We are seeking a dynamic and commercially minded Sales Account Manager to drive profitable growth across Brighton and the surrounding areas. This is more than just a sales role - it is an ambassadorial position, representing the Berkmann portfolio and our prestigious agency brands in the South of England. You will be responsible for winning and managing a designated account base, driving profitability, identifying new business opportunities, and bringing our brands to life through tastings, events, and strategic brand activities. You will also work closely with our Marketing, Logistics, and Finance teams to deliver an exceptional end‑to‑end customer experience.
Responsibilities
* Achieve and exceed volume, value, and margin sales targets
* Identify and onboard profitable new accounts without compromising existing sectors
* Develop strong, trust‑based relationships with key stakeholders in trade accounts
* Act as a confident brand ambassador, hosting tastings and supporting after‑hours events
* Provide accurate forecasting and market feedback to support planning and logistics
* Manage pricing, promotional investment, and account‑level profitability
* Use customer data to optimise sales strategies and stock management
* Champion collaboration between Berkmann, our producers, and customers
* Keep the business informed with timely competitor and market insights
* Support portfolio development based on customer and market trends
This is a full‑time role, working 37.5 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:30pm. However, given the nature of our clients in the hospitality sector, flexibility is essential – evening and occasional weekend work will be required to support customer needs, events, and tastings. Some activities may also involve international travel, so a valid passport is necessary.
Qualifications & Experience
* Proven on trade sales experience
* Strong wine knowledge, WSET Level 2 minimum
* Experience selling luxury or premium brands is highly advantageous
* Comfortable interpreting market data
* Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
* Experience working with brand owners and developing go‑to‑market strategies
* Analytical, commercially astute, and numerate – comfortable with pricing models and P&L interpretation
* A persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and confidence to influence at all levels
* Creative thinker with strong negotiation skills and a solutions‑driven mindset
* Organised, proactive, and resilient – thrives in a results‑driven team
* Full UK driving licence
Are you a passionate wine professional with a strong sales acumen and a flair for building lasting relationships? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment where your ideas and initiative matter? Come join us, the UK's leading family‑owned wine importer and distributor, and take your sales career to the next level. Berkmann Wine Cellars is proud to represent one of the most respected and diverse portfolios in the UK wine trade, featuring iconic producers from across the globe – from family‑owned estates in Italy, France, and Spain to pioneering New World wineries in Argentina, South Africa, and beyond. Our exclusive agency brands are widely admired in the on‑trade sector for their quality, authenticity, and innovation. At Berkmann Wine Cellars, we don't just sell wine – we champion world‑class producers. Our portfolio tells a story of provenance, passion, and partnership. We offer a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment where your expertise and creativity will be valued. If you're eager to represent some of the most distinctive and award‑winning wine brands in the world, whilst growing your career with a market leader, this is the role for you.
Benefits
* Competitive salary and bonus
* Company car
* 25 days annual leave rising to 26 days after 5 years' service and 27 days after 10 years' service, plus bank holidays
* Company pension
* Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
* Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
* Contribution to Dental Costs
* Generous staff discount on our wine
* A bottle of wine on your birthday and Berkmann anniversary
* £500 referral scheme
We cannot consider your application if you do not have the legal right to work in the UK. You must also satisfy the required knowledge and experience criteria detailed above. Equal consideration will be given to all candidates, irrespective of their gender, race, disability, marital status, religion, age or sexuality.
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