At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships and drive sales for premium spirits in Scotland and Northern England.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, innovative spirits company with international ambitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, travel expenses covered, and career progression.
- Other info: Ideal for bartenders or brand ambassadors ready to step into a commercial role.
- Why this job: Exciting opportunity to learn about premium drinks and make an impact in the hospitality industry.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years in hospitality or sales, strong relationship skills, and a passion for spirits.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Scotland & North of England Field-Based | Full-Time | Competitive Salary + Bonus
Rutland Square Spirits is building a premium spirits company from Scotland with international ambitions. We are a young, fast-growing drinks business focused on developing distinctive spirits brands and expanding distribution across key hospitality markets. With strong traction in the UK on-trade and international expansion underway, we are continuing to grow our presence across Scotland and the North of England.
We are now looking for a Business Development Executive to join the commercial team and help drive the next stage of growth. This is an exciting opportunity for someone early in their commercial career who understands hospitality and wants to learn how premium spirits brands are built and scaled in the on-trade.
You may currently be working as a brand ambassador, bartender, bar manager, account executive or junior field sales representative, and be ready to step into a role with more commercial responsibility. You will manage a territory across Scotland and into Northern England, building relationships with venues and route-to-market partners while developing distribution for the Rutland Square Spirits portfolio.
The Role:
This is a hands-on field sales role where success comes from building strong relationships and maintaining consistent activity across your territory. Your responsibilities will include:
- Securing new listings in high-quality on-trade venues
- Developing relationships with bartenders, venue managers and buyers
- Supporting existing accounts to increase visibility and rate of sale
- Working with wholesalers and route-to-market partners to expand distribution
- Supporting cocktail menu placements and brand activations
- Delivering tastings and staff training sessions in venues
- Managing territory planning, activity tracking and reporting
What Success Looks Like:
Success in this role will be measured by:
- Growth in active distribution across your territory
- New listings in priority on-trade venues
- Strong engagement with wholesalers and route-to-market partners
- Increased rate of sale within existing accounts
- Consistent activation activity including tastings, menu placements and trainings
What We’re Looking For:
We are looking for someone who enjoys hospitality culture and is excited about building a premium drinks brand in the on-trade. You may have:
- 1–3 years experience in hospitality, drinks, FMCG or field sales
- A strong understanding of how on-trade venues operate
- Existing relationships within the bar and hospitality community (helpful but not essential)
- Confidence talking about spirits, cocktails and brands
- Strong organisation and territory management skills
- A proactive, energetic and relationship-focused mindset
- A full UK driving licence
Most importantly, we are looking for someone motivated, personable and excited about the drinks industry.
This Role Could Be Ideal If You Are:
- A brand ambassador ready to move into a commercial role
- A bartender or bar manager interested in a career in spirits sales
- A junior field sales representative or account executive looking to specialise in premium drinks
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary plus performance bonus
- Travel expenses covered
- Ownership of your own sales territory
- Opportunity to learn the commercial side of the premium spirits industry
- Career progression as the company continues to grow
For the right person, this role offers a clear pathway into a long-term career in premium drinks sales, brand building and international spirits distribution.
How to Apply:
Please send a short note answering the following question: Tell us about two on-trade venues you know well in Scotland or Northern England. Why are they influential in their local scene, and which spirits brands perform well there?
Application Deadline: Applications will close on 27 March 2026. We encourage early applications as interviews may begin before the closing date.
Apply via LinkedIn or email: Paul Crolla paul@rutlandsquare.com
Business Development Executive – On Trade Spirits in Edinburgh employer: Rutland Square Spirits Ltd
Rutland Square Spirits is an exceptional employer for those looking to grow their careers in the premium drinks industry. With a vibrant work culture that values relationship-building and hands-on experience, employees enjoy competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and the opportunity to manage their own sales territories across Scotland and Northern England. As a fast-growing company, we offer clear pathways for career progression and the chance to be part of an exciting journey in developing distinctive spirits brands.
Contact Details:
Rutland Square Spirits Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive – On Trade Spirits in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local scene! Research the on-trade venues in Scotland and Northern England. Understanding their vibe and what spirits they favour will help you make a great impression when you reach out.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, tastings, or even local bar nights. Building relationships with bartenders and venue managers can open doors for you and give you insights into what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for spirits! When you chat with potential employers or partners, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about your favourite brands and why you love them – it’ll make you memorable!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your personality and passion in action. A direct application gives us a chance to connect with you better than just a CV ever could.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive – On Trade Spirits in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Personal and Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get a sense of who you are, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for the drinks industry and hospitality culture.
Showcase Your Knowledge:Make sure to highlight your understanding of the on-trade scene. Mention specific venues you know well and why they matter. This shows us that you’re not just applying for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in this role.
Answer the Question Thoughtfully:Remember to directly address the question about the two on-trade venues in your application. We’re looking for insight into their influence and which spirits brands thrive there, so be detailed and thoughtful in your response.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutland Square Spirits Ltd
✨Know Your Venues
Before the interview, research two on-trade venues in Scotland or Northern England that you know well. Be ready to discuss why they are influential and which spirits brands thrive there. This shows your understanding of the market and your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
If you have existing relationships within the bar and hospitality community, highlight them during the interview. Talk about how these connections can help you secure new listings and expand distribution for Rutland Square Spirits.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Express your excitement about the premium drinks industry and your motivation to build a brand. Share any relevant experiences from your background in hospitality or sales that showcase your proactive and energetic mindset.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would approach territory management, activity tracking, and reporting. Think of specific strategies you would use to engage with wholesalers and route-to-market partners, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the hands-on nature of the role.
