At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and build relationships in the vibrant South of England drinks scene.
- Company: Join Oak & Still, a game-changer in the drinks industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, car allowance, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Autonomy and recognition await in a fast-paced, supportive culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that disrupts the market with innovative products.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in field sales with a proven track record in drinks or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Sales Manager – South of England On Trade & Retail | Independent & Small Group
Field-based / Remote – South of England
Reporting to: Head of Sales
About Oak & Still
At Oak & Still, we don't build "drinks brands" — we build category disruptors. We operate across premium and house spirits, wine and RTD / canned cocktails. We're not looking for people who want to manage accounts. If you thrive on autonomy, love the on-trade and retail world, and want to be part of building something genuinely different, read on.
As Sales Manager for the South of England, you'll be the face of Oak & Still across independent on-trade venues, boutique bottle shops, and small group operators in London, the Home Counties and strategically targeted areas of the South.
You'll be building genuine commercial relationships — not just taking orders — introducing buyers to our portfolio of disruptive spirits and RTDs, and converting interest into listings, rate of sale, and long-term advocacy.
What You'll Be Doing
- Proactively hunting, winning, and developing new accounts across independent pubs, bars, restaurants, and specialist retailers in the South of England
- Building and managing a structured call cycle across your territory, balancing new business generation with nurturing existing accounts
- Identifying and executing activation opportunities — think launch events, rate of sale drivers, menu features, and staff training sessions
- Feeding market intelligence back to the wider team — what's landing, what isn't, and where the next opportunity lies
What We're Looking For
Experience
- 2–4 years in a field sales or account management role within drinks, FMCG, or a related category
- Proven track record of winning new business and growing accounts in an on-trade and / or retail environment
- Existing relationships within the South of England on-trade and / or independent retail community — a black book worth talking about
- Demonstrable ability to hit and exceed commercial targets
Skills & Attributes
- A natural hunter mentality — you're energised by finding new accounts, not waiting for inbound leads
- Strong commercial acumen — you understand margin, rate of sale, and what a listing is really worth
- You can adapt your pitch to a London cocktail bar as easily as a rural gastropub
- Full UK driving licence
What You'll Get
- Competitive base salary with a performance-driven OTE that genuinely rewards delivery
- A fast-growing portfolio of brands people actually want to talk about
- A culture that backs people who perform — promotions, recognition, and real career progression
- Car allowance, phone, pension and full expenses
NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES
Sales Director, Retail Planning in City of London employer: Oak and Still
Contact Detail:
Oak and Still Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director, Retail Planning in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the brand! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Oak & Still, make sure to express why you love their products. Share your ideas on how you could contribute to their mission of being category disruptors.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Know their portfolio, understand their market position, and think about how you can bring value to their team. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Oak & Still family.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director, Retail Planning in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the drinks industry shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about building relationships and disrupting the market with us.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Sales Manager. Highlight your experience in field sales and account management, especially within the on-trade and retail sectors. We love seeing how your past successes can translate into future wins for Oak & Still.
Be Specific About Your Achievements: Quantify your successes! Instead of saying you 'increased sales', tell us by how much and how you did it. We’re all about results, so show us your track record of winning new business and growing accounts.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join us at Oak & Still!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oak and Still
✨Know Your Portfolio
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in Oak & Still's range of products. Understand the unique selling points of their spirits and RTDs, and be ready to discuss how you would introduce these to potential clients. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Hunting Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully hunted for new business. Highlight specific strategies you used to build relationships and convert leads into sales. This will demonstrate your natural hunter mentality and ability to thrive in a field-based role.
✨Understand the Market
Research the on-trade and retail landscape in the South of England. Be prepared to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the drinks industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you can provide valuable market intelligence.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
Since you'll be pitching to a variety of venues, practice tailoring your approach based on different types of clients. Whether it’s a trendy London cocktail bar or a rural gastropub, being able to adapt your pitch will showcase your strong commercial acumen and versatility.