Key Account Manager – Festivals & Events
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to join one of the most exciting spirits companies in the World. Sazerac UK 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, the UK’s largest American whiskey liqueur brand, Southern Comfort, and the number 1 sambuca brand in the UK, Antica Sambuca.
We are looking for enthusiastic 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 are looking to make your mark in a fast-paced environment and join a rapidly growing drinks company, then this is the role for you.
Job Description/Responsibilities
The Key Account Manager is focused on opening new business and driving brand distribution and volume by implementing commercial and activation programmes within Festivals and Events in the UK. They will build and manage a core number of key accounts, whilst gaining new business through wholesaler relationships to grow sales.
Key Responsibilities & Critical Success Measures
• Be accountable for directly managing the festival & events strategy to deliver incremental sales in new and existing customers.
• Strong management skills with good experience in leading tenders from planning, commercials, presentation skills and presenting to customers to deliver company objectives and KPI’s.
• Implement promotional activity that is in line with brand guidelines to engage, build and drive brand performance and awareness.
• Manage customer P&Ls to unlock and deliver.
• Achieve preferred partner status with key outlets by developing tailored solutions to meet consumer needs and establishing expert status through advice on the Spirits Category, proposing range by segmentation.
• Identifying opportunities via market intelligence and networking with customers.
• Ensure, that customers are equipped to serve and promote the Brand to consumers and enable them to become champions/ambassadors for our brands.
• Record CRM data on to capture sales call, distribution, and promotional activity data.
• Build cross functional relationships to inspire and influence both internal and external stakeholder management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
• Strong communication
• Broad knowledge of UK on trade and strong commercial experience ideally with a Spirits background and/or Festivals and Events.
• Comprehensive understanding and working knowledge of brand building with the ability to balance commercial delivery.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills with the ability to develop and maintain relationships at all levels.
• Financial acumen.
• Strong understanding of balance between commercial delivery and brand building agenda.
• Strong IT skills and able to use data to interpret insights
• Strong presentation skills and experience at delivering training / presentations.
• Previous experience in sales is essential.
• Ideally educated to degree level.
Personal Characteristics
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, credibility, trust, and respect both internally and externally.
• Creative with an entrepreneurial spirit and passion to build and develop the on-trade business.
• Strong relationship management skills
• Ability to influence at a variety of levels.
• Adaptable and resilient.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager in Telford
✨Leverage Local Networking Events
Field sales is all about building relationships, so look out for local networking events or industry meetups. These gatherings are prime spots for making connections with potential clients and employers. Bring your A-game and chat about your experiences—first impressions matter!
✨Showcase Your Sales Success Stories
Prepare a couple of solid success stories from your past experiences in sales to share during interviews. Think about specific targets you hit or ways you went above and beyond for your clients. Don't be shy—these stories help illustrate your value to Sazerac UK as a field sales pro!
✨Scout Out the Competition
Research potential competitors for Sazerac UK and tailor your approach based on what you find. Understanding their sales strategies will not only help you in interviews, but also give you better talking points when you connect with current employees or industry pros on platforms like LinkedIn.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We know that applying through job boards is tempting, but hitting up Sazerac UK’s website directly can show your genuine interest. Plus, you might find some hidden gems or roles that haven't been advertised yet. So, make it a priority to check it out!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Sales Savvy:For a field-sales role like this one at Sazerac UK, highlight your previous sales experience prominently on your CV. Use specific numbers to showcase your achievements—think along the lines of 'exceeded sales targets by 20%' or 'expanded client base by 50%'. We want to see your skills in action!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the role at Sazerac UK, but also your understanding of the field sales landscape. Talk about what strategies you've successfully employed in past positions and how they could translate to success in this new role. This is your chance to shine!
Emphasise Interpersonal Skills:Field sales isn't just about the sale—it's about building relationships. Make sure to highlight your communication and negotiation skills in your application materials. We’re all about someone who can connect with clients, so weave those soft skills into your CV and cover letter.
Proof of Performance:If you have any sales certifications or training, definitely include those in your application. They add credibility and show your commitment to growing your sales skills. We believe in the power of ongoing development, so don’t hesitate to include those details to stand out to us at Sazerac UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sazerac UK
✨Show Off Your Sales Savvy
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of key sales techniques and terminologies. We can expect to dive into your past sales experiences, so be ready to discuss your approach to prospecting, closing deals, and managing client relationships. A few solid examples of your past successes could really make you stand out!
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Having a solid understanding of the products or services that Sazerac UK offers is essential. We want to hear how you would convey the value of these to potential clients and address any common objections they might have. If you can tie your knowledge back to real-life scenarios, that'll make your answers even more compelling!
✨Flex Your Adaptability Muscles
As a full-time field-sales rep, your day can be unpredictable. Be prepared to share how you've adapted your sales strategies to different situations or client needs. We love to hear stories where you’ve had to think on your feet or adjust your pitch mid-meeting—this shows you’re not just a one-size-fits-all salesperson!
✨Plan Your Questions Wisely
At the end of the interview, we'll likely ask if you have any questions for us. Use this opportunity to ask about the sales team's culture and the tools you'll be using out in the field. This not only shows your genuine interest in Sazerac UK but also helps you get a feel for whether you’d thrive in that environment.
