International Sales Manager
(Wine Jobs:
Management & Administration)
Full Time
Elixir Distillers
London,
England
Elixir Distillers is the independent bottling arm of the Speciality Drinks Group, a company that is at the forefront of the drinks industry. We have imagination, creativity and of course all the fantastic spirits from across the globe. Working here means you’ll be working with the best people the drinks industry has and be part of a growing team that is passionate about what we do - a multi-channel retailer, wholesaler, distributor and producer which set the standards others aspire to follow.
We have been bottling some of the finest whiskies on the UK market since 2005, winning numerous awards at international spirits competitions. The company releases a wide variety of whiskies under three core brands: Single Malts of Scotland, Elements of Islay and Port Askaig. In 2010 we added Black Tot Rum, the last consignment of British Royal Navy rum, to our portfolio.
In addition to the above brands, we are working on a range of new products across different categories to be launched over the coming five years as well as developing a new distillery on Islay. With a full design team in-house, we are able to create new products in a highly creative and reactive environment.
Having secured long term supply contracts for the core products in both Elements of Islay and Port Askaig, we are now looking for ambitious growth across all our brands. We have more than 25 customers in 20 markets and have plans to expand in Asia, South America and Eastern Europe. We are looking to recruit an International Sales Manager to oversee this growth.
Due to business requirements, it is expected that the role holder will need to have a high degree of flexibility in order to meet the demands of the role. Therefore, it may be necessary to work out of normal working hours due to the nature of the projects, and in order to meet the necessary demands of our client base. The role holder must be able to adjust to a broad and fluid set of tasks as requirements change in this progressive company.
Job Purpose
The fundamental purpose of this role is to grow the sales of Elixir Distillers core brands; Elements of Islay and Port Askaig, in existing international markets as well as finding distribution partners in new markets for the full portfolio of spirits produced by or exclusively distributed by Speciality Drinks. These include Black Tot, Single Malts of Scotland and Tapatio Tequila.
The successful candidate will have one direct report but should expect the sales team to grow in the coming years.
Working Relationships
- Business Manager.
- Business Development Director.
- Logistics Administrator.
- SDL Brand Development Manager.
- Creative Department.
- SBL Sales Team.
- Digital Marketing Team.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Working with the existing network of distributors to further sales of the Speciality Drinks portfolio of brands by developing interesting promotions and setting achievable goals.
- Working with the Business Manager to develop a 3 year growth strategy for the core brands.
- Working with the Business Manager to create a global marketing campaign for key brands.
- Managing the Sales Executives time and ensuring they are delivering great customer service.
- Working with the export sales team to find the best distributors for each brand in new markets.
- Deliver great customer service by tailoring the brand strategy for each market.
- Conducting training sessions and tailor them to the specific needs of each market.
- Working with distribution partners to create a full plan for on-trade in each market.
- Coordinating the involvement of all brands at appropriate trade and consumer events in key markets and hosting tastings for key customers.
- Working with the Business Manager and Creative Director to create new promotional material and merchandise that can be used to promote the brands in markets around the world.
Key Skills and Knowledge
Essential:
- Whisky or premium spirits experience from retail or similar.
- Excellent written English and descriptive skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers.
- Fluent in at least one other language ideally including French.
- High level of numeracy.
- Excellent administrative skills.
- Excellent planning skills in order to meet required deadlines, ability to remain calm under pressure.
- IT skills; Microsoft office- word, excel, email.
- Accurate and detail conscious.
- Experience in high level customer service.
- Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
- Work well as part of a team.
- Demonstrate a pro-active ‘can do’ attitude.
- Will require a good sense of humour!
Desirable:
- A passion for fine, old and rare spirits.
Qualifications and Experience
- 2-5 years distribution management experience in an export sales role.
- Strong spirits knowledge. WSET advanced certificate desirable.
- Numerate and literate.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- IT Literate- Excel, Word, Power Point.
- Good Presentation Skills.
- Experience of Selling Luxury or Specialist Products.
Key Behaviours
- Strong Organisational Skills.
- Self- motivated and results driven.
- Flexible, Reliable and Hardworking.
- Able to communicate well with others and strong interpersonal skills.
- Commercially Astute.
- Presentable and Professional at all times.
- Always thinking about the customer.
