Area Sales Manager

Do you have proven success in expanding market presence and securing new accounts in the on-trade wine and spirits market? Clover Talent is partnering with the UK's largest specialist wine retailer to support the strategic expansion of their on-trade business, through the appointment of a high-performing Area Sales Manager.

As Area Sales Manager, you will lead the charge in securing new commercial opportunities while strengthening relationships with existing clients. Your focus will be on expanding market presence, increasing retention, and consistently delivering outstanding customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Achieve agreed sales and profit targets in collaboration with your regional manager
• Develop strategic account plans with key clients to strengthen partnerships, drive sales performance, and enhance profitability
• Provide consistently high standards of customer service across your account base
• Work closely with regional leadership to execute field-level plans that align with broader commercial objectives
• Present regular updates on account progress and future opportunities during team meetings
• Identify and implement data-driven growth initiatives across the marketing mix to support category and brand expansion
• Apply a solid understanding of the company's portfolio, brand positioning, and commercial goals to make informed, strategic decisions
• Foster collaboration across internal teams to ensure cohesive planning, timely execution, and clear accountability
• Translate market and customer insights into actionable recommendations that support improved commercial outcomes
• Champion brand identity and growth through clear articulation of vision, positioning, and value proposition
• Plan and deliver engaging point-of-sale and activation campaigns that strengthen brand presence and achieve business targets

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Proven success in securing and developing new business within the hospitality or on-trade sector
• Ideally WSET certified (or equivalent wine and spirits qualification)
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a sales or business development role within the premium beverage industry
• Strong understanding of the on-trade environment, including bars, restaurants, and hotels
• In-depth knowledge of high-end wines and spirits, with the ability to communicate product value
• Demonstrated experience in brand development and commercial delivery, with excellent problem-solving and opportunity-identification skills
• Sound financial awareness, including a working knowledge of customer profitability and P&L management
• Customer-focused, results-oriented, and proactive, with a structured and dependable approach
• Confident communicator capable of building long-term relationships across multiple levels
• Resourceful, positive, and solution-driven mindset with the resilience to overcome challenges
• Ambitious and motivated, with the drive to achieve outstanding results
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders

What's On Offer

• Competitive base salary and performance-related bonus
• Staff discount of up to 20% on products
• 33 days of annual leave (including public holidays) plus a holiday purchase scheme
• Life assurance worth three times your annual salary
• Contributory company pension scheme
• Ongoing training and professional development with clear progression opportunities
• Unique travel incentives, including opportunities to visit partner vineyards worldwide
• Access to a wellbeing and retail benefits platform offering shopping discounts, counselling support
• Enhanced family-friendly leave policies, including maternity, paternity, and adoption benefits
• Recognition for long service and career achievements