National Sales Manager

National Sales Manager | Premium Spirits

Build Distribution. Win Listings. Shape the Future of an Award-Winning Spirits Brand.

Package

• £65,000–£80,000 basic salary depending on experience.
• Commission structure linked to business growth and new business wins.
• Bonus opportunity.
• Car allowance.
• Equity options
• Significant autonomy and direct access to the Founders.

This is not a role for someone looking to manage an established customer base.

This is an opportunity for a commercially driven sales professional to take an award-winning premium spirits brand to the next level, opening doors, winning listings and driving growth across the UK market.

Backed by recent investment and ambitious growth plans, the business is entering an exciting new chapter, with significant opportunities across retail, wholesale, premium on-trade and international markets.

If you thrive on winning new business, building relationships and creating commercial opportunities from the ground up, this could be the perfect next move.

The Business

Founded a decade ago, this independent premium spirits business has quickly established itself as one of the UK's most exciting challenger brands.

Built on a commitment to exceptional quality and craftsmanship, the company has received international recognition, with a growing portfolio, increasing brand awareness and fresh investment to support expansion, the business is now focused on accelerating growth across the UK and selected international markets.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Founders, you'll take ownership of driving commercial growth across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business growth across Retail, Wholesale, On-Trade and Route-to-Market channels.
• Identify, target and secure new listings with key customers and distribution partners.
• Develop relationships with buyers, wholesalers, distributors and key decision-makers.
• Build and execute Joint Business Plans to maximise distribution and rate of sale.
• Manage and grow strategic customer relationships once secured.
• Work alongside the Founders to develop commercial strategy and growth plans.
• Represent the business at customer meetings, industry events and trade shows.
• Support future expansion into international markets where appropriate.

About You

We're looking for a genuine hunter who enjoys winning new business and building brands.

You'll bring:

• Proven experience within the UK spirits industry.
• Strong relationships across one or more of the following: retail, wholesale, route-to-market and/or premium on-trade channels.
• A track record of securing new listings and delivering commercial growth.
• Experience working with start-up / challenger drinks brands.
• Strong commercial acumen and confidence negotiating profitable agreements.
• A self-starting, entrepreneurial mindset.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, founder-led environment.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys opening doors and creating opportunities rather than simply maintaining existing accounts.

Why Join?

• Join a highly respected, multi-award-winning premium spirits business.
• Play a leading role in the next stage of growth.
• Have genuine influence over commercial strategy and direction.
• Work directly with entrepreneurial founders.
• Benefit from long-term wealth creation opportunities through equity participation.
• Build your own legacy within an ambitious challenger brand.

Interested in finding out more? We'd love to hear from commercially driven drinks professionals looking to make a real impact.

The Advocate Group is a leading search and selection business providing top talent to the consumer products sector. If you’re interested in finding out more about our available opportunities or how we can help you further your career, then please contact us today.