Meridian Wine Merchants is currently seeking a passionate and results-driven individual to join our team as a Wine Sales Specialist Consultant. At Meridian Wine Merchants, we expertly combine tradition and innovation to provide outstanding products tailored to our diverse clients. This position is based in Cape Town
Duties and Responsibilities
- Identify, develop and convert new premium business opportunities while growing premium wine sales, profitability and portfolio performance across allocated territories.
- Develop annual customer growth plans, identify new premium opportunities, and implement initiatives that expand premium category sales.
- Execute wine list recommendations, premium portfolio placements, and listing opportunities within targeted customer segments and outlets.
- Proactively identify, prospect and convert new premium restaurants, hotels, hospitality groups and specialist wine customers within the allocated territory.
- Develop trusted long-term client relationships that position Meridian as the preferred premium wine partner while expanding customer value.
- Conduct customer-led trade visits to identify execution opportunities, customer requirements, visibility gaps, and portfolio growth opportunities.
- Lead premium tastings, winemaker dinners, customer events and educational experiences that generate new business opportunities and strengthen customer relationships.
- Develop customer-specific growth plans by identifying premium category opportunities, menu opportunities, new listings and premium portfolio expansion opportunities.
- Review customer wine offerings, identify gaps and growth opportunities, recommend commercially successful wine selections, and establish premium category standards.
- Gather and communicate customer insights, competitor activity, wine list trends, and regional market intelligence to support strategic commercial decisions.
- Identify new premium trading areas, emerging customer segments and untapped market opportunities for future business growth.
- Execute customer and portfolio segmentation strategies to ensure the right portfolio mix within the right customer environments.
- Execute cycle briefs, premium trade initiatives, promotional campaigns, and activation plans in conjunction with Trade Marketing and the Wine Specialist Manager.
- Work closely with Distribution, Trade Marketing, Key Accounts, Sales Reps, Finance, and internal support teams to ensure product availability and operational execution.
- Coach Sales Representatives on premium portfolio positioning, customer opportunities and premium selling techniques.
- Deliver premium wine education, food pairing guidance and category development sessions that strengthen customer capability and drive premium wine sales.
- Ensure disciplined usage and maintenance of Repforce, Truedata, reporting tools, and customer databases.
- Continuously maintain and improve wine, competitor, portfolio, commercial and premium category knowledge.
Requirements
- Grade 12 (Matric) plus Cape Wine Academy Wine Certificate
- Minimum 4+ years’ experience in FMCG liquor sales and merchandising across premium customer environments
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce, CG Cloud) advantageous
- Valid driver’s licence, own reliable vehicle, and right to work in South Africa
Why Join Meridian?
Meridian Wine Merchants connects some of South Africa's most exciting premium wine brands with the country's leading restaurants, retailers, hotels and wine professionals. Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow and make an impact in an industry we're passionate about.
We're a team that works hard, celebrates success and is always looking for better ways to do things. We value people who bring energy, curiosity, integrity and a genuine love for wine. Here, your ideas matter, your contribution is recognised, and your growth is part of our success.
If you're passionate about premium wine, thrive in a fast-moving environment and want to build a career where you'll be challenged, supported and inspired every day, come and grow with us.