General Manager
Palais Constance, a fast-growing premium rosé wine brand founded by ‘The Gstaad Guy’, is seeking an entrepreneurial and experienced General Manager to work alongside the Founder and lead our team. You will be responsible for managing and leading the team as part of day-to-day operations, as well as crafting and leading the brand on its long-term vision together with our Founder. You will continue to nurture the existing relationships with our trade accounts, including premium and luxury restaurants and hotels such as Cipriani, LPM and The Arts Club, as well as considering expansion opportunities globally. This will also include managing partnerships and events as part of the brand’s overall marketing strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to represent a renowned wine brand and contribute to its success in the premium hospitality sector.
Key Responsibilities:
- Account Management: Serve as the main point of contact for our trade accounts, including premium restaurants and hotels. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as restaurant managers, sommeliers, and hotel F&B directors. Understand their needs, preferences, and business objectives to provide excellent customer service and support. Provide product knowledge, recommendations, and training to staff members to enhance their understanding and promotion of Palais Constance wines. Act as a trusted advisor, offering expert guidance and support to meet their wine selection needs.
- Business Development: Identify potential trade accounts in the premium and luxury hospitality sector and initiate contact (incl. visits) to explore partnership opportunities. Present Palais Constance wines and negotiate contracts and pricing agreements. Collaborate with the marketing team to develop sales materials, presentations, and proposals to showcase the brand's offerings and unique value proposition. Monitor sales performance, track account progress, and achieve sales targets.
- Manage Partnerships: Identify and establish strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including distributors, retailers, restaurants, and event organizers. Collaborate with partners to develop joint marketing initiatives and promotions that drive brand visibility and sales.
- Market Insights and Analysis: Stay up to date with market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments within the hospitality sector. Conduct market research and analysis to identify growth opportunities, market gaps, and consumer preferences.
- Product Innovation: Build a long-term vision for the range of products offered under the Palais Constance brand, staying ahead of consumer trends and growing adoption with existing trade accounts.
- Financial Oversight: Manage overall financial tracking and performance, as well as annual budgeting for the brand, with regular reporting updates to the founding team.
- Events and Promotions: Coordinate wine tastings, pairing events, and promotions at trade account locations to drive brand awareness and sales. Collaborate with the marketing team to develop event concepts, logistics, and promotional materials.
- Order Management and Logistics: Ensure seamless order processing, timely deliveries, and accurate inventory management for trade accounts. Coordinate with internal operations team, logistics partners, and warehouse staff to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
Key Requirements:
- Proven experience (7+ years) in sales or account management within the premium wine or beverages industry, preferably working with luxury restaurants and hotels. Wine certifications, such as WSET, are a plus.
- Strong network and existing relationships with trade accounts in the hospitality market, ideally across the UK and Europe
- Deep understanding of the wine industry, wine selection processes, and sommelier requirements
- Excellent sales and negotiation skills, with a track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence key decision-makers
- Strong business acumen and analytical skills to identify growth opportunities and drive strategic decision-making
- Self-motivated and results-oriented, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple accounts and projects simultaneously
- Availability to travel as required for client visits and industry events
- Based in our London office
Benefits:
- Opportunity to work with a prestigious wine brand and contribute to its growth
- A dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment
- Annual holiday allowance
- Health insurance coverage
- Pension plan
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV to careers@palaisconstance.com