At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to elevate our prestigious Champagne brands in the UK market.
- Company: Join Liberty Wines, an award-winning company with a commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, performance bonuses, pension scheme, and discounts on travel and retail.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development through in-house training and WSET courses.
- Why this job: Shape the future of iconic Champagne brands and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in the UK wine industry and strong knowledge of Champagne required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
As Head of Champagne, you’ll lead a talented team of seven to build long‑term plans that elevate the performance and positioning of our Agency Champagnes across the UK market. With an exclusive portfolio that includes B‑Corp certified Piper‑Heidsieck, the esteemed Charles Heidsieck, the multi‑award‑winning Rare Champagne, Côtes de Bar specialist Champagne Devaux, and renowned grower Pierre Péters, this is a rare opportunity to shape the strategic direction of these Houses in the UK and Ireland and build on their strong market presence.
Key responsibilities
- Commercial Performance & Market Growth
- Partner with sales leaders to build and execute plans that identify opportunities and deliver growth for our Agency Champagnes.
- Create compelling, customer‑specific proposals and tenders that win business and advance our commercial goals.
- Provide tailored support and high‑quality activation for Champagne customers to maximise their success.
- Develop a programme of time in trade, partnerships, events, trips, incentives and other activities that drive sales and ROI.
- Build and leverage a strong network of customers, prospects and opinion leaders to generate insight and opportunity.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all Champagne matters.
- Support the Portfolio team with non‑agency Champagnes when required.
- Brand Strategy & Activation
- Set annual and multi‑year business plans with our Agency Champagne Houses, covering commercial strategy, brand priorities, A&P budgets and volume forecasts.
- Ensure plans are tailored to market opportunities and risks, creatively activated across multiple touchpoints, and executed to the highest standard.
- Monitor performance and optimise plans to deliver against targets.
- Manage A&P budget reporting, recharge and reconciliation to drive the right commercial outcomes.
- Manage stock and allocations effectively to support growth and protect brand equity.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Inspire and lead a high‑performing team, setting clear direction and driving accountability.
- Coach and develop team members to grow their capability, confidence and contribution.
- Build a culture of commercial intensity, shared expertise and a commitment to excellence.
About you
- Relevant experience in the UK wine industry, including good general wine knowledge and experience working with premium on-trade, independent off-trade and multiple off-trade customers.
- Great knowledge of Champagne - the region, the wines and the category.
- Proactive and persuasive with strong prioritisation and ability to influence/network.
- A strong team leader and manager.
- Strong commercial awareness.
- Able to build detailed and robust business proposals and long‑term volume/investment plans.
- Reviews performance to inform planning.
- Take a results‑driven, agile approach to marketing.
- Able to take a strategic approach to setting objectives and building plans and to lead creative, relevant, 360 activation that will generate the biggest impact.
- Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint.
- French language skills would be a significant advantage.
What you can expect
- 25 days holiday excluding public holidays increasing after 2 years’ service and the option to buy additional days.
- Personal bonus of up to 5% of salary, based on performance against key objectives.
- Company bonus of up to 15% of salary.
- Company pension scheme matching up to 5% of contributions.
- 18 weeks enhanced maternity leave and 4 weeks paternity leave.
- Cyle to work & electric car scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Birthday day off.
- Travel insurance.
- Retail, wellbeing, technology, and travel discounts.
Liberty Wines is an award‑winning company and accredited silver by Investors in People which offers excellent opportunities for training and development alongside a great working environment. We encourage all our employees to further their wine knowledge through our in‑house Liberty Wines Academy and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) courses alongside building skills and experience over the course of their professional development. Liberty Wines celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves.
Head of Champagne in Clapham employer: Liberty Wines Ltd
Liberty Wines is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters professional growth and development within the UK wine industry. With a commitment to employee well-being, generous benefits including enhanced parental leave, performance bonuses, and opportunities for further education through the Liberty Wines Academy, we ensure our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in shaping the future of our prestigious Champagne portfolio while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Champagne in Clapham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend wine events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know in the Champagne scene, the better your chances of landing that Head of Champagne role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on market trends and your vision for elevating their Champagne brands. This will demonstrate your passion and knowledge, making you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Research the company’s portfolio and come up with specific ideas on how you can drive growth for their Champagnes. Presenting a clear strategy will show them you’re serious about the role and ready to make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Champagne in Clapham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Champagne:When writing your application, let your love for Champagne shine through! Share your experiences and knowledge about the region and the wines. We want to see that you’re not just applying for a job, but that you genuinely care about the product and the industry.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We’re looking for someone who can create compelling proposals and drive growth, so showcase any relevant achievements or projects that demonstrate your ability to do just that!
Be Clear and Concise:While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key in your written application. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Liberty Wines!
How to prepare for a job interview at Liberty Wines Ltd
✨Know Your Champagnes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Champagne region and the specific brands in the portfolio. Be ready to discuss their unique qualities and how they stand out in the market. This will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a role like Head of Champagne.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you inspired your team or drove accountability. Highlighting your leadership style and how it aligns with building a high-performing team will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with commercial strategies and how you've driven growth in previous roles. Prepare to share specific examples of successful proposals or plans you've executed that resulted in increased sales or market presence.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s vision for their Champagne brands and how they see the market evolving. This not only shows your interest but also gives you insight into whether this role is the right fit for you.
