At Alexander Steele Recruitment, we specialise in connecting candidates with leading brands in the food, drink, and FMCG industries. In this case study, we highlight how we partnered with Majestic, one of the UK’s largest specialist wine retailers, to recruit exceptional sales and marketing professionals who could enhance their brand presence and drive revenue growth. Our tailored recruitment strategy ensured we identified candidates with the right industry knowledge, commercial acumen, and leadership skills to make a lasting impact.ca
Area Sales Manager
Majestic is the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer, operating a network of more than 200 stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Jersey, staffed by more than 1,000 expert colleagues trained through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Founded in 1980 and initially trading as Majestic Vintners, the company floated on the UK stock exchange in 1996 and merged with Naked Wines in 2015. Majestic passed back into private ownership in 2019, separating from Naked Wines Plc following its sale to Fortress Investment Group.
The business has since undergone an ambitious transformation and turnaround plan, focusing on opening new stores, improving the product range, expanding their online presence and building an on-trade wholesaling arm, Majestic Commercial. Their fast-growing B2B operation now supplies more than 3,000 gastropubs, bars, restaurants, fine-dining venues and other hospitality operators across the UK. They have ambitious plans to further grow their omni-channel presence, across both the retail and hospitality sectors, throughout the coming years.
The Brief
Majestic Wine was looking to add experienced On-Trade Sales talent to their growing B2B operation. The business wanted passionate wine enthusiasts with a proven track record of winning and growing on trade customers in specific regions throughout the UK.
Alexander Steele Approach
The first step was a detailed discussion with the recruitment team and the hiring managers. The immediate challenges and opportunities of the role were shared with the Alexander Steele team. The calibre of candidates and key criteria were agreed upon, along with timescales and plans for the recruitment process.
We immediately went to market in the chosen areas which included Central Scotland, NW England, East Anglia, SW England and Central London. Our search looked at leading wine businesses and brands in the UK, utilising our network and taking referrals to ensure we were speaking to the top-performing talent in the sector.
A shortlist of 4-6 candidates all offered extensive experience within the drinks industry and on-trade channels. All candidates had wine experience in their patch, many with WSET qualifications.
All candidates were within budget with a real desire to join the exciting project at Majestic.
Outcome
We secured 5 Area Sales Managers for the Majestic B2B operation. The candidates made an instant impact helping grow sales in their chosen territory.