National Brand Development Manager-Giffard (On Trade & Foodservice)

Company Description

MCM Brands (MCM Spirits & Liqueurs) is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic premium spirits & liqueur distributors in Ireland. With an exclusive portfolio of leading brands such as Giffard, Fernet Branca, Antica Formula, Brockmans Gin, Clase Azul Tequila, Michters Bourbon, Crystal Head Vodka, Pallini Limoncello, Tequila Rose. We have built a very strong reputation for building and activating brands in the Irish drinks trade. With particular expertise in seeding new products and driving strong growth and awareness in the market. MCM Brands combines ambitious brand-building strategies with a customer-centric approach, maintaining close relationships with trade partners and consumers.

We are recruiting for a BDM position to focus exclusively on building and managing the Giffard brand portfolio within the territory of Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland. This role would suit an individual looking to progress within the on-trade spirits industry and/or foodservice channel. Moving up into a National Brand Ambassador style role. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a global, industry-leading brand and join a dynamic team. So, if you love to win and have fun along the way. Then we would love to hear from you.

*No recruiters please*.

Role Description

We are seeking an energetic, commercially minded and passionate Brand Ambassador to drive the growth, awareness and presence of the Giffard brand - a premium range of liqueurs, syrups and fruit purees across the island of Ireland.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a genuine passion for the coffee, hospitality and drinks industries to take ownership of developing our brands within the Foodservice and On Trade channels.

The primary focus of the role will be to establish and grow our footprint within the foodservice sector, with particular emphasis on the coffee industry. This will involve developing relationships with independent coffee shops, coffee chains, coffee docks, specialist coffee retailers, and key industry stakeholders.

Alongside this, the successful candidate will play a key role in building brand advocacy and engagement across the wider On Trade, delivering brand training, hosting trade masterclasses, supporting industry events and representing our brands at key trade shows.

Working from a home-based office, the Brand Ambassador will manage and develop relationships throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, acting as a passionate advocate and ambassador for our brands.

What We Offer

• An exciting opportunity to represent and develop a premium portfolio of liqueurs and syrups.
• The opportunity to make a genuine impact on brand growth and market development across the island of Ireland.
• A varied and engaging role working across the coffee, foodservice and hospitality industries.
• Home-based working with significant autonomy and responsibility for your territory.
• The opportunity to build relationships with some of the most exciting operators and influencers in the Irish coffee and drinks industries.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including travel expenses and performance-related incentives (where applicable).

This is an ideal opportunity for an ambitious and passionate individual who wants to play a key role in building premium brands and shaping their presence within Ireland's growing coffee and hospitality sectors.

The Brand

Giffard is one of France’s best-loved names in syrups, liqueurs, purees and alcohol-free drinks. The Giffard company is an independent and family-owned business for over 135 years, produces liqueurs, crèmes de fruits, and syrups distributed in France and abroad. The liqueur-maker from Angers, France crafts its products with tradition and authenticity to preserve their natural quality, while making innovation and respect for the environment its core values. Popular in On Trade and cafes due to their quality and natural ingredients.

Key responsibilities

Foodservice

• Develop and execute a strategy to grow brand awareness, distribution and sales across the foodservice channel.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the wider coffee industry, including coffee, distributors, equipment suppliers and industry partners.
• Drive product listings, menu placements and usage opportunities for our coffee syrups and demonstrate the versatility of the product range through innovative coffee recipes, signature serves and menu development.

On Trade

• Develop strong relationships with bartenders, mixologists, bar managers, owners and key industry influencers.
• Deliver engaging brand training sessions to educate trade customers on our products, their provenance, quality and versatility.
• Organise and host trade masterclasses, cocktail demonstrations and product-led events.

Personal Character

• Personality is a key factor; people buy from people they like.
• You can demonstrate professionalism, credibility, trust and respect both internally and externally.
• You are a naturally creative and motivated individual with a pride and passion in your work.
• You have good influencing skills at a variety of levels.

Qualifications

• Sales and commercial skills: candidates should possess strong sales capabilities, including account support, opportunity identification, and negotiation skills.
• Communication skills: candidates should possess excellent communication skills for presenting, influencing stakeholders, and building long-term partnerships.
• Relevant experience: prior experience in the foodservice (coffee) beverages, spirits, or FMCG sector. Previous brand management/ ambassador role experience would be an advantage.
• Education and capabilities: a relevant degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Personal attributes: self-motivated, organised, able to work independently and as part of a team, with a flexible approach to working hours and occasional travel for events.