At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to elevate our Champagne brands in the UK market.
- Company: Join Liberty Wines, an award-winning company with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, performance bonuses, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, development, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of prestigious Champagne brands and make a real impact.
- 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 (and an even better coffee machine). 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 London 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, including generous holiday allowances, performance bonuses, and comprehensive training through the Liberty Wines Academy, we empower our team to excel in their roles while enjoying a supportive and inclusive environment. Join us to lead a talented team in shaping the future of our prestigious Champagne portfolio, all while benefiting from a company that values diversity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Champagne in London
✨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 strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Each company has its unique vibe and goals. Make sure to research their specific Champagne portfolio and come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to their success in the UK market.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Liberty Wines.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Champagne in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you brush up on your Champagne knowledge before applying. We want to see that you’re passionate about the region and the wines, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise in your application!
Tailor Your Application:When you’re writing your application, tailor it to the specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in the UK wine industry and how it aligns with our goals at Liberty Wines. We love seeing candidates who can connect their background to what we do!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a potential Head of Champagne, we’re keen to see your leadership style. Share examples of how you’ve inspired and developed teams in the past. We want to know how you’ll bring that same energy to our talented team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 its wines. Familiarise yourself with the specific brands in the portfolio, like Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck. Being able to discuss their unique qualities and market positioning will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving performance. Think about how you've inspired others and built a culture of excellence in previous roles. This is crucial for a position that requires managing a talented team.
✨Be Commercially Savvy
Demonstrate your understanding of commercial strategies and market growth. Come prepared with ideas on how to identify opportunities for the Agency Champagnes and how you would execute plans to drive sales. This will show that you can think strategically and deliver results.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since building relationships is key, think about how you can leverage your existing network or how you plan to create new connections in the industry. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with customers and opinion leaders to generate insights and opportunities.
