Society of Vintners: Commercial Director

Role: Commercial Director

Reporting to: John Mansfield (CEO) and Andy Bate (Non Executive Chair)

Hours: Full-time, permanent contract

Location: We have a head office in Chichester, but a lot of time will be spent with members and suppliers.

Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

The Society of Vintners (SoV) is a non-profit making member-owned wine buying group that has been in existence for over 50 years. There are currently 29 members, each an independent wine or drinks wholesaler across the UK, solely supplying the On-Trade. SoV source and distribute over 4 million bottles of wine each year to its members.

SoV were shortlisted in the Sommelier Wine Awards 2025 for Value Merchant of the Year, demonstrating the high regard to which SoV wines are viewed by the on-trade.

We have a unique opportunity for the right person to join the team.

As the first Commercial Director for SoV, you would be responsible for:

• · Product: Reviewing, developing and maintaining the SoV portfolio of wines.
• · Product: Understanding key trends in the market and adapting the portfolio accordingly.
• · Product: Building relationships with existing SoV suppliers to maintain and extend existing lines and creating new wine opportunities with new suppliers for SoV members.
• · Account Management: Ensuring the success of SoV by working with members to develop their wine category.
• · Account management: Being available to provide top level wine support to members when required (trade tastings, supplier visits etc).
• · Leveraging the SoV Brand and supporting the promotion of SoV.
• · Helping to identify and bring in additional new members.

The successful candidate will have:

• · A desire to come in and impact how SoV develops its commercial operations.  
• · A proven track record in wine buying and selling with specialist knowledge of wines from the key wine producing regions around the world.
• · A high level and breadth of wine knowledge, including sourcing and production, and identifying key market trends. 
• · A commercial outlook and way of thinking, combined with a clear understanding and appreciation of the unique business model that SoV provides. 
• · Exceptional negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• · Ability to work to deadlines and travel as appropriate.

To apply for this position, please send your CV to Andy Bate at andy@sov.wine, where a more detailed specification for the role can be shared 

The closing date for applications is 31 August 2025.