Country Manager
Ireland (HQ is in Dublin city)
Field-based role with national travel
Role overview
Senior commercial leadership role with full responsibility for sales performance and market execution of a premium Irish whiskey brand in Ireland. The role owns the Irish sales strategy, key customer relationships, route-to-market, and in-market delivery across On-Trade, Retail, and Wholesale channels. Ireland is positioned as a showcase home market, requiring visible leadership and hands-on execution.
Key responsibilities
• Own and deliver the Irish sales strategy, including volume, value, and profitability targets across all channels
• Lead national and regional customer negotiations, including pricing, trading terms, and Joint Business Plans
• Build and maintain senior relationships with key On-Trade groups, retailers, wholesalers, and distribution partners
• Define and optimise the route-to-market model, ensuring strong national coverage and consistent execution
• Drive distribution, visibility, and rate of sale through activations, promotions, and collaboration with marketing and trade marketing
• Act as senior brand ambassador in market at customer meetings, tastings, and industry events
• Own sales forecasting, reporting, budget management, and performance tracking
• Lead, coach, and develop field sales resources to raise execution standards and commercial capability
• Track competitor activity, market dynamics, and consumer trends to inform commercial decisions
Candidate profile
• Proven commercial leadership experience within Irish whiskey is essential
• Deep, current knowledge of the Irish whiskey market, including On-Trade, Retail, and Wholesale dynamics
• Strong national account management and commercial negotiation experience
• Track record of delivering growth for premium or super-premium whiskey brands
• Experience owning or directly influencing a country-level sales P&L
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on executional levels
• High personal credibility with customers and industry stakeholders
• Highly self-directed, commercially sharp, and comfortable in a field-based role
• Full driving licence and right to work in Ireland required