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- Tasks: Lead sales efforts for a bold drinks startup, driving growth and building key relationships.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven, independent brand shaking up the UK drinks market.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to shape a growing brand.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey, making a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Sales experience in the drinks industry and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
- Other info: Work closely with the founder and help build a sales team as the company scales.
We’re working with a premium drinks startup that has quickly carved out a unique niche in the UK market with a bold, refreshing alcoholic product. Backed by early traction across both the on-trade and retail channels, the business is now looking for its first commercial hire to help accelerate national growth The brand is purpose-driven, independent, and on a mission to shake up its category with a cleaner, more modern take on a traditional format. It’s already gaining recognition in key accounts and festivals, with more exciting launches in the pipeline. The Opportunity: This is a pivotal role for someone who wants to be part of building something special from the ground up. You’ll take full ownership of the sales and commercial function – growing new business, nurturing key relationships, and helping shape long-term strategy. You’ll work directly with the founder and have real input on how the brand expands. This role would suit an ambitious Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, or emerging Head of Sales with experience in the drinks industry, ideally in both the on-trade and retail space. The Role: Drive sales across on-trade (venues, bars, festivals) and off-trade (retailers, RTMs) Land new business and open key accounts – especially in London and Manchester Build relationships with wholesalers, buyers, and distributors Manage and grow existing accounts (including a major on-trade win) Contribute to commercial strategy and long-term sales planning Educate trade partners and consumers on the product’s unique positioning Lay the foundation for building a broader sales team as the business scales About You: Strong sales experience in the alcohol or drinks industry A “black book” of trade contacts - especially across on-trade and independent retail Experience launching or scaling a brand (startups or challenger brands a bonus) Excellent communication and relationship-building skills A self-starter mindset and ability to work independently Ideally London-based or with easy access to key urban markets Benefits: A leadership role with the autonomy to shape sales strategy Flexible working and field-based structure Competitive salary + bonus/commission (structure to be discussed) A unique opportunity to help build a challenger brand from early stages Supportive founder, open culture, and strong growth ambitions If you\’re excited by the idea of helping grow a fast-moving drinks brand and want to make your mark in a pivotal role, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Evie Coates or click “Apply Now” to be considered for this vacancy. Call: (phone number removed) Email: (url removed) The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy
Sales Manager employer: The Advocate Group
Contact Detail:
The Advocate Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the drinks industry, especially in London and Manchester. Attend industry events, trade shows, and festivals to meet potential contacts and showcase your enthusiasm for the brand.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the startup's product and its unique positioning in the market. Being able to articulate what sets it apart will demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding during conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company's current key accounts and their growth strategy. This knowledge will allow you to discuss how you can contribute to their expansion and build on existing relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to share your own experiences in launching or scaling brands. Highlight specific examples of how you've driven sales and built relationships in the drinks industry to showcase your fit for this pivotal role.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant sales experience in the drinks industry. Emphasise any achievements in growing business or managing key accounts, especially in the on-trade and retail sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the drinks industry and the startup environment. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully driven sales or built relationships in previous roles.
Showcase Your Network: If you have a 'black book' of trade contacts, mention this in your application. Highlight how these connections can benefit the company in expanding its reach and building partnerships.
Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking: Discuss your approach to contributing to commercial strategy and long-term sales planning. Provide examples of how you've shaped sales strategies in past roles to align with business growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Advocate Group
✨Know the Product Inside Out
Make sure you understand the unique positioning of the drinks brand. Familiarise yourself with its ingredients, target audience, and what sets it apart from competitors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and ability to educate trade partners and consumers.
✨Leverage Your Network
Since the role requires a strong 'black book' of contacts, be prepared to discuss your existing relationships in the industry. Highlight any key accounts you've worked with and how you can leverage these connections to drive sales for the startup.
✨Showcase Your Sales Strategy
Be ready to outline your approach to driving sales across both on-trade and off-trade channels. Discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to land new business and grow existing accounts, especially in competitive markets like London and Manchester.
✨Demonstrate Your Self-Starter Mindset
This role is about building something special from the ground up, so it's crucial to convey your self-starter attitude. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in previous roles, whether that’s launching a new product or developing a sales strategy independently.
