At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow relationships with top UK hospitality groups and drive commercial growth.
- Company: Join Ridgeview Wine Estate, a pioneer in English sparkling wine production.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to shape the future of English wine.
- Other info: Regular travel across the UK and onsite presence at our beautiful estate in East Sussex.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the premium drinks sector and elevate English sparkling wine.
- Qualifications: Experience in national account management within the drinks or FMCG sectors.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About Ridgeview
Ridgeview Wine Estate is one of England’s leading producers of award-winning sparkling wine. Founded in 1995 and based in the South Downs National Park near Brighton, Ridgeview has played a pioneering role in establishing English sparkling wine on the global stage. Combining craftsmanship, innovation and a passion for exceptional quality, Ridgeview is proud to represent the very best of English wine both nationally and internationally.
Help shape the future of premium English sparkling wine. We’re looking for a commercially driven Senior National Account Manager – On Trade to lead and grow relationships with some of the UK’s leading hospitality groups, premium operators and national on-trade customers. This is a high impact commercial role with ownership of key national accounts across pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and multi-site operators. You’ll play a pivotal role in driving distribution, winning new listings, growing market share and strengthening Ridgeview’s presence across the premium hospitality sector.
Reporting to the Director of UK Sales, you’ll combine strategic account leadership with hands-on commercial delivery in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, representing one of England’s most respected sparkling wine producers. We are particularly interested in candidates with established commercial account management experience and existing on-trade relationships who can make an immediate impact.
Location & Travel
This role is based out of Ridgeview Wine Estate in East Sussex and involves regular national travel across the UK on-trade sector. Given the collaborative and commercial nature of the role, regular onsite presence will be important, particularly during onboarding, relationship building and business planning.
What you’ll do
- Lead key national on-trade partnerships
- Manage and grow relationships with major pub, bar, restaurant and hotel groups
- Secure new listings, menu placements and distribution opportunities
- Build trusted, long-term partnerships with buyers and key stakeholders
- Drive commercial growth
- Deliver volume, revenue and profitability targets across key national accounts
- Lead commercial negotiations and customer agreements
- Identify opportunities to increase rate of sale, distribution and market share
- Own strategic account plans
- Develop and execute customer growth plans aligned to Ridgeview’s commercial strategy
- Lead activations and promotional initiatives tailored to key customers
- Collaborate closely with marketing, operations and distribution partners to maximise execution
- Champion the Ridgeview brand
- Deliver tastings, training and trade engagement activity
- Represent Ridgeview at events, tastings and industry activations
- Help elevate awareness of premium English sparkling wine across the UK on-trade sector
What you’ll bring
- Proven success managing national or key accounts within drinks, beverage or FMCG, ideally across the UK on-trade sector
- A demonstrable track record of delivering commercial growth, winning listings and developing national customer relationships
- Strong commercial acumen with experience leading negotiations, pricing and account planning
- Existing relationships and networks across the UK on-trade environment, including pub groups, bar groups, restaurant groups, hotel groups or hospitality operators
- Strong relationship-building skills with the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and buyers
- A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to thrive in a lean, ambitious team
- Wine knowledge or a WSET qualification
- Experience working with premium drinks, wine or luxury beverage brands
Why Ridgeview?
At Ridgeview, you’ll join a passionate and ambitious business at the forefront of English sparkling wine. This is an opportunity to make a genuine commercial impact, shape growth within a premium category, and work with a brand that is helping define the future of English wine.
Please note: this role is based out of Ridgeview Wine Estate in East Sussex and requires regular onsite attendance alongside national travel.
Senior National Accounts Manager - on trade in Burgess Hill employer: Ridgeview Wine Estate
Ridgeview Wine Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where passion for quality and innovation thrives. As a Senior National Account Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact in the premium hospitality sector while enjoying the benefits of working in the picturesque South Downs National Park. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, Ridgeview fosters a culture of excellence and creativity, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in the wine industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior National Accounts Manager - on trade in Burgess Hill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality sector. Attend industry events, tastings, and trade shows to meet potential contacts and showcase your passion for premium drinks.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in reaching out to key accounts. Don’t wait for them to come to you; introduce yourself and share how you can add value to their business. A personal touch can go a long way in building those all-important relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your previous successes in managing national accounts and how you’ve driven growth. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your commercial acumen and relationship-building skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Ridgeview team and contributing to the future of English sparkling wine.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior National Accounts Manager - on trade in Burgess Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior National Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing national accounts and any existing relationships you have in the on-trade sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about premium English sparkling wine and how your skills can help Ridgeview grow. Be sure to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Wine Knowledge:If you have any wine qualifications or relevant experience, make sure to highlight them. We love candidates who are knowledgeable about wine, especially if you have a WSET qualification. It shows us you're serious about the industry!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ridgeview Wine Estate
✨Know Your Wine
Brush up on your wine knowledge, especially sparkling wines. Familiarise yourself with Ridgeview's offerings and their unique selling points. Being able to discuss the brand's history and its role in the English wine scene will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Prepare to discuss your existing relationships within the UK on-trade sector. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed key accounts and secured listings. This will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running in this role.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to talk about your experience in driving commercial growth. Share concrete examples of how you've delivered on volume, revenue, and profitability targets. This will help illustrate your strategic thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Understand Ridgeview's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals of elevating English sparkling wine. Showing that you align with their vision will make a strong impression on the interviewers.
