At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive national retail expansion and secure new listings for an emerging drinks brand.
- Company: Mai Chai, a British ready-to-drink beverage brand with innovative products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance incentives, and direct access to the Founder.
- Other info: Opportunity for genuine autonomy and influence in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing brand and shape its commercial strategy for success.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience in drinks or FMCG with strong buyer relationships.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 48400 £ per year.
Mai Chai is a British ready-to-drink beverage brand bringing together premium ingredients, innovative products and everyday wellness. Mai Chai has established distribution across more than 360 locations, with a growing presence across UK retail and international travel retail.
We are looking for a BD focused, commercially driven National Sales Manager to turn that momentum into major retail success. This isn't a role about inheriting an existing account base; it's an opportunity to open doors, win listings and play a pivotal role in scaling an emerging drinks brand.
The Opportunity
- Reporting directly to the Founder, you'll take ownership of Mai Chai's national retail expansion, with a particular focus on accelerating grocery distribution.
- Drive new business across major UK grocery retailers, convenience, impulse and wider retail channels.
- Leverage your existing buyer relationships to secure new listings and unlock national distribution opportunities.
- Build and convert a strong commercial pipeline, taking opportunities from initial engagement through to confirmed listings.
- Develop existing retail partnerships, driving additional distribution, SKU expansion and commercial growth.
- Shape the commercial strategy, identifying new routes to market and opportunities to accelerate growth.
- Play a key role in building the foundations of a scalable national sales function.
About You
- Proven experience in drinks or FMCG sales, ideally within soft drinks, functional beverages or RTD.
- Established relationships with senior buyers and category decision-makers at major UK grocery retailers, alongside a proven track record of personally securing new national listings.
- Strong new business development experience, with the confidence to open doors and convert opportunities rather than simply managing existing accounts.
- An entrepreneurial, hands-on approach, ideally gained within a challenger brand or high-growth environment.
- Commercially astute, proactive and comfortable taking ownership in a fast-paced, evolving business.
Whether you've helped scale an emerging drinks brand or built an impressive track record within a larger FMCG organisation, we're interested in people who can bring the relationships, ambition and drive to make things happen.
Why Mai Chai?
This is an opportunity to join a brand with real momentum, significant ambition and the backing to support its next stage of growth. You'll have direct access to the Founder, genuine commercial autonomy and the chance to influence the direction of the business as it expands its UK and international footprint.
National Sales Manager in St James employer: The Advocate Group
The Advocate Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to diverse opportunities for professional development while working on impactful projects that shape the future of QSR partnerships across Europe. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid work model, competitive compensation, and a commitment to sustainability that makes your role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Sales Manager in St James
✨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 National Sales Manager at The Advocate Group, 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 The Advocate Group. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a National Sales Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace National Sales Manager in St James
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 The Advocate Group:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for The Advocate Group. 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 The Advocate Group
✨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 The Advocate Group 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 The Advocate Group 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 The Advocate Group’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.
