Job description

Please note that Oliver Eva-Griffiths from Consumer Exec is the exclusive recruitment partner for MDCV UK and all CVs will be directed to him.

MDCV UK has a vision to bring the finest English and Provençal wines to the UK market. We have a long history of producing award-winning Provence Rosé and English Sparkling Wines, with an extensive infrastructure, both in France and the UK. We will be the largest producer of wine in each of these regions by 2027, with a combined production of over 10 million bottles annually. Our French estates span over 1000 acres and are already established in many global markets, with sales of over 6 million bottles. In the UK, we are establishing the largest vineyard site, based in Kent, and plan to be in full production from 2024. As a business, we strive for innovation and use many cutting-edge techniques in our vineyards and winemaking. The ambition and scale of what we do allows us some of the most efficient operations in the world, while still producing high quality wine of awardwinning standard. We have a passion for sustainability and manage all our vineyards organically, while also employing pioneering techniques to minimise our impact on the environment, such as composting organic waste, harvesting rainwater and heating our sites using natural sources, such as ground source heat pumps. While learning from our history and building for our future, we plan to revolutionise the English wine industry for the better.

The Opportunity:

• Manage & own the Off-Trade P&L (inc Volume, NSV, GP, Distribution, BI and Opex)
• Works cross-functionally with Marketing/Finance/HR/Ops to enhance decision making across the business including NPD, COGs, Projects, Culture.
• Ensure all Off-Trade sales goals are aligned with overall strategy to deliver commercial success.
• Deliver sales performance discipline within the channel using commercial sales tools, external data portals and third-party data trackers.
• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive sales strategies for off trade channels to achieve business growth and profitability.
• Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, fostering relationships with key customers and distributors to expand our presence.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term partnerships with key grocery retailers, ensuring MDCV’s product range is effectively positioned, marketed, and distributed in line with customer needs and preferences.
• Work closely with customers to provide insights on category growth opportunities, develop joint business plans, and drive category leadership through effective merchandising, promotions, and pricing strategies.
• Lead the sales forecasting process for the Off-Trade channel, ensuring accuracy in volume projections, budgeting, and resource allocation to meet financial targets.
• Plan and execute promotional campaigns, track performance, and analyze ROI to ensure the optimal mix of promotions, discounts, and marketing investments to drive sales and profitability.
• Mentor and manage the Off-Trade sales team, ensuring high performance, engagement, and alignment with company goals. Develop training programs to enhance sales capabilities.
• Define pricing structures and trade terms with retailers, ensuring competitiveness while protecting margin integrity across the grocery channel.
• Ensure that all sales and marketing activities within the Off-Trade channel comply with industry regulations, legal requirements, and internal policies, including those related to alcohol sales.
• Regularly produce and present detailed sales reports and market insights to senior management, providing data-driven recommendations to optimize channel performance and profitability.
• Monitor competitor activities and market trends to adjust strategy as needed and maintain a competitive edge in the Off-Trade market.

Skillset:

• Strong people skills.
• Experience with Wine or wine sales desirable
• WSET2 qualification
• Proven experience in a senior sales role within the drinks industry
• Strong understanding of the off-trade channel.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
• Ability to analyse market trends and sales performance data to drive strategy.
• Willingness to travel nationally as required.

If you’re looking to be part of a dynamic, entrepreneurial and fast-growth business, get in touch or apply now.