At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key accounts and build partnerships in the UK on-trade for a premium wine brand.
- Company: Ridgeview, a leading English sparkling wine producer with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to represent a prestigious brand.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Ridgeview while enjoying the vibrant UK hospitality scene.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management within drinks or hospitality sectors is essential.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Shape the next stage of Ridgeview's growth in the UK on-trade
We are looking for an experienced National Account Manager to strengthen Ridgeview's relationships with leading regional and national on-trade customers.
This is an influential commercial role for someone who enjoys building trusted partnerships, creating opportunities and bringing an exceptional English sparkling wine brand to life.
You will take ownership of a portfolio of important accounts, including wholesalers, contract caterers, hospitality groups and other multi-site operators.
Working closely with customers and colleagues across Ridgeview, you will grow profitable distribution, secure new listings and build long-term commercial partnerships.
The role combines strategic account management with hands-on delivery.
You will have the opportunity to shape account plans, lead commercial negotiations, deliver engaging customer activations and represent Ridgeview at tastings and industry events throughout the UK.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Manage and develop Ridgeview's relationships with key regional and national on-trade and route-to-market customers.
- Create and deliver strategic account plans that support Ridgeview's on-trade ambitions.
- Identify and secure new listings, menu placements and distribution opportunities.
- Deliver agreed volume, revenue and profit targets across your accounts.
- Lead pricing, contract and commercial negotiations.
- Manage account-level profitability, budgets and sales forecasts.
- Use customer, category and market insight to identify opportunities and improve performance.
- Work collaboratively with Ridgeview's marketing, operations and distribution partners to deliver customer initiatives.
- Build trusted relationships with buyers, category managers, wholesale sales teams and on-trade operators.
- Deliver training, tastings and engaging educational sessions for customers and trade partners.
- Represent Ridgeview professionally at customer meetings, trade tastings and industry events.
- Maintain accurate account, sales and pipeline information through Ridgeview's CRM systems.
About You
You will bring
- Proven experience of managing national or key accounts within drinks, hospitality or fast-moving consumer goods.
- A demonstrable record of delivering growth across on-trade accounts.
- An established network across the UK on-trade sector.
- Strong commercial judgement and negotiation skills, including experience of managing pricing and profitability.
- Excellent relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to engage and positively influence customer networks.
- Strong organisational, planning and account management capability.
- A proactive and practical approach, with the ability to take responsibility and follow opportunities through to delivery.
- The ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a lean, entrepreneurial team.
It would also be helpful if you have
- Good wine knowledge and a Wine & Spirit Education Trust qualification or equivalent.
- Experience of working with premium drinks brands, preferably within the wine sector.
- Experience of using digital and AI-enabled tools to analyse information and support commercial decision-making.
- TRAVEL AND WORKING HOURS
This role is based at Ridgeview Wine Estate in East Sussex and involves frequent travel to customer sites throughout the UK.
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are required due to customer travel and attendance at trade events.
Ridgeview will consider reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
Some evening and weekend work will be required for customer events, trade tastings and other business activities.
Wherever reasonably possible, these commitments will be planned in advance.
INCLUSION AT RIDGEVIEW
Ridgeview is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our communities.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and value the different experiences and perspectives each person brings.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
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National Account Manager | On Trade in Ditchling employer: Ridgeview Wine Estate
Ridgeview Wine Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can shape the future of a prestigious English sparkling wine brand. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, you'll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships within the vibrant UK on-trade sector while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of East Sussex. Our commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse backgrounds ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute to our shared success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager | On Trade in Ditchling
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like National Account Manager | On Trade at Ridgeview Wine Estate, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Ridgeview Wine Estate. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a National Account Manager | On Trade. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager | On Trade in Ditchling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Ridgeview Wine Estate:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Ridgeview Wine Estate. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ridgeview Wine Estate
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Ridgeview Wine Estate that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Ridgeview Wine Estate that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Ridgeview Wine Estate’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
