Key Account Manager Japanese Nomi-Ba

What makes this a great opportunity?

As Suntory Global Spirits accelerates its global footprint, we are establishing our own commercial business in the UK. As one of the largest, most sophisticated spirits markets in the world, the UK offers significant potential for our portfolio of premium brands. We’re building a world-class team to create a new and exciting business that is rooted in strong foundations, led by our values and long-term commercial ambition. 

This is a unique opportunity, leveraging Suntory’s Japanese heritage and brands to work with an exciting and growing segment in the London On Trade. As a Key Account Manager you will be the face of our brands to key customers using your knowledge, experience and the stories behind our brands to build and grow long-lasting and sustainable relationships that support our brand and commercial objectives in the UK. 

This is a great opportunity to build on your commercial experience, support our growth and help us create more meaningful moments with our consumers across a focused but diverse range of Japanese bars, restaurants & venues in London with a real chance to make your mark in a unique part of the On Trade. 

Role Responsibilities

• Execution of the commercial strategy for London Japanese/Nomi-Ba customers 
• Accountable for pricing and profitability ambition for the market in partnership with commercial marketing incorporating the long-term brand and business ambition 
• Drive monthly/ quarterly and annual business performance review and forecasting. Know the drivers underlying market results i.e. depletions, stock level, main activities for our brands and for competitors and share best practice 
• P&L ownership of London Japanese/Nomi-Ba customers 
• Develop trusting and mutually beneficial relationships with distributors  
• Build close and effective partnerships with all enabling functions internally especially commercial marketing and finance partner 
• Champion compliance and professionalism. Keep well-informed of all relevant laws, regulations and policies and be comfortable to lead in crisis management situations  
• Deliver on RSVP3 goals annually (Range, Space, Visibility, Price, Promotion & Persuasion) at Account & store level 
• Value-added approach to sales & strong problem-solving skills 

Qualifications

Experience and Qualifications 

• A minimum of 3 years sales/commercial experience, including On Trade account management  
• Understanding of Japanese culture and trends and knowledge of key bars, bartenders, restaurants/cuisine, and influencers 

Key skills and behaviours  

• A strong ability to forecast accurately and an attention to detail  
• Ability to use data to create commercial arguments 
• Entrepreneurship and an eye for new opportunities 
• Highly developed influencing and negotiating ability 
• Well developed written & verbal communication, presentation skills 
• Result oriented team player with a strong collaborative approach 
• Business and relationship focused  
• Ability to work under pressure with a “can-do” attitude & resilience 
• Agility – demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in a wide range of situations.  
• Embraces change and be able to adapt external best practice to own organizational situation 
• Forward thinking and action orientated – challenges the status quo to proactively and creatively identify opportunities for improvement.  
• Decisive, commercially aware and customer focused approach 
• Good administrative and organizational skills