Food & Beverage ProductionFull time
18 Sept
Key Account Manager – Wine (Abu Dhabi)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
22000 AED + Standard UAE Benefits + Performance based bonus(annually) + other benefits as applicable
Full time
Job Description - Key Account Manager - Wine (On- Trade)
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAEDepartment: On-Trade Sales – Abu DhabiReporting To: Head of Sales – On-Trade, Abu Dhabi
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced Key Account Manager – Wine to join the Abu Dhabi On-Trade Sales team. The role will be responsible for developing and managing key On-Trade accounts while acting as the team's wine specialist, providing strong product knowledge and commercial expertise across the wine portfolio. Our Client is a market leader renowned for its excellence in the Alcohol and Beverages Industry.
The ideal candidate will combine strong wine knowledge with proven sales and key account management experience, preferably within the wines, spirits or broader beverage industry.
Key Responsibilities
Manage and develop key On-Trade accounts across Abu Dhabi, including hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and other hospitality establishments.
Drive sales, revenue and distribution growth across the wine portfolio.
Build strong relationships with key decision-makers including F&B Managers, Beverage Managers, Sommeliers, Restaurant Managers and Purchasing teams.
Identify new business opportunities and expand wine listings and distribution across existing and prospective accounts.
Develop account plans and execute sales strategies to achieve volume, revenue and profitability targets.
Leverage strong wine expertise to recommend suitable products, varietals and portfolio solutions based on customer requirements.
Conduct wine presentations, tastings, product education and training for customers and hospitality teams.
Support wine-list development, menu placements and portfolio visibility within key accounts.
Negotiate commercial agreements, listings, promotions and activations with customers.
Work closely with Marketing and Brand teams to execute wine promotions, events, tastings and On-Trade activations.
Monitor account performance, sales trends, competitor activity and market opportunities.
Maintain strong knowledge of wine regions, grape varieties, styles, producers, vintages, food pairing and emerging market trends.
Ensure timely follow-up on customer requirements, orders, payments and outstanding commercial matters.
Provide regular sales forecasts, account updates and market intelligence to the Head of Sales.
Candidate Requirements
3–4+ years of substantial wine sales experience, preferably within a drinks, wine, spirits or beverage company.
Proven experience managing On-Trade/HORECA accounts such as hotels, restaurants, bars and hospitality groups.
In-depth knowledge of wine is essential.
Wine qualifications such as WSET Level 2 or Level 3 are strongly preferred.
Advanced WSET certification or WSET Diploma would be a strong advantage.
Strong understanding of wine regions, grape varieties, styles, food pairing and wine-service principles.
Demonstrated ability to develop accounts, grow sales, secure listings and build long-term customer relationships.
Strong commercial, negotiation and presentation skills.
Confident conducting wine tastings, product presentations and customer training.
Good understanding of the Abu Dhabi/UAE On-Trade hospitality market would be advantageous.
Excellent communication and relationship-management skills.
UAE driving licence would be preferred.
Ideal Profile
A commercially driven wine professional who combines credible wine expertise with strong On-Trade sales capability. The successful candidate should be equally comfortable discussing wine with sommeliers and F&B professionals, developing commercial account plans, securing listings and driving revenue growth across key hospitality accounts.