Job: Area Sales Manager (Cocktail Ingredients) DACH Region

Company Description

Our client is a leading ingredient company developing a new division specialized in beverage cocktail ingredients. They are offering a diverse range of premium products that are treasured by bars, restaurants, and hotels globally.

Objective of the Role

We are seeking an accomplished Area Sales Manager to oversee our client’s business development in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with a primary focus on Germany. This role will be home-based, but ideal candidates would be located in or near Munich, a central city with vast potential. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in driving growth, improving customer satisfaction, and maximizing profitability in these markets.

Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in the wines and spirits industry, a deep understanding of this route to market, and existing relationships with wholesalers and key accounts. Strong sales and negotiation skills, a strategic mindset, and a hands-on approach are critical for this role. A results-driven attitude and strong collaboration skills are equally important, as the Area Sales Manager will frequently collaborate with various internal departments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the local distribution network by identifying and exploiting new channels for product distribution.
• Introduce and develop the company’s beverage range within wholesalers and key accounts, while maintaining a direct commercial strategy with larger accounts.
• Identify, manage, and develop business opportunities within the German market, maximizing the potential of existing clients.
• Collaborate with Management to align regional objectives with the general company goals, and effectively execute plans to achieve them.
• Oversee the sales process, and be accountable for planning and managing the budget and sales forecast.
• Work closely with the Finance department to manage credits and payments.
• Coordinate with the Marketing department to define new product requirements for the market based on customer insights and market trends.

Requirements

• Proven experience in the wines and spirits industry with a solid network of contacts in the on-premise channel (hotels, restaurants, bars).
• Strong sales acumen, with demonstrated skills in negotiation, strategic planning, and business development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, distributors, and internal teams.
• Adept at identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
• Fluency in English and German, with good knowledge of other languages being a bonus.
• Willingness to travel frequently across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• Ability to effectively work from home, with good organizational and time management skills.