About Burnt House Vineyard
Burnt House Vineyard is a family-run, award-winning vineyard in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, producing premium English still and sparkling wines.
As our business continues to expand, we're focused on growing our presence across both trade and direct-to-consumer markets. From distribution, independent retailers and restaurants to hospitality venues and corporate partnerships, we're building a brand that champions exceptional English wine and memorable customer experiences.
We're looking for a driven and commercially minded Sales Manager to lead the next stage of our trade growth. This is an exciting opportunity to shape our sales strategy, build lasting customer relationships and identify new opportunities to grow the Burnt House brand. Working closely with the owners and wider team, you'll play a key role in increasing sales, expanding our customer base and representing Burnt House across East Anglia and beyond.
If you're passionate about premium food and drink, enjoy building genuine relationships and thrive in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Main Duties
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing trade customers, including restaurants, pubs, hotels, retailers and independent wine merchants.
- Deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring accounts receive regular contact and support to encourage long-term partnerships.
- Conduct regular customer visits to strengthen relationships, identify opportunities and understand each business's needs.
- Increase listings of Burnt House wines through tailored opportunities, including by-the-glass placements, seasonal promotions and wine list development.
- Act as the main point of contact for trade customers, responding to enquiries and ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
- Identify and secure new trade accounts across East Anglia and the wider UK to support the continued growth of Burnt House Vineyard.
- Develop and deliver a proactive sales strategy to increase distribution and brand awareness across the on-trade, off-trade and hospitality sectors.
- Seek opportunities for corporate partnerships, events and wholesale collaborations that align with the Burnt House brand.
- Work closely with the owners to achieve commercial objectives and identify new routes to market.
- Represent Burnt House Vineyard with professionalism, enthusiasm and authenticity.
- Deliver engaging trade tastings, staff training, wine dinners and hosted vineyard experiences.
- Attend industry trade shows, exhibitions and networking events to generate new business opportunities and strengthen existing relationships.
- Develop and maintain an in-depth knowledge of the Burnt House wine portfolio, vineyards and winemaking.
- Keep up to date with developments in the English wine industry, competitor activity and consumer trends.
Sales Administration
- Maintain accurate customer records, sales activity and pipeline management using the company CRM system.
- Prepare monthly sales reports, forecasts and market insight for the owners.
- Monitor sales performance against agreed targets and identify opportunities for growth.
- Create invoices for new orders and liaise with customers to ensure timely payment.
- Coordinate the packaging and distribution of both trade and online customer orders.
- Manage customer feedback professionally, resolving issues promptly and maintaining high service standards.
- Ensure all sales activities comply with licensing regulations and company policies.
- Attend regular team meetings and contribute to the continued growth of the business.
About You
You'll be commercially driven, passionate about English wine and excited by the opportunity to help grow an ambitious independent vineyard.
You'll ideally have:
- A minimum of three years' sales experience, preferably within the wine, drinks or hospitality industry.
- A passion for English wine and enthusiasm for sharing the Burnt House story.
- Excellent relationship-building skills and the confidence to communicate with customers at every level.
- A proactive approach with a proven ability to identify and convert new opportunities.
- Excellent organisation and time management skills, with the ability to work independently while contributing to a close-knit team.
- Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
- Experience using Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
- WSET Level 2 qualification or higher preferrable.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly throughout East Anglia, London and occasionally further afield.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to play a key role in one of Suffolk's fastest-growing vineyards.
- A varied and rewarding role with genuine opportunity to influence the future direction of the business.
- Staff discount on Burnt House wines, food and events.
- A supportive, ambitious and friendly family-run working environment where no two days are the same.
Salary
Competitive salary starting from £30,000 FT (pro-rata PT), dependent on experience, plus sales related bonus and company pension.
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
