At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive wine sales, build customer relationships, and deliver engaging training sessions.
- Company: Join St Austell Brewery, a historic leader in brewing and hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, bonuses, and fantastic career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with clear career pathways.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for wine with a rewarding sales career.
- Qualifications: Proven wine knowledge and experience in commercial sales required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Experience more with St Austell Brewery in this exciting opportunity to combine commercial ambition with a genuine passion for wine.
For over 175 years, St Austell Brewery has been crafting quality beers, running award-winning pubs and serving communities across the South West.
Today, we're a leading brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale business, united by a shared purpose: brewing great experiences for generations to come.
Our passion for wine dates back to 1851.
You could say it's in our blood.
In fact, our founder, Walter Hicks, was a wine merchant before he brewed the first drop of our award-winning beers.
Today, we are proud to offer an eclectic wine list working with exceptional wineries from across the globe, with around 500 wines available exclusively to the on-trade.
As a Wine Development Manager, you will drive profitable wine sales by securing new business opportunities, growing existing customer accounts and supporting Sales Development Managers to maximise wine sales across the region.
Acting as the region's wine specialist, you'll build trusted customer relationships through expert advice, wine list development, training and category support, helping customers create engaging and commercially successful wine offers.
(Please note this role is based in the Dorset / Hampshire area)
Key Responsibilities
- Drive profitable growth by securing new wine business, growing existing accounts and supporting Sales Development
Managers to maximise wine opportunities across the region.
- Act as a trusted wine specialist, building strong customer relationships through wine consultancy, list development, category support and strategic account management.
- Identify opportunities to increase wine distribution, premiumisation, sales performance and profitability.
- Deliver wine training, tastings, events and educational support for customers, Sales Development Managers and the wider sales team.
- Work closely with suppliers to support promotions, product launches, customer events and commercial opportunities while maintaining awareness of industry trends and market developments.
- Analyse customer performance, identify growth opportunities, manage customer records and collaborate with internal teams to deliver excellent customer service.
- Act as an ambassador for St Austell
Brewery, upholding company values, policies and professional standards.
About You
- Proven wine knowledge and a genuine passion for the wine industry.
- Minimum of two years' experience in a commercial sales environment.
- Excellent relationship-building, negotiation and communication skills.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify profitable opportunities.
- Confident presenting and delivering engaging training sessions.
- Highly organised with strong time management skills.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently while managing priorities effectively.
- Computer literate with experience using
Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
- Knowledge of the local hospitality market and trading area.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- WSET Level 3 Award in Wines (or equivalent).
- Experience within the wine wholesale, hospitality or drinks industry.
- Experience creating wine lists or supporting wine category development within hospitality businesses.
What we offer in return
- Company bonus scheme
- 30% discount on food & drink within our managed pubs
- 30% off in our Visitors Centre shop including brands like Yeti, St. Eval, Atlantic blankets
- 50% discount on accommodation within the managed estate
- Fantastic training & career development opportunities
- Pension Scheme - 4% Employee and Employer or increase to 5%
- Cycle to work scheme
- Westfield Health cash plan – Claim money back for Dental, Eye Care, Physio etc.
- Westfield Rewards – Shopping rewards
- Have a voice in shaping our workplace through employee-led forums and working groups, influencing policies, and initiatives
Access to Thrive, our learning platform packed with training, resources and development opportunities,
- Clear career pathways designed to help you grow
Sales Development Manager in Taunton employer: St Austell Brewery
St Austell Brewery offers an exceptional work environment at The Rose & Crown pub, where you can lead a passionate team in a family-friendly atmosphere. With opportunities for career progression, generous perks like discounts on food and drinks, and a complimentary two-night stay at our pubs each year, you'll thrive in the beautiful South Hams while making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Development Manager in Taunton
✨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 Development Manager at St Austell Brewery, 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 St Austell Brewery. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Development Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Development Manager in Taunton
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 St Austell Brewery:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for St Austell Brewery. 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 St Austell Brewery
✨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 St Austell Brewery 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 St Austell Brewery 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 St Austell Brewery’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.