSC competition; owning a defined portfolio of clients and prospects, with accountability for revenue growth and relationship development
- Oversee and motivate a small but passionate sales team (x 3), helping devise and implement sales strategy
- Manage two direct reports in sales team nurturing their professional development
- Track and report on pipeline activity using CRM tools, helping drive strategic commercial decisions
- Collaborate with marketing and events teams to ensure clients get maximum value and exposure
- Increase IWSC’s brand awareness amongst the international drinks community and maximise commercial benefits
- Identify market trends and shifts and adapt a21 commercial offering accordingly while being fully aware of competitors
What we offer
- Wine & spirits education: We provide full support to complete WSET qualifications and offer access to in‑house tastings and category‑specific drinks education. Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your expertise, we’ll help you grow.
- Competitive base salary, plus uncapped commission across sponsorships, partnerships, competition entries and media sales
- Performance‑based bonus incentives
Location
Office‑based in the City of London, with some opportunities to travel internationally.
To apply
Please send your CV and a covering email, including your salary expectations, to Georgina.Swallow@iwsc.net. The closing date for this vacancy is Monday 8th June 2026.
Partnerships & Commercial Sales Manager employer: IWSC - Club Oenologique
At a21 UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, particularly for our Partnerships & Commercial Sales Manager role. Located in the vibrant City of London, we offer competitive salaries, uncapped commission opportunities, and comprehensive wine and spirits education, ensuring our employees not only thrive professionally but also indulge their passion for the food and drinks sector. With a focus on personal growth and mentorship within a supportive team environment, a21 UK is the perfect place for ambitious individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnerships & Commercial Sales Manager
✨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 Partnerships & Commercial Sales Manager at IWSC - Club Oenologique, 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 IWSC - Club Oenologique. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Partnerships & Commercial Sales Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships & Commercial Sales Manager
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 IWSC - Club Oenologique:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for IWSC - Club Oenologique. 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 IWSC - Club Oenologique
✨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 IWSC - Club Oenologique 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 IWSC - Club Oenologique 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 IWSC - Club Oenologique’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.
