Business Development Account Manager

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & ACCOUNT MANAGERPremium Wine & Beer Portfolio | LinkedInAdelaide, South Australia If you enjoy wine, people and the challenge of winning new business, this could be a rewarding opportunity with a respected South Australian liquor distributor.Empire Liquor is looking for a commercially minded Business Development & Account Manager to grow our premium wine and imported beer portfolio by opening new accounts, developing existing customers and building stronger distribution across South Australia. THIS IS NOT AN ORDER-TAKING ROLE!We are looking for someone who enjoys creating growth. The right person will be confident opening doors, finding new opportunities, winning customers, developing existing accounts and building lasting commercial relationships. New customer development and territory growth are critical measures of success. This is a highly competitive industry, currently navigating global financial pressures and changing consumer purchasing and consumption habits. Success in this role will require commercial resilience, persistence and the ability to work through pricing pressure, buyer resistance and other commercial obstacles to create sustainable growth.The successful person will be able to identify and understand each customer's needs, consider all viable options and present a solution that creates and delivers genuine value for the customer and our brand owners. By achieving the right commercial outcome for all parties, the successful person will also deliver a sustainable and positive return for Empire Liquor. Over three decades, Empire Liquor has proudly supplied premium family-owned wines and authentic imported beers to hotels, restaurants, bottle shops, clubs and licensed venues throughout South Australia, building long-term relationships with customers who value quality, service and specialist product knowledge. This Role Will Suit Someone Who· Enjoys prospecting and opening new accounts· Values building trust with customers over time· Thrives on the energy from growing a territory, not simply maintaining one· Has a genuine interest in wine and premium beverages· Plans their week efficiently and follows through· Enjoys helping customers grow and improve their business· Stays commercially focused and persistent when buyers raise price, ranging or margin objections· Remains positive and persistent when worthwhile opportunities take time to convert About the OpportunityYou will manage an established customer territory while actively identifying and converting new business opportunities across South Australia.You will work with an outstanding portfolio of premium family-owned wine brands and authentic imported beers, helping customers improve their offer while growing your territory by· Business development· Account growth· Territory growth· Wine and beverage education· Customer relationship building You Might Be· A venue manager ready to move into a sales career· A bottle shop manager who loves wine and customers· A hospitality professional with strong people skills· A liquor industry salesperson who wants more ownership· A business developer who enjoys premium beverage brandsWine qualifications such as WSET or similar are highly regarded, but genuine enthusiasm and willingness to learn are just as important. What Success Looks Like Business DevelopmentNew customer acquisition; prospect conversion; active sales pipeline; distribution growth; new account revenue. Account GrowthExisting customer sales growth; customer retention; portfolio penetration; successful promotional activity. Professional ExecutionCall cycle discipline; territory planning; reporting accuracy; follow-through; product knowledge development. After 12 months, success should be visible through a healthy prospect pipeline, new customer wins, measurable territory growth, stronger existing customer relationships and confident ownership of the territory. Why Empire Liquor?We compete by offering outstanding products, strong brand-owner partnerships, specialist knowledge and genuine customer support.· Premium family-owned wine portfolio· Authentic imported beer brands· Supportive family-owned culture· High level of autonomy· Company vehicle· Incentive program· Product education and training· The opportunity to make a visible impact Quick FAQIs this mainly an account management role?No. Existing customers matter but developing new customers is crucial. The right person will enjoy prospecting, opening new doors and converting opportunities. Do I need wine knowledge?We are not looking for a Master of Wine, but an intermediate knowledge and genuine interest in wine is preferred. What type of person succeeds here?Someone who is self-motivated, organised, commercially aware, resilient, customer-focused and motivated by growth. They will also be comfortable handling objections, adapting their approach and continuing to pursue worthwhile opportunities when the first answer is no. Final WordIf you enjoy wine, people and the challenge of winning new business, this could be a very rewarding next step. At Empire Liquor, growth comes from creating opportunities, not waiting for them. We are not looking for someone to inherit a territory - we are looking for someone to grow one. To apply, please send your resume with a short note outlining your beverage, hospitality, retail liquor or business development experience, and why this role appeals to you.If you are ready to open doors, develop customers and help build the next chapter of growth for Empire Liquor, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Please send a letter of application and resume – no phone enquiries or applications will be accepted.Applications via email only to: employment@empireliquor.com.au and close on 11th September 2026.