Senior National Accounts Manager - on trade in Hassocks
Senior National Accounts Manager - on trade

Senior National Accounts Manager - on trade in Hassocks

Hassocks Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage key national accounts in the on-trade sector and drive sales performance.
  • Company: Join Ridgeview, a premium English sparkling wine brand with a strong market presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with a passionate team.
  • Why this job: Be part of a growing brand and make an impact in the hospitality industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in account management within drinks or hospitality sectors is essential.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Location: UK (national travel required)

Contract: Full-Time - 37.5 hours per week - non-traditional hours

Reporting to: Head of UK Sales

Role Overview

The Senior National Account Manager - On Trade is responsible for managing and developing Ridgeview's relationships with key national on-trade customers across the UK, including pub groups, bar groups, restaurant groups, hotels, and other multi-site operators. The role holds direct responsibility for delivering sales performance across assigned national accounts, including volume, revenue, and profitability, while strengthening long-term commercial partnerships and expanding Ridgeview's presence within the on-trade channel. This is a commercially focused role combining strategic account leadership, negotiation, planning, and execution, with a strong emphasis on growing distribution and market share for premium English sparkling wine.

Key Responsibilities

  • National Account Management
    • Manage and develop relationships with national on-trade customers including pub groups, bar groups, restaurant groups, hotel groups, and multi-site operators
    • Identify and secure new listings, distribution growth, and menu placements across key accounts
    • Lead negotiations on pricing, contracts, and commercial agreements
    • Build strong, long-term partnerships with key stakeholders including buyers, category managers, and operators
    • Represent Ridgeview as a trusted commercial partner within the on-trade channel
  • Commercial Performance & Ownership
    • Deliver volume, revenue, and profit targets across assigned national accounts
    • Manage account-level P&L performance, forecasting, and budget delivery
    • Identify and implement opportunities to drive distribution, rate of sale, and customer engagement
    • Monitor performance against targets and take proactive action to deliver results
  • Account Planning & Execution
    • Develop and deliver structured account plans aligned to Ridgeview's on-trade channel strategy
    • Lead customer activations, promotional activity, and tailored commercial initiatives
    • Work cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and distribution partners to ensure effective delivery
    • Support national initiatives that strengthen Ridgeview's presence in the on-trade sector
  • Market & Customer Insight
    • Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer performance within the on-trade channel
    • Provide insight-led recommendations to improve performance and unlock new opportunities
    • Maintain strong awareness of the premium wine and hospitality landscape
  • Reporting & Administration
    • Maintain accurate reporting on sales performance, forecasts, and activity
    • Use CRM systems to track account engagement, opportunities, and pipeline development
    • Provide regular performance updates to the Head of UK Sales
  • Brand Representation
    • Deliver training, tastings, and engagement sessions for customers and trade partners
    • Represent Ridgeview professionally across industry events, trade tastings, and customer interactions
    • Engage customers and trade influencers through platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn
    • Provide engaging news and information to PR and digital media agencies for amplification

Person Specification

Essential

  • Proven experience managing national or key accounts within drinks, hospitality, or FMCG
  • Strong commercial and negotiation skills
  • Demonstrated track record delivering growth across on-trade accounts
  • Excellent relationship management and communication skills
  • Strong organisational, planning, and account management capability
  • Ability to work effectively within a lean, entrepreneurial team environment
  • Established network across the UK on-trade sector

Desirable

  • Wine knowledge (WSET qualification desirable)
  • Experience working with premium drinks brands

Key Attributes

  • Builds strong, lasting relationships based on trust, credibility, and consistency
  • Demonstrates clear commercial awareness, confidently managing pricing, negotiations, and profitability
  • Takes ownership of account performance with a strong focus on delivering results
  • Works collaboratively while maintaining accountability for individual performance
  • Brings a proactive, hands-on approach and follows through with pace and attention to detail
  • Communicates clearly and professionally, building confidence with internal and external stakeholders
  • Continuously develops knowledge of customers, category dynamics, and the wider on-trade market

Other Requirements

  • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle due to customer travel and event attendance
  • Ability to travel nationally and work non-traditional hours when required

Senior National Accounts Manager - on trade in Hassocks employer: Ridgeview Wine Estate

Ridgeview is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, perfect for those passionate about the premium drinks industry. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, Ridgeview offers opportunities for professional development and the chance to build lasting relationships within the vibrant UK on-trade sector. The role of Senior National Account Manager not only allows for strategic influence over key accounts but also provides the unique advantage of representing a prestigious English sparkling wine brand across diverse hospitality venues nationwide.
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Contact Detail:

Ridgeview Wine Estate Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior National Accounts Manager - on trade in Hassocks

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the on-trade sector. Attend industry events, tastings, and trade shows to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for premium drinks.

✨Tip Number 2

Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like Ridgeview, and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can go a long way!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to share insights about market trends and customer engagement strategies. This not only highlights your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the industry.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After meeting someone or applying for a role, send a quick message to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior National Accounts Manager - on trade in Hassocks

National Account Management
Commercial Negotiation
Sales Performance Management
P&L Management
Account Planning
Market Insight Analysis
Relationship Management
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Team Collaboration
Wine Knowledge
Customer Engagement
CRM Systems Proficiency
Strategic Planning
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior National Account Manager. Highlight your experience in managing national accounts and any relevant achievements in the drinks or hospitality sectors. We want to see how you can bring value to Ridgeview!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the on-trade sector and how your skills align with our goals. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that demonstrate your negotiation and relationship management skills.

Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, don’t forget to highlight your commercial awareness and any successful strategies you've implemented in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can drive sales performance, so give us examples of how you've done this before!

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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the Ridgeview team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ridgeview Wine Estate

✨Know Your Accounts

Before the interview, dive deep into understanding Ridgeview's key national accounts. Familiarise yourself with their current partnerships and any recent news about them. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge of the on-trade sector and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare specific examples of past negotiations you've led, especially in the drinks or hospitality sectors. Highlight how you secured new listings or improved terms for existing accounts. This will illustrate your strong commercial acumen and ability to drive results.

✨Demonstrate Relationship Management

Think of instances where you've built long-term relationships with clients or stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you maintain trust and credibility, as this is crucial for managing national accounts effectively. Use real-life examples to make your points relatable.

✨Stay Current on Market Trends

Research the latest trends in the premium wine and hospitality landscape. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact Ridgeview and its on-trade strategy. Showing that you’re informed will position you as a proactive candidate who can contribute valuable insights.

Senior National Accounts Manager - on trade in Hassocks
Ridgeview Wine Estate
Location: Hassocks

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