Prestige Brand Development Manager (London)

Do you have a deep passion for premium spirits, a strong network in the London On Trade scene, and a flair for building brands in luxury environments?

We’re looking for a commercially driven and innovative Prestige Brand Development Manager to champion our award-winning whisky and gin portfolio across London’s most prestigious venues. If you thrive in a fast-paced, relationship-led environment and have a proven track record of growing brands in the On Trade, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd… ‘An international, entrepreneurial, brand-led, successful, sustainable and respected, family business’

We own some of the world’s best loved brands such as Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Edinburgh Gin. If you haven’t already, please browse around our company internet pages and immerse yourself in our colourful history and sample the details of some of our exquisite brands. As we start to tantalise your taste buds and whet your appetite for a career here with us at Ian Macleod Distillers, you will really get to understand just why our team members and customers are indeed so passionate about all things Ian Macleod!

As our Prestige Brand Development Manager (London), you’ll be the driving force behind our Tier 1 spirits portfolio (whisky & gin) across London’s most exclusive venues. You’ll grow brand equity, distribution, and rate of sale, along with leading our Fine & Rare whisky portfolio in high-net-worth areas.

What you’ll be doing…

• Lead the growth of our Fine & Rare whisky portfolio in London’s luxury On Trade venues (prestige hotels, fine dining, members clubs, whisky/cigar lounges).
• Manage a portfolio of 150 accounts, including small groups, with full P&L ownership.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers (F&B Directors, Buyers, GMs).
• Identify and secure new business opportunities, driving distribution and net margin growth.
• Deliver brand training, tastings, and host key customer visits to bring our portfolio to life.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, advocacy, and RTM teams to deliver joint business plans.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, competitor activity, and luxury consumer behaviour.
• Represent the brand at trade events and maintain a strong presence in the field, including evenings and weekends.

This is a commercially focused, relationship-driven role where your On Trade expertise and luxury network will shine. This role requires a balance of commercial acumen and brand-building expertise, with a strong emphasis on relationship management, negotiation, and strategic planning.

Who we’re looking for…

• A confident, charismatic communicator with a strong On Trade network in London.
• Deep knowledge of whisky, gin, and the premium spirits market.
• Proven experience in growing brands in prestige On Trade environments.
• Skilled negotiator with strong commercial acumen and P&L management experience.
• Passionate about building long-term customer relationships and driving performance.
• KPI-driven and proactive in identifying opportunities to improve ways of working.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Why join us…

• Be part of a passionate, high-performing team with a shared love for premium spirits.
• Work with a prestigious portfolio of brands and help shape their presence in the UK’s most iconic venues.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.
• A role that offers autonomy, creativity, and the chance to make a real difference.

Next Steps…

If this sounds like your perfect next move, we’d love to hear from you. To apply for this opportunity, please send your CV and a tailored cover letter to recruitment.activities@ianmacleod.com.

Once received, we’ll send you a confirmation and invite you to complete a few core application questions.

By emailing your data to us, you are providing IMD with your explicit permission to be able to retain all of your details on our internal systems in line with all GDPR legislative requirements. 

Please find link here for our privacy policy for applicants. 

Please note, This is an open application window and may close early depending on the volume of applications received – so apply early to ensure you don’t miss out!

***No agency contact***

Proudly supporting the #OpenToWork movement.

Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) are proud members of the Scotch Whisky Association, Drink Aware and the Portman Group. In our individual IMD way, we endeavour to follow best practice to help shape our commitment to wider social responsibility and industry standards. We are advocates of promoting responsible selling and consumption of alcohol.