Sales Manager

Role: Sales Manager Location: LWC North East, Washington, Tyne & Wear About LWC: At LWC, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service with a 'can do’ attitude that sets us apart. Our meticulous attention to detail and strong work ethic have established us as one of the industry's leading partners. As a wholesale drinks distributor, LWC supplies an extensive range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in the hospitality sector. With 40 years of industry experience, we pride ourselves on our market insight and ability to forecast future trends. Our national reach and regional structure ensure we stay attuned to local market dynamics. We are the fastest-growing privately owned drinks company in Britain, ranking 24th in the Sunday Times PWC Profit Track 100. Our goal is to provide the industry's best customer service. We employ over 1,500 people across 18 depots in the UK, with a Support Centre and Hub Distribution Centre based in Manchester.The growth and success of LWC are intertwined with the growth and success of our customers and our team. Position Overview: We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager, ideally based in the Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland areas, to join our mission of delivering the best service in the industry. The ideal candidate will be an influential leader with a passion for supporting and coaching a team of expert salespeople. As LWC experiences rapid growth, this role offers significant personal and professional opportunities. If you are passionate about the drinks industry and eager to make a tangible impact, this position is perfect for you. Key Responsibilities: Manage, recruit, and develop a team comprising Account Managers, Wine Development Managers, and a Brand Activation Manager. Achieve the agreed sales and margin budget. Meet targets for new business, wine, and signature brands, while retaining existing customers and increasing their spend. Enhance the efficiency of account managers by focusing on new business targets, margin-driving categories, customer spend, focus brand targets, and minimizing attrition. Lead monthly sales meetings. Build and strengthen relationships with key customers in support of account managers. Conduct annual appraisals and regular reviews with direct reports, including regular field visits. Collaborate with key stakeholders such as Depot Managers, Operational Teams, Regional Managers, and the Support Centre team to meet company targets. Identify and communicate industry and retail trends and activities. Key Skills and Qualifications: Exceptional leadership and coaching abilities. Commercial experience, preferably in on-trade. Proven track record in sales and achieving growth targets. In-depth knowledge of the trade and market trends. Outstanding communication skills. Demonstrated success in managing a high-performing sales team. Desirable: Comprehensive knowledge of drinks across all categories. Desirable: Experience and understanding of hospitality retail.