Full-time | Remote Field-Based | Northern England
About Emporia Brands
Emporia Brands is an award-winning premium spirits importer and distributor, working with some of the most exciting brands in the UK drinks market.
We operate across On and Off Trade, partnering with leading wholesalers, retailers and on-trade operators to build distribution and grow brands. Our team is entrepreneurial, commercially focused and driven by a shared commitment to doing things properly.
Our portfolio spans premium and super premium spirits from across the globe, including Wyborowa (Poland’s leading premium vodka), Gabriel Boudier (the acclaimed Dijon liqueur house), Nardini (Italy’s oldest distillery, founded in 1779) and Pere Magloire (one of Normandy’s finest Calvados producers).
The Role
We are looking for a commercially driven Northern Sales Manager to own and grow Emporia Brands’ presence across the On and Off Trade throughout Northern England.
The role reports directly to the Managing Director and sits within the core sales team. You will be the primary commercial contact for our wholesale and retail partners across the North — responsible for managing existing accounts, opening new distribution and delivering against volume, revenue and brand targets.
You will manage relationships across regional wholesalers, On Trade operators and specialist Off Trade retailers, while proactively identifying new opportunities to accelerate distribution and rate of sale across the territory.
Day to day, this means strong account management, brand tastings and training, commercial planning, and working closely with the MD and marketing team to agree and execute growth plans for the North.
The role requires regular travel across Northern England — customer meetings, trade visits, depot calls and brand events — and occasional visits to our head office in Guildford, Surrey.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Management
• Manage and grow relationships across On and Off Trade wholesale and retail accounts in Northern England
• Deliver agreed volume, revenue and distribution targets across the territory
• Lead joint business planning, promotional negotiations and account growth plans
• Build strong day-to-day relationships with buyers, purchasing managers, depot managers and on trade operators
• Open new distribution across wholesale, specialist retail and on-trade accounts
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across national, regional and independent partners
Territory Development
• Build and execute a clear territory plan aligned to Emporia Brands’ annual commercial objectives
• Drive brand activation, tastings and training at account level to increase visibility and rate of sale
• Monitor the market and competitor activity to identify opportunities and adjust approach accordingly
• Feed commercial insight and recommendations back into the broader sales and marketing strategy
Commercial Planning
• Build account plans aligned to brand priorities agreed with the MD and marketing team
• Track and report on sales performance, distribution gains and territory activity on a regular basis
• Prepare insight-led customer presentations using sales data, market information and brand content
• Manage promotional investment and pricing across the customer base
• Work with finance and operations on forecasting, stock planning and promotional phasing
Brand Building
• Act as a credible ambassador for all brands in the Emporia portfolio across the trade
• Plan and deliver brand tastings, training sessions and trade events across the territory
• Support new product launches and brand activation campaigns
• Represent Emporia Brands confidently and professionally at all times
Experience & Skills
• Minimum 3 years of B2B field sales experience within spirits, wine, FMCG or hospitality
• Proven track record managing On and Off Trade wholesale or retail accounts
• Strong knowledge of spirits and liqueurs — able to talk with authority about the category
• Commercially sharp, with hands-on experience managing pricing, promotions and account financials
• Proven ability to close sales, negotiate commercial terms and hit targets
• Strong relationship builder — able to open doors and maintain trust at all levels of a customer
• Confident presenter, comfortable leading brand tastings and pitching to buyers
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage a wide territory and multiple accounts simultaneously
• Experience with Microsoft Office and CRM tools
• Full UK driving licence
The Type of Person We’re Looking For
• Self-starter who takes ownership and gets on with the job
• Commercial and results-focused — motivated by hitting targets and growing accounts
• Hands-on approach; comfortable in the field and at ease with customers at all levels
• Resilient and adaptable — able to work through setbacks and find solutions
• Strong personal standards and a collaborative approach with the wider team
• Knowledgeable about and genuinely interested in premium spirits and the drinks trade
Why Join Emporia Brands
You will own a territory, manage an outstanding portfolio of premium spirits and work directly with the MD and marketing team to shape how we grow in the North. This is a hands-on, high-impact role in a business that moves quickly, makes decisions efficiently and gives its people room to perform.
If you know the trade, can build relationships and know how to drive distribution, this is a role where you will see the results of your work directly.
Package & Benefits
• Competitive salary
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Private medical insurance
• Company pension
• Gym membership
…