Head of Champagne

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As Head of Champagne, you'll lead a talented team of seven to build long-term plans that elevate the performance and positioning of our Agency Champagnes across the UK market. With an exclusive portfolio that includes B-Corp certified Piper-Heidsieck, the esteemed Charles Heidsieck, the multi-award-winning Rare Champagne, Côtes de Bar specialist Champagne Devaux, and renowned grower Pierre Péters, this is a rare opportunity to shape the strategic direction of these Houses in the UK and Ireland and build on their strong market presence.

Key responsibilities

Commercial Performance & Market Growth

• Partner with sales leaders to build and execute plans that identify opportunities and deliver growth for our Agency Champagnes
• Create compelling, customer-specific proposals and tenders that win business and advance our commercial goals
• Provide tailored support and high-quality activation for Champagne customers to maximise their success
• Develop a programme of time in trade, partnerships, events, trips, incentives and other activities that drive sales and ROI
• Build and leverage a strong network of customers, prospects and opinion leaders to generate insight and opportunity
• Act as the primary point of contact for all Champagne matters
• Support the Portfolio team with non-agency Champagnes when required

Brand Strategy & Activation

• Set annual and multi-year business plans with our Agency Champagne Houses, covering commercial strategy, brand priorities, A&P budgets and volume forecasts
• Ensure plans are tailored to market opportunities and risks, creatively activated across multiple touchpoints, and executed to the highest standard
• Monitor performance and optimise plans to deliver against targets
• Manage A&P budget reporting, recharge and reconciliation to drive the right commercial outcomes
• Manage stock and allocations effectively to support growth and protect brand equity

Leadership & Team Development

• Inspire and lead a high-performing team, setting clear direction and driving accountability
• Coach and develop team members to grow their capability, confidence and contribution
• Build a culture of commercial intensity, shared expertise and a commitment to excellence

About you

• Relevant experience in the UK wine industry, including good general wine knowledge and experience working with premium on-trade, independent off-trade and multiple off-trade customers
• Great knowledge of Champagne - the region, the wines and the category
• Proactive and persuasive with strong prioritisation and ability to influence/network. A strong team leader and manager.
• Strong commercial awareness. Able to build detailed and robust business proposals and long-term volume/investment plans. Reviews performance to inform planning.
• Take a results-driven, agile approach to marketing. Able to take a strategic approach to setting objectives and building plans and to lead creative, relevant, 360 activation that will generate the biggest impact.
• Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint
• French language skills would be a significant advantage

What you can expect

• 25 days holiday excluding public holidays increasing after 2 years' service and the option to buy additional days
• Personal bonus of up to 5% of salary, based on performance against key objectives
• Company bonus of up to 15% of salary
• Company pension scheme matching up to 5% of contributions
• 18 weeks enhanced maternity leave and 4 weeks paternity leave.
• Cycle to work & electric car scheme
• Healthcare cash plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Birthday day off
• Travel insurance
• Employee wine discount
• Retail, wellbeing, technology, and travel discounts

Liberty Wines is an award-winning company and accredited silver by Investors in People which offers excellent opportunities for training and development alongside a great working environment (and an even better coffee machine).

We encourage all our employees to further their wine knowledge through our in-house Liberty Wines Academy and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) courses alongside building skills and experience over the course of their professional development.

Liberty Wines celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves.