Sales Account Manager
Sales Account Manager (Leeds) – Job Specification
Reports to: Free Trade Controller (North of England)
Direct Reports: –
Department: Sales
Purpose of the Role
The Sales Account Manager will be responsible for driving sustainable sales growth, strengthening customer relationships, and representing Kirkstall Brewery’s values and beers across Leeds. This role combines hands-on account management with strategic execution, commercial accountability, and proactive market development.
The role is central to securing sustainable revenues through retaining existing customers, winning new accounts, and implementing the tactical plans required to achieve long-term profitable growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy Execution
- Execute Kirkstall Brewery’s regional sales strategy in line with overall business objectives
- Identify and prioritise opportunities for distribution growth across on-trade, off-trade, and key accounts
- Act as a brand ambassador, ensuring Kirkstall Brewery is represented consistently and authentically in-market
- Provide local market insight to inform wider sales, marketing, and production strategies
- Sales Growth and Retention
- Drive volume, value, and margin growth across existing accounts
- Identify, pitch to, and secure new customers that align with Kirkstall Brewery’s brand and values
- Develop long-term partnerships with customers through excellent service and commercial awareness
- Manage range reviews, new product launches, and seasonal rotations with customers
- Protect and grow distribution through effective retention and relationship management
- Leadership and Development
- Demonstrate leadership through example, professionalism, and accountability
- Collaborate closely with internal teams (sales, marketing, production, logistics)
- Support the development of junior sales team members where appropriate
- Share best practice, market insight, and learning across the wider sales team
- Commercial Accountability
- Deliver against agreed sales targets, KPIs, and budgets
- Manage pricing, margins, and promotional activity within agreed frameworks
- Ensure all trading activity is commercially sound and aligned with company objectives
- Maintain accurate forecasting and pipeline management
- Customer Engagement
- Build strong, trusted relationships with key decision-makers and influencers
- Deliver engaging customer visits, tastings, and training sessions
- Work closely with customers on activations, events, and brand-building opportunities
- Resolve issues proactively and professionally, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction
- Reporting and Feedback
- Maintain accurate CRM records, including call notes, opportunities, and forecasts
- Provide regular performance reports and market feedback to the sales leadership team
- Share competitor insight, pricing intelligence, and consumer trends
- Contribute constructively to sales meetings and planning sessions
Values & Culture
At Kirkstall Brewery, we are proud to be independent, quality-driven, and people-focused. The successful candidate will:
- Share a genuine passion for great beer and independent brewing
- Act with integrity, honesty, and respect in all customer and internal relationships
- Be collaborative, supportive, and open to feedback
- Take pride in representing the brewery, its people, and its products
- Embrace continuous improvement, curiosity, and learning
Skills & Experience
- Essential:
- Proven experience in a field-based sales or account management role (drinks industry preferred)
- Strong knowledge of the on-trade landscape in Leeds
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
- Commercially astute with the ability to balance growth and profitability
- Highly organised with strong time management and planning skills
- Comfortable working independently while contributing to a wider team
- Full UK driving licence
- Desirable:
- Experience within craft beer, independent brewing, or premium drinks
- Familiarity with CRM systems and sales reporting tools
- Experience managing regional or key accounts
Key Measures of Success
- Achievement of agreed sales targets (volume, value, and margin)
- Growth in distribution and quality of customer base across the region
- Retention and development of existing accounts
- Accuracy of forecasting and reporting
- Quality of customer relationships and brand representation
- Positive contribution to team culture and collaboration
Renumeration and Benefits
- Starting salary of £35,000+, dependent on experience
- Performance-related bonus structure (where applicable)
- Potential for car allowance
- Company laptop and mobile phone
- Employee discount across Kirkstall Brewery retail sites
- Pension scheme
- 28 days annual leave
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Opportunities for professional development and progression within a growing independent brewery
