Head of Sales in Ditchling

Head of Sales in Ditchling

Ditchling Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead UK sales strategy and drive growth for a premium English wine brand.
  • Company: Join Ridgeview, a pioneering name in the English wine movement.
  • Benefits: Be part of a passionate team with a commitment to quality and sustainability.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a prestigious brand while inspiring a high-performing sales team.
  • Qualifications: Senior-level sales experience in FMCG or premium drinks with proven growth track record.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We are proud to be partnered exclusively with the premium, category-leading English wine brand, Ridgeview wine estate, in recruiting a Head of UK sales. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for driving Ridgeview’s UK sales performance across on-trade, off-trade, prestige and key account channels. You will own the UK sales strategy, lead a high-performing team, and deliver sustainable growth while protecting and elevating a premium, award-winning brand.

Why this role?

  • Be part of a pioneering English wine house, internationally recognised for award-winning sparkling wines and category leadership.
  • Take full ownership of UK sales strategy, driving growth while protecting and enhancing a premium brand position.
  • Play a central role in shaping how Ridgeview shows up across the UK trade—from prestigious on-trade venues to leading retail partners.
  • Work closely with the CEO and leadership team, influencing the direction and future of the business.
  • Lead and inspire a team within a culture that values quality, collaboration and long-term thinking over short-term wins.
  • Represent a brand with genuine story, provenance and purpose—one that resonates with customers, partners and consumers alike.

The Role

  • Develop and deliver the UK sales strategy aligned to ambitious growth plans.
  • Own and deliver commercial performance across all channels, including P&L responsibility, budgets and forecasting.
  • Identify and unlock new business opportunities across on-trade, retail and route-to-market partners.
  • Lead all major commercial negotiations, including pricing, contracts, tenders and strategic agreements.
  • Build and maintain senior relationships with key customers, distributors and industry partners.
  • Drive promotional strategy and commercial frameworks to maximise return and brand positioning.
  • Lead, coach and develop the sales team, creating a high-performance, accountable culture.
  • Work cross-functionally with Marketing and other teams to ensure alignment between brand and commercial execution.
  • Act as a senior ambassador for the brand across trade, events and industry forums.

The Company

Ridgeview is at the forefront of the English wine movement. From its Sussex vineyards to some of the UK’s most prestigious listings, the brand has built its reputation on precision, passion and a relentless commitment to quality. As one of the founding names in English sparkling wine, Ridgeview combines heritage with ambition—continuing to push boundaries while staying true to its roots. The business is driven by a belief in long-term partnerships, sustainable growth and creating wines that stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the world. Joining Ridgeview means becoming part of a story that is still being written—one where commercial success and brand integrity go hand in hand.

You

The ideal candidate will bring senior-level sales leadership experience within FMCG, wine, or premium drinks, with a proven track record of delivering sustained commercial growth over a two- to three-year period. They will have significant experience managing and developing key prestige and national accounts, supported by an established network across UK trade channels, including on-trade, off-trade, and distributor relationships. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to develop and execute effective sales strategies, alongside full P&L ownership, including budgeting, forecasting, and margin management. Strong commercial and financial acumen is essential, as is a results-driven mindset and the ability to maximise performance across multiple channels. The role requires advanced negotiation skills, with experience leading high-value contracts and managing complex commercial agreements. The successful candidate will also have a strong background in leading, coaching, and developing high-performing sales teams, and will be comfortable operating in a lean, fast-paced, and hands-on environment. Excellent stakeholder management skills are critical, with the ability to influence at senior level both internally and externally.

Head of Sales in Ditchling employer: Ridgeview Wine Estate

Ridgeview Wine Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead sales for a pioneering English wine brand renowned for its award-winning sparkling wines. With a strong emphasis on quality, collaboration, and long-term growth, employees are encouraged to thrive in a supportive culture that values innovation and integrity. Located in the picturesque Sussex vineyards, Ridgeview not only provides a dynamic work environment but also fosters personal and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about the premium drinks industry.
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Contact Detail:

Ridgeview Wine Estate Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Sales in Ditchling

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend wine events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Sales role at Ridgeview.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on sales strategies and market trends in the wine industry. This will demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching Ridgeview's brand story and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth while maintaining their premium image. Tailor your answers to reflect their mission and culture.

✨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 the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales in Ditchling

Sales Leadership
UK Sales Strategy Development
Commercial Performance Management
P&L Responsibility
Budgeting and Forecasting
Business Development
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Team Leadership and Coaching
FMCG Industry Knowledge
Key Account Management
Relationship Building
Results-Driven Mindset
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Sales role. Highlight your experience in FMCG or premium drinks, and showcase how your skills align with Ridgeview's mission and values.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven sales growth and managed key accounts. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics that demonstrate your success!

Be Authentic: Ridgeview values a genuine story and purpose, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for wine and how it connects to your professional journey.

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 this exciting opportunity at Ridgeview!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ridgeview Wine Estate

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Head of Sales, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on your P&L management, budgeting, and forecasting skills. Be ready to discuss specific figures from your past roles that showcase your ability to drive sales growth.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

This role requires leading a high-performing team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully coached and developed sales teams in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.

✨Understand the Brand's Story

Ridgeview is all about quality and heritage. Familiarise yourself with their brand story and values. During the interview, express how you can align your sales strategies with their mission to elevate the brand while driving growth.

✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios

Given the importance of negotiation in this role, think of past experiences where you successfully managed complex agreements. Be ready to discuss your negotiation tactics and how you’ve secured beneficial outcomes for your previous employers.

Head of Sales in Ditchling
Ridgeview Wine Estate
Location: Ditchling

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