Sales Director On Trade

Bristol Permanent View Job Description
We are partnering with an innovative, fast‑growing drinks brand disrupting the drinks industry. The business is scaling rapidly across the UK and internationally, with strong backing, a distinctive brand identity, and a compelling product portfolio.
  • The opportunity to lead a drinks business based in the South West.
  • Fantastic leadership role with clear progression.

About Our Client

Sales Director On Trade

A high‑growth functional drinks brand disrupting the UK beverage market, known for its bold identity and rapid European success. Operating with the agility of a start‑up, it is now expanding quickly into the on‑trade and seeking commercial talent to fuel its next phase of scale.

Job Description

  • Sales Director On Trade
  • Develop and own the UK On‑Trade sales strategy, delivering growth targets across key groups and operators.
  • Secure national listings with major bar groups, pub groups, late‑night operators, leisure chains, and hospitality customers.
  • Build and lead a performing On‑Trade sales team, including KAMs, NAMs, and field execution partners.
  • Drive effective route‑to‑market (RTM) strategies through wholesalers, distributors, and cash & carry networks.
  • Negotiate commercial agreements, JBPs, promotional plans, menu activation's, and brand visibility initiatives.
  • Build strong senior relationships with key customers and buying groups.
  • Work cross‑functionally with marketing, trade marketing, operations, and supply chain to ensure flawless execution.
  • Provide data‑driven insight and forecast accuracy to support business planning and production.
  • Represent the brand externally with excellence, building credibility and market presence in the on‑trade community.

The Successful Applicant

  • Sales Director On Trade
  • Proven track record at Sales Director or MD level in the ontrade sector
  • Strong network across UK bar groups, pub companies, hospitality operators, and leisure chains.
  • Expertise in soft drinks, RTDs, premium beverages, or challenger brands is highly advantageous.
  • Demonstrable success winning and growing national accounts in the on‑trade.
  • Strong leadership capabilities with experience building and scaling teams.
  • Commercially astute, negotiation‑savvy, and highly strategic.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset: thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑growth, brand‑led environment.
  • Passion for the drinks and hospitality industry, with an instinct for culture, consumer trends, and brand positioning.
  • Based in the South West

What's on Offer

  • Competitive six figure basic salary.
  • Performance-based bonus structure.
  • Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a medium-sized FMCG organisation.
  • Collaborative and professional company culture.



Contact
Louise Shepherd
Quote job ref
JN-022026-6939414
Phone number
+44 11 6282 1560

Job summary

Job function
Sales
Subsector
FMCG & Consumer
Sector
FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
Location
Bristol
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Louise Shepherd
Consultant phone
+44 11 6282 1560
Job reference
JN-022026-6939414