Key Account Manager Germany & Neighboring Markets

The Gérard Bertrand Group is a world reference in organic and biodynamic wines, thanks to the work accomplished by expert teams in the 17 Châteaux and Domains, all located in the South of France. Recognized for the great blending talent of its founder Gérard Bertrand, as well as for the audacity and creativity of its teams, the group strives to create the best wines in the world and to allow everyone to experience them, to share a part of the dream with everyone.

To sustain our rapid growth in Europe we are recruiting a Key Account Manager Germany & Neighboring Markets.

Mission

As Key Account Manager, you will be responsible for opening, developing and managing strategic off-trade accounts in Germany, with the potential to extend your scope to neighboring markets. Working closely with our distributors and internal teams, you will accelerate distribution, visibility and sustainable growth of the Gérard Bertrand portfolio.

Your primary focus will be on winning new business with national and regional retail chains, specialist wine retailers, department stores, cash & carry operators and other relevant off-trade key accounts. Depending on opportunities, you may also develop selected strategic on-trade accounts such as major hotel, restaurant or hospitality groups.

You will manage the full business-development cycle: prospecting, preparing proposals and tenders, negotiating listings and commercial conditions, defining assortment and pricing strategies, and building annual activation plans from launch through performance review.

Using market intelligence, customer insights and sales data, you will identify growth opportunities, build compelling business cases and monitor sales, distribution, promotional performance and profitability. You will coordinate closely with distributor key-account teams to ensure strong execution, while developing direct relationships with customer decision-makers and representing Gérard Bertrand at key meetings, trade fairs and strategic events.

·         Strong affinity with wine and proven commercial experience in the German off-trade market; wine and spirits experience strongly preferred

·         Proven experience in Key Account Management with national or regional off-trade chains (wine category)

·         Strong understanding of the German retail environment, buying structures and commercial negotiation processes

·         Excellent negotiation, presentation and closing skills, with the ability to build compelling proposals and long-term customer partnerships

·         Fluent German (preferably native) and fluent English

·         Based in Germany with easy access to major business hubs, and willing to travel frequently across Germany and potentially neighboring markets

Furthermore, you recognize yourself in the following keywords: commercial talent, entrepreneurial, energetic, ambitious, analytical, team player, self-starter, solution-oriented, results-driven, eager to travel, bon vivant.

Assets for this position

·         Good understanding of French and German business cultures

·         Knowledge of French language

·         Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing or equivalent professional experience

·         Confident and credible with buyers, senior decision-makers and distributor partners

·         Winner mentality and strong drive for sustainable growth