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 supportive team with clear career pathways.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for wine with a rewarding career in a dynamic industry.
- 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
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Wine 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 Wine Development Manager in Taunton
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like St Austell Brewery. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to St Austell Brewery
Don't be shy about reaching out to St Austell Brewery directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Wine Development Manager in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about St Austell Brewery and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Austell Brewery
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
