Sales Director – Black Chalk Wine
Location: Hampshire, UK
Salary: Competitive, plus bonus & benefits
Reports to: CEO/Board
Type: Full-time
Black Chalk is a renowned English wine producer, celebrated for crafting exceptional sparkling wines from Hampshire’s finest vineyards. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Sales Director/Manager to drive revenue growth, strengthen relationships, and expand our presence in key domestic and international markets.
The Sales Director will be responsible for developing and executing a robust sales strategy, building and leading the sales team, and managing key relationships across retail, on-trade, off-trade, and export markets. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in premium wines, an extensive network, and a passion for English sparkling wine.
THE ROLE:
* Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy to achieve ambitious growth targets. To include onsite, online, local, national and international.
* Devise and identify and expand new business opportunities in on-trade, off-trade, direct-to-consumer (DTC), and export markets.
* Drive revenue and profitability across multiple channels, ensuring alignment with the brand’s premium positioning.
* Manage and nurture current relationships.
* Work with our national partners to ensure peak sales performance in line with the agreed Black Chalk sales strategy.
* Represent Black Chalk as a brand ambassador in a passionate and professional manner.
* Co-ordinate with the Marketing Manager to ensure our marketing and sales strategies align and to plan and execute promotional events, tastings, and trade shows to increase brand awareness and drive sales.
* Collaborate with our small team to understand our product offerings, production processes, and unique selling points.
* Conduct market research to identify trends, customer profiles, competitor activity, and new opportunities for growth.
* Provide training and support to trade customers and distribution partners to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively sell Black Chalk wines.
* Produce sales projections, monitor sales performance and analyse data to identify areas for improvement and optimisation.
* Prepare regular reports and presentations on sales activities, achievements, and market insights.
* Co-ordinate administrative support of sales activities, including order fulfilment, sales logistics, export documentation.
Key Skills and Experience:
* Proven experience as a Sales Director, Head of Sales, or similar senior sales role within the wine, spirits, or premium FMCG industry.
* A strong network of contacts across the UK and international wine trade (on-trade, off-trade, distributors, retailers and high net worth individuals).
* Strong negotiation, relationship management, and leadership skills.
* Commercially astute with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
* Passion for premium English wines and the ability to convey Black Chalk’s story effectively.
* Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative sales strategies and marketing initiatives.
* Deep understanding of the English wine industry, including key players, regions, and the sales markets involved.
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships.
* Knowledge/experience of DTC sales.
* Experience/ability to host tastings and other customer facing events.
* Some knowledge of export markets for English wine including USA, Japan and Canada.
* Ability to lift 15kgs
* Visiting new and existing business will be a key element of the role so a willingness to travel frequently will be expected.
Desirable
* Experience in DTC, e-commerce, and digital sales
* Previous experience working with English sparkling wines or premium UK-based brands