Key Account Executive National On Trade (Manchester IFT)

Key Account Executive National On Trade (Manchester IFT)

Manchester Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Suntory Global Spirits

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage key accounts in Manchester's vibrant On Trade scene and drive brand growth.
  • Company: Join Suntory Global Spirits, a leader in premium spirits with a rich heritage.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment where your unique insights are valued.
  • Why this job: Be the face of iconic brands and create memorable experiences in the hospitality industry.
  • Qualifications: 2-3 years in sales or account management, with a passion for Manchester's hospitality scene.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Suntory Global Spirits is a world leader in premium spirits. With a clear vision and strategy, a world‑class portfolio of brands, and an inclusive, engaging culture, the business is growing its global footprint with an ambition to achieve $10B in sales by 2030. We are a company rooted in two centuries of family heritage with a rich interplay of diverse cultures. Combining the new with the familiar, we encourage our people to inspire brilliance, push boundaries, and pursue excellence and quality at every step. Unleash Your Spirit and join a global team dedicated to crafting new experiences, from seed to sip.

As Suntory Global Spirits accelerates its global footprint, we are establishing our own commercial business in the UK. As one of the largest, most sophisticated spirits markets in the world, the UK offers significant potential for our portfolio of premium brands. We’re building a world‑class team to create a new and exciting business that is rooted in strong foundations, led by our values and long‑term commercial ambition.

As Key Accounts Executive, you will be the face of our brands to key customers in the Manchester On Trade using your knowledge, experience and the stories behind our brands to build and grow long‑lasting and sustainable relationships that support our brand and commercial objectives in the UK. This is a great opportunity to build on your commercial experience, support our growth and help us create more meaningful moments with our consumers across a wide range of diverse Manchester IFT accounts.

Role Responsibilities
  • Act as the Suntory Global Spirits lead for the Manchester On Trade, managing key Independent Free Trade (IFT) and group accounts.
  • Execute the SGS 6P strategy in partnership with customers to drive mutual growth and deliver brand objectives.
  • Build strong, long‑term customer relationships by creating excitement around our brands and being easy to do business with.
  • Maintain a strong presence in the market (“Gemba”), identifying trends, emerging opportunities, and key growth areas across Manchester.
  • Conduct regular business reviews, provide commercial solutions, and support customers in achieving shared success.
  • Collaborate closely with internal teams, including Commercial Marketing and Finance, to maximise impact and execution in market.
  • Champion professionalism, compliance, and high standards across all customer interactions.
Key Skills & Behaviours
  • Commercially minded with an entrepreneurial and proactive approach.
  • Strong influencing, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
  • Confident communicator with effective presentation and stakeholder management abilities.
  • Customer‑focused, collaborative, and results‑driven.
  • Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills with a solutions‑focused mindset.
  • Passion for hospitality, culture, and trends within the Manchester market.
Qualifications
  • 2–3 years’ experience in sales or commercial roles, including On Trade account management.
  • Strong understanding of the Manchester hospitality and On Trade landscape, including key venues, hotspots, and emerging areas.
  • Proven ability to build customer partnerships and deliver commercial growth.

At Suntory Global Spirits, people are our number one priority, and we believe our people grow together in diverse and inclusive environments where their unique insights, experiences and backgrounds are valued and respected. Suntory Global Spirits is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, military veteran status and all other characteristics, attributes or choices protected by law. All recruitment and hiring decisions are based on an applicant’s skills and experience.

Key Account Executive National On Trade (Manchester IFT) employer: Suntory Global Spirits

Suntory Global Spirits is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth. As a Key Account Executive in Manchester, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships within a dynamic market while being part of a global team dedicated to excellence and innovation. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on creating memorable experiences, Suntory provides a unique environment where your contributions directly impact the success of our premium brands.

Suntory Global Spirits

Contact Details:

Suntory Global Spirits Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Key Account Executive National On Trade (Manchester IFT)

Tip Number 1

Get to know the Manchester On Trade scene like the back of your hand! Visit key venues, chat with staff, and soak up the local culture. This will not only help you understand the market but also give you some great talking points when you meet potential clients.

Tip Number 2

Networking is key! Attend industry events, join local hospitality groups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Building relationships in the Manchester area can open doors and give you insights that are invaluable for your role as a Key Account Executive.

Tip Number 3

When you get the chance to meet with potential clients, come prepared with tailored solutions that align with their needs. Show them how Suntory's brands can elevate their offerings and drive mutual growth. Remember, it’s all about creating excitement around our products!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand right from the start.

We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Executive National On Trade (Manchester IFT)

Account Management
Sales Experience
Commercial Strategy
Relationship Building
Influencing Skills
Negotiation Skills
Presentation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Spirits:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the spirits industry shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your love for premium brands and how they connect with consumers.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in sales and account management, especially within the On Trade sector, and demonstrate how your skills align with our values and objectives.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us see your key skills and experiences without getting lost in unnecessary details.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Suntory Global Spirits!

How to prepare for a job interview at Suntory Global Spirits

Know Your Brands Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into Suntory's portfolio of brands. Understand their stories, unique selling points, and how they fit into the Manchester On Trade landscape. This knowledge will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your passion for the role.

Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built long-term relationships with clients. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've created excitement around products. This is crucial for a Key Account Executive role, so make sure to have specific anecdotes ready.

Stay Current on Market Trends

Research the latest trends in the Manchester hospitality scene. Be ready to discuss emerging opportunities and key growth areas during your interview. Showing that you're proactive and knowledgeable about the market will impress the interviewers and align with their expectations.

Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen

Be prepared to discuss how you've driven commercial growth in previous roles. Use metrics and results to back up your claims. This will showcase your understanding of the business side of things and your ability to contribute to Suntory's ambitious goals.