Trade Sales Manager
SDC Wine Importers is the Trade arm of South Downs Cellars, award-winning independent Wine Merchant established in 2003. We are now recruiting for a Trade Sales Manager to join our small, dedicated team based in Mid-Sussex. This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated person to maintain existing relationships, as well as develop new business opportunities with on-trade clients including hotels, restaurants, pubs, and other licensed premises across Mid Sussex.
You will be responsible for organising your own schedule, working closely with our existing customer base while forging new relationships to grow our existing portfolio within our target area.
Key Responsibilities
- To build, develop and maintain strong relationships with existing as well as new customers
- To be available for your key accounts, providing prompt, high quality, tailored service and support as required
- To build bespoke lists and selections tailored to the customer’s requirements and review regularly, ensuring the required GP% is maintained
- To host consumer tasting events in conjunction with Trade accounts when required
- Manage invoicing and monthly statements for your Trade accounts, ensuring payments are made on time
- To work closely with other members of the team to identify opportunities and follow up leads promptly, dedicating time to convert these leads in to new business
- Negotiate agreements with new customers, preparing detailed proposals as required
The ideal candidate will be
- Based in Mid-Sussex
- Organised and self-motivated, with a systematic approach to their daily tasks
- Well presented with strong communication skills
- Knowledgeable about wine, beer and spirits
- Be proficient in Microsoft 365 Excel, Word and PowerPoint
- Confident in presenting wines both to customers and hosting larger tasting events
The ideal candidate will have the following:
- At least 3 years’ experience of field-based On-Trade Sales within the Drinks Industry
- A full, clean UK Driving Licence
- A passion for the Drinks Industry
- WSET Level 3 or above
The role is based out of our warehouse, and offers a competitive salary with additional commission, along with use of the company vehicles.
Benefits:
- Auto Enrolment in our Company Pension scheme
- 28 days’ annual leave including bank holidays
- Generous staff discount on all stock items
- Work from Home option possible for administrative tasks
Please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected]. Closing date for applications: 25th October 2026, however interviews may commence before this date