Country Sales Manager

Country Sales Manager

Freelance 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead UK sales for premium spirits and build key relationships in the on-trade market.
  • Company: Join a dynamic Croatian distillery with award-winning brands and a focus on sustainable growth.
  • Benefits: Ownership of the UK market, direct access to founders, and a clear pathway to permanent employment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing international spirits portfolio and influence brand visibility.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in spirits sales, strong B2B skills, and a passion for premium products.
  • Other info: Enjoy an entrepreneurial environment with opportunities for long-term growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Premium Spirits | Old Pilot’s Spirits & Nebo Whiskey

Location: Central London (W2) – field-based

Contract: Initial contract (min. 3 months), with intention to move permanent

Employment Type: Contract / Freelancer / Sole Trader

Rate: TBC, aligned with experience

About Us

Duh u boci d.o.o. (The Spirit in the Bottle) is a Croatian premium spirits distillery established in 2017 and headquartered in Zagreb. We develop, produce, and distribute premium spirits internationally through our brands Old Pilot’s Spirits (award-winning gin & vodka) and Nebo Whiskey. Our portfolio is currently distributed in 15+ countries, with a strong focus on sustainable growth, long-term distributor partnerships, and disciplined brand building. The UK is a strategic market for us, and we are now investing in a dedicated sales role to build it properly.

The Role

We are looking for a UK Regional Sales Manager to lead and grow our presence across the UK on-trade. This is a hands‑on, field‑based role, focused on building distribution, managing key accounts, and driving brand visibility in the right venues. You will work closely with the founders and UK leadership, with real ownership of the UK market. This role suits someone who understands premium spirits sales in practice — not just strategy — and is comfortable operating autonomously.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Lead UK sales for Old Pilot’s Spirits and Nebo Whiskey
  • Build and manage distributor, wholesaler, and key on‑trade relationships
  • Drive listings, menu placements, and brand visibility
  • Support tastings, activations, launches, and trade events
  • Work closely with distributors on planning, forecasting, and execution
  • Act as a brand ambassador in the UK market
  • Provide structured market and commercial feedback to the founders

What We’re Looking For

Must-haves

  • 5+ years’ relevant commercial experience in spirits, wine, beer, or premium FMCG
  • Proven UK on‑trade sales experience (bars, groups, distributors, wholesalers)
  • Strong B2B account management and negotiation skills
  • Experience working with distributors
  • Comfortable in a field-based, autonomous role
  • Eligible to work in the UK
  • Willing to travel regularly

Nice to have

  • Bartending, brand ambassador, or hospitality background
  • Experience launching or scaling a premium or craft spirits brand
  • Existing UK on‑trade network

What We Offer

  • Ownership of the UK market for a growing international spirits portfolio
  • Direct access to founders and decision‑makers
  • Entrepreneurial environment with real influence
  • Contract start with a clear pathway to permanence
  • Long-term growth as the portfolio expands

Interested? Initial conversations will be informal and exploratory. If there’s a fit, you’ll progress to a deeper discussion with the hiring lead.

Country Sales Manager employer: Old Pilot’s - The Spirit in The Bottle Distillery

At Duh u boci d.o.o., we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment where you can truly make an impact in the premium spirits market. Based in Central London, our team enjoys direct access to founders and decision-makers, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, while also providing clear pathways for career growth as we expand our portfolio. Join us to take ownership of the UK market and be part of a passionate team dedicated to building sustainable partnerships and brand visibility.
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Contact Detail:

Old Pilot’s - The Spirit in The Bottle Distillery Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Country Sales Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, tastings, and trade shows to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for premium spirits. Remember, it’s all about making connections that can lead to opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Be ready to talk shop! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or founders, come prepared with insights about the market and your ideas for driving brand visibility. Show them you know your stuff and are ready to hit the ground running.

Tip Number 3

Follow up after meetings! A quick thank-you email or message can keep you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.

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 serious about joining our team and contributing to the growth of Old Pilot’s Spirits and Nebo Whiskey.

We think you need these skills to ace Country Sales Manager

UK On-Trade Sales Experience
B2B Account Management
Negotiation Skills
Distributor Relationship Management
Brand Visibility Strategies
Market Feedback Analysis
Event Planning and Execution
Autonomous Working
Travel Willingness
Premium Spirits Knowledge
Commercial Experience in FMCG
Networking Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Premium Spirits: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for premium spirits shine through! Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your love for the industry and how it aligns with our brands.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your on-trade sales experience and any key achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive brand visibility and manage relationships effectively.

Be Authentic and Personal: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your application. Share what makes you unique and how your background can contribute to our mission at Duh u boci d.o.o.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Old Pilot’s - The Spirit in The Bottle Distillery

Know Your Spirits

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of premium spirits, especially Old Pilot’s Spirits and Nebo Whiskey. Understand their unique selling points, production methods, and market positioning. This will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.

Showcase Your Sales Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous sales roles in detail, particularly your experience in the UK on-trade market. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built relationships with distributors and key accounts, and how you've driven brand visibility in competitive environments.

Demonstrate Autonomy

Since this role requires a hands-on, field-based approach, be prepared to talk about times when you've successfully operated autonomously. Highlight your ability to manage your own schedule, make decisions on the fly, and drive results without constant oversight.

Ask Insightful Questions

During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that show your strategic thinking. Inquire about their plans for growth in the UK market, how they measure success in this role, and what challenges they foresee. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the company's vision.

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