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: Exciting chance to work with a fast-growing portfolio and make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and autonomy.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in field sales with a proven track record in drinks or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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 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 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 knowing your stuff! Research the company, understand their portfolio, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can help them grow in the South of England.
✨Tip Number 4
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 team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director, Retail Planning in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely excited about being part of Oak & Still and our mission to disrupt the drinks market.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in field sales or account management, especially within the drinks or FMCG sectors. We love seeing how your past achievements align with what we’re looking for!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve hunted for new accounts and built relationships. We want to know how you’ve turned interest into listings and driven sales in your previous roles.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive, which is exactly the kind of attitude we’re looking for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oak and Still
✨Know Your Portfolio
Familiarise yourself with Oak & Still's range of spirits and RTDs. Be ready to discuss how you would introduce these products to potential clients, highlighting their unique selling points and how they can disrupt the market.
✨Showcase Your Hunting Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully hunted for new business in the past. Think about specific accounts you've won and how you built those relationships. This will demonstrate your natural hunter mentality that they're looking for.
✨Understand the Market
Research the on-trade and retail landscape in the South of England. Be prepared to share insights on current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the market. This shows your strong commercial acumen and that you're proactive about feeding market intelligence back to the team.
✨Tailor Your Pitch
Practice adapting your sales pitch for different types of venues, from trendy cocktail bars to rural gastropubs. This flexibility is key to showing that you can connect with a diverse range of clients and understand their unique needs.