Sales Business Development Manager (UK - Manchester) in Kingston upon Thames

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Traveller, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Svedka, Wheatley, BuzzBallz, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to join one of the most exciting spirits companies in the World. Sazerac Company is one of the UK’s leading spirit distributors and brand builders representing an award-winning range of Sazerac owned and third-party agency spirit brands. Our enviable, diverse portfolio of award-winning brands include Fireball, Buffalo Trace, Tequila Rose, BuzzBallz, Southern Comfort, and Antica Sambuca.

We are looking for passionate and driven individuals who have a solid understanding of the UK spirit’s market. Ideally, we are looking for candidates who have worked within the FMCG/ alcoholic beverages industry with business development experience. If you’re looking to make your mark in a fast-paced environment and join a rapidly growing drinks company, then this opportunity might just be for you.

Job Purpose

Building Sazerac brands, and agency brands by implementing activation and promotional programmes across independent retailers, and independent cash & carry outlets. Delivering exceptional performance and execution, driving volume and distribution of the Sazerac portfolio. Supporting the National Account Managers with activations, and merchandising. Reporting back opportunities to grow the Sazerac portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Territory Management: Manage a designated territory and establish strong relationships with independent retail accounts, and independent cash and carry accounts, including convenience stores, and specialty off licensed stores. Regularly visit these accounts to promote products, build rapport, and drive sales.
• Sales Target Achievement: Develop and implement effective sales strategies and plans to achieve or exceed sales targets. Utilize a consultative sales approach to understand customer needs, provide product recommendations, activate displays, multi buys, POS, and close sales.
• Product Promotion and Brand Awareness: Showcase our portfolio to independent cash and carry’s, and retailers through engaging product presentations, tastings, and demonstrations. Educate buyers and retailers about the unique selling points, quality, and benefits of our products to increase brand awareness and drive sales for both customers and Sazerac UK.
• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, store owners, and staff in independent cash & carry’s and retail accounts. Act as a trusted advisor and provide exceptional customer service to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Market Insights and Feedback: Gather market intelligence, competitor information, and customer feedback to provide valuable insights to the sales and marketing teams. Contribute to the development of sales strategies, product enhancements, and marketing initiatives based on customer and market needs.
• Sales Reporting and Administration: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of sales activities, customer interactions, and sales-related expenses using CRM tools or other designated systems. Prepare regular sales reports, forecasts, and other administrative tasks as required.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate closely with internal teams, including marketing, logistics, and customer service, to ensure smooth order processing, timely delivery, and exceptional customer support. Communicate customer needs and requirements effectively to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Proven experience in field sales, or business development, preferably within the drinks industry or related FMCG sectors.
• Strong knowledge of the independent retail sector, including understanding customer dynamics, market trends, and competitor landscape.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with independent retailers.
• Results-oriented mindset with a track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a field-based role.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in using CRM software, MS Office Suite, and other sales-related tools.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the assigned territory.