Channel Controller National On Trade

Suntory Global Spirits, Inc; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global spirits company is seeking a Channel Controller National On Trade in the UK. This role involves managing key customer relationships and P&L, leading a dispersed team, and formulating key business processes. Candidates should have extensive commercial experience, excellent relationship-building skills, and a passion for the drinks industry. The position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in a growing market, rooted in a culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in sales/commercial roles, especially in the FMCG sector.
• Hands-on experience leading On Trade Teams with proven success.
• Ability to forecast accurately and develop growth plans.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support key national UK customer relationships.
• Control P&L for National On Trade including volume and distribution.
• Lead a team to achieve objectives in key markets.

Skills

Extensive sales/commercial experience

Expert relationship builder

Highly developed negotiation skills

Strong analytical skills

Entrepreneurship

Job description

Channel Controller National On Trade (12 month FTC)

At Suntory Global Spirits, we craft spirits of the highest quality and deliver brilliant experiences to people around the world. Suntory Global Spirits has evolved into the world's third largest leading premium spirits company ... where each employee is treated like family and trusted with legacy. With our greatest assets – our premium spirits and our people – we're driving growth through impactful marketing, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. Suntory Global Spirits is a place where you can come Unleash your Spirit by making an impact each and every day.

What makes this a great opportunity?

As Suntory Global Spirits accelerates its global footprint, we are establishing commercial business in the UK. As one of the largest, most sophisticated spirits markets in the world, the UK offers significant potential for our portfolio of premium brands. We’re building a world-class team to create a new and exciting business that is rooted in strong foundations, led by our values and long-term commercial ambition.

As Channel Controller, National On Trade you will be responsible for leading the growth of our brands with a national On Trade team. With substantial experience under your belt, you’ll have the chance to make your mark and help us connect more consumers with our brands across the U.K.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage & support Key National UK customer relationships
• Manage the P&L for National OnTrade (incVolume, NSV, GP, Distribution, BI and Opex) with support from On Trade Director
• Responsible for formulating and controlling key business processes such as weekly & monthly performance updates, demand forecasting & annual bottom up planning to build budgets
• Lead a geographically dispersed team (6 direct reports) to deliver against our objectives in key cities and groups
• Building clear business plans for investment in secondary space and activation
• Building positive, mutually beneficial business relationships with customers
• Working with Commercial Marketing, utilise internal and external sales data for your customers to support our strategy and their success
• Own the rolling sales forecast and work with the Commercial Leadership Team and Finance Teams to deliver this monthly
• Liaison with key company stakeholders, including, but not limited to, Finance, Logistics, Culture, Marketing and the leadership team
• Maximize new business opportunities and stay on top of market trends
• Develop and implement monthly reports for Directors
• Work closely with Marketing and other sales channels to ensure the UK commercial strategy compliments the overriding brand strategy
• Identify key areas for improvement in sales process
• Close collaboration with Commercial Marketing to ensure all execution is connected within outlet amplification

Qualifications

• Extensive sales/commercial experience (7 years+), including national On Trade customers with proven achievements and wins with key customers
• Experience working in commercial within FMCG with demonstrable previous involvement of leading On Trade Teams
• Expert relationship builder with an understanding of growing meaningful partnerships at national scale
• Experience of leading geographically dispersed and/or remote teams to deliver to a shared vision of success
• Well-developed leadership & coaching with proven team leadership and management experience
• A strong ability to forecast accurately and an attention to detail
• Able to demonstrate analytical skills and utilise category insights to develop compelling, mutually beneficial growth plans
• Entrepreneurship and an eye for new opportunities
• Well-developed written & verbal communication, presentation skills
• Highly developed negotiation and account management skills
• Passion for the drinks industry
• Happy to get hands‑on and get involved in all that is going on at Suntory Global Spirits
• Autonomous, with a can‑do attitude willing to go above and beyond

While relocation, immigration, and/or tax compliance support are not guaranteed, we may offer assistance to successful candidates depending on factors such as role requirements in accordance with company guidelines.

At Suntory Global Spirits, people are our number one priority, and we believe our people grow together in diverse and inclusive environments where their unique insights, experiences and backgrounds are valued and respected. Suntory Global Spirits is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, military veteran status and all other characteristics, attributes or choices protected by law. All recruitment and hiring decisions are based on an applicant’s skills and experience.