At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales strategy and drive growth in the UK spirits market.
- Company: Join Sazerac, a family-owned company with a rich history and award-winning brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a high-performing team and shape the future of Sazerac.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-growing industry with top-tier brands.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Sazerac Company Overview
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, Buzz Ballz, Southern Comfort, Seagram's V.
O., Myers's, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.
Sazerac Company Overview
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.
Additionall Y, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Svedka, Wheatley, Buzz Ballz, Southern Comfort, Seagram's V.
O., Myers's, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.
Company/Location Overview
Sazerac UK is delivering explosive growth in the UK spirits and RTD market , now ranking in the top 10 producers in the UK.
Job Description/Responsibilities
Sazerac UKisseekinga commercially driven and strategic Sales Director, Wholesale, On-Trade and Field Sales, to lead the development and execution of our UKsales and tradestrategy.
This role will be accountable fordriving ourprofitable growth, market share, distribution, and customer partnerships across the UK'swholesale, on trade and prestige retailersand the leadership of an expanding direct and indirect field sales team.
The Sales Director, Wholesale, On-Trade and Field Saleswill ownsales strategy, customer strategy, sales performance, and commercial execution acrosswholesale, on tradeandprestige customers.
Reporting into the UK Managing Director, working closely with Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, global support teamsandas a member ofthe UK Leadership Team, this individual will ensure Sazerac's portfolio delivers sustainable, acceleratedgrowth while strengthening our position within the highly competitive UK spiritsand RTDcategory.
The successful candidate will bring a strongtrack recordof leading high-performing sales teams, managingcomplex customer relationships, and delivering ambitiousvolume, revenueand profitresultswithin the FMCG or alcoholic beverage industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Strategy & Growth
- Develop and execute the UKsales andtradestrategy aligned with Sazerac's businessobjectivesand growth ambitions.
- Deliver annual and long-range plans for volume, net sales revenue, market share, distribution, and gross profit growth.
- Identifyand unlock opportunities to accelerate growth across Sazerac'scurrent and futureportfolio of strategic and priority brands.
- Build customer and channel strategies that support both short-term performance and long-term brand development.
- Lead annual business planning processestodevelopand deliverrobust growth plans across all customers, achieving annual targets.
- Drive innovation listings, range expansion, and category growth opportunities.
- Customer Leadership
- Own executive-level relationships with key customers.
- Leadand coach team tonegotiateon joint business plans, customer investment, pricing, promotions, distribution, and commercial agreements to deliver annual targets.
- Establish Sazerac as a trusted strategic partner withkey account customers.
- Drive best-in-class customer engagement and collaboration.
- Influence category growth through strong insights, data, and customer-specific strategies.
- Represent Sazerac in external customer meetings, industry events, and strategic forums.
- Revenue, Profit & Performance Management
- Deliver agreed volume, revenue, gross profit, and market share targets.
- Manage and optimize trade investment to ensure maximum return on investment.
- Monitor business performance and implement corrective actions whererequired.
- Develop accurateforecast processes and demand planning inputs.
- Lead pricing, promotional, and assortment strategies todeliverprofitabilitytargets.
- Ensure commercial decisions deliver short term andlong termgrowth targets.
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Build, lead, coach, and develop a high-performing sales team.
- Create a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Establish clear objectives, effective development plans, and succession plans across the team.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and coaching sessions.
- Partner with HR to attract, hire, and retain top commercial talent.
- Foster an inclusive and engaging team environment that encourages growth and high performance.
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner closely with Marketing to translate brand strategies into customer-winning activation plans.
- Collaborate with Finance to deliver profitable growth and manage commercial investments effectively.
- Work with Supply Chain to ensure strong service levels, forecasting accuracy, and inventory management.
- Support innovation launches and portfolio expansion initiatives.
- Act as a key member of the UK leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy and decision-making.
- Exploit Global centres of excellence to enhance team capability and return from customer investment.
- Commercial Excellence
- Implement disciplined sales processes and performance management routines.
- Drive data-led decision making through customer, category, and market analysis.
- Develop and enhance reporting, forecasting, and sales effectiveness tools.
- Ensure best practices are shared and implemented across the organization.
- Identify opportunities to simplify processes and improve organizational effectiveness.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Commercial Management, Finance, or related field.
- Extensive experience in Customer Director / Sales Director roles within FMCG.
- A proven leadership track record, with the ability to coach and inspire a high-performance team.
- Strong P&L ownership and commercial delivery track record.
- Strong commercial acumen, with a deep understanding of grocery channel.
- Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Advanced analytical and strategic planning capabilities.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at executive level.
- Willingness to travel across the UK as required.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience within the spirits or beverage industry.
- Experience working within a matrixed or multinational organization.
- Experience leading a direct or indirect field sales team.
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Sales Director, Wholesale, On-Trade and Field Sales in Kingston upon Thames employer: Sazerac Company
Sazerac Company is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where employees can thrive in the prestigious spirits industry. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, Sazerac provides unique opportunities to engage with award-winning brands while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. The company's commitment to excellence and its family-owned values create a rewarding atmosphere for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director, Wholesale, On-Trade and Field Sales in Kingston upon Thames
✨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 Sales Director, Wholesale, On-Trade and Field Sales at Sazerac Company, 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 Sazerac Company. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Director, Wholesale, On-Trade and Field Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director, Wholesale, On-Trade and Field Sales in Kingston upon Thames
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 Sazerac Company:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Sazerac Company. 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 Sazerac Company
✨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 Sazerac Company 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 Sazerac Company 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 Sazerac Company’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.
