Head of Global Accounts in London

Head of Global Accounts in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Pernod Ricard España SA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global account strategy and negotiate with major international partners.
  • Company: Join Pernod Ricard, a leader in the spirits industry with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, wellness programmes, and generous staff discounts.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of global travel retail and drive brand growth internationally.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in global account management and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Company: Pernod Ricard – Global Travel Retail (GTR)

Reporting to: European Commercial Director

Lead the commercial strategy for Pernod Ricard’s airport channel in Europe and beyond. Head a team of four direct Key Account Managers and collaborate with cross‑functional partners to drive brand growth and performance.

Responsibilities

  • Own and lead global trade term negotiations with major international accounts, fostering long‑lasting, strategic partnerships.
  • Serve as the single global point of contact for key customers, ensuring seamless collaboration internally and externally.
  • Develop and execute global strategies and annual plans, aligning priorities and performance goals across all regions.
  • Coordinate and influence key internal stakeholders – commercial teams, finance, operations, customer marketing, IT, and others – to ensure unified global execution.
  • Lead the global novelty listing process, driving alignment with regional teams and ensuring speed to market.
  • Champion the growth of Pernod Ricard’s brands internationally, ensuring alignment with the global strategy and shaping portfolio strategy based on shopper insights and channel performance.
  • Leverage digital touchpoints to enhance consumer engagement and elevate the shopper journey.
  • Deliver robust business performance through continuous performance analysis, opportunity identification, and competitor monitoring.
  • Oversee volume and P&L management for your accounts, providing accurate budgets and forecasts aligned with corporate planning cycles.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports to build a high‑performing, commercially focused team.

Qualifications

  • Proven senior‑level track record in global account management within the travel retail sector.
  • Exceptional communication and people‑leadership skills.
  • Experience in the spirits or wider consumer goods industry preferred.
  • High credibility with customers and deep knowledge of duty‑free channels or global key accounts.
  • Strong leadership capability, able to inspire across geographies and cultures.
  • Commercially sharp, strategically minded, and disciplined in negotiation.
  • Confident, direct communicator who can set boundaries when necessary.
  • Fluent in English; Spanish is highly beneficial.
  • Resilient, grounded, mature, and capable of managing complexity and stakeholders with ease.

Benefits

  • Private medical insurance, critical illness cover, health cash plan and dental insurance.
  • Employee pension and share incentive plan.
  • Family care, seasons‑ticket loans, gadget insurance, free mortgage advice, payroll giving.
  • Annual staff shop allowance of £444, gifts for marriage and birth, and discounts at high‑street retailers.
  • Wellness programmes including sports classes and wellbeing resources.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We will assess your application for this role based on your skills, experiences and achievements, not on any factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, education or other protected characteristics. We also welcome flexible working discussions, accommodations or support for the application process.

Head of Global Accounts in London employer: Pernod Ricard España SA

Pernod Ricard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the global travel retail sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the company provides comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, wellness programmes, and generous allowances, all while promoting a culture of inclusivity and flexibility. Located in a vibrant industry, employees have the unique opportunity to lead strategic initiatives that shape the future of renowned brands on an international scale.

Pernod Ricard España SA

Contact Details:

Pernod Ricard España SA Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Global Accounts in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and values.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Global Accounts. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.

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 take that extra step.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Global Accounts in London

Global Account Management
Commercial Strategy Development
Negotiation Skills
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Team Leadership
Performance Analysis
P&L Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Global Accounts role. Highlight your experience in global account management and any relevant achievements in the travel retail sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your leadership skills and how you've driven brand growth in previous roles. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to influence and collaborate with various stakeholders. We love a confident communicator!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates directly. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Pernod Ricard!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pernod Ricard España SA

Know Your Numbers

For a role like Head of Global Accounts, it's crucial to be well-versed in your financial acumen. Brush up on P&L management and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the financial responsibilities that come with the position.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Since this role involves leading a team of Key Account Managers, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've mentored and developed your team in the past. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with fostering a high-performing, commercially focused team.

Understand the Market Landscape

Research the travel retail sector and Pernod Ricard’s position within it. Be ready to discuss current trends, competitor strategies, and how you would leverage digital touchpoints to enhance consumer engagement. This shows that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the company's success.

Prepare for Strategic Discussions

Expect to engage in discussions about global trade term negotiations and strategic partnerships. Prepare examples of past negotiations where you’ve successfully influenced stakeholders and driven alignment across teams. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex commercial landscapes effectively.