National Sales Manager

Salary/Rate:Market related
Job type:Full-time
Working Options:Remote
Town/City:London
County:London
Specialism:Drinks Recruitment
Job ref:124607
Post Date:October 23, 2026
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About the Role

National Sales Manager | Drinks
UK | National Travel
Competitive Salary + Performance Incentives

Mai Chai as a British ready-to-drink beverage brand bringing together premium ingredients, innovative products and everyday wellness.

Mai Chai has established distribution across more than 360 locations, with a growing presence across UK retail and international travel retail

Now we're looking for a BD focused, commercially driven National Sales Manager to turn that momentum into major retail success.

This isn't a role about inheriting an existing account base, it's an opportunity to open doors, win listings and play a pivotal role in scaling an emerging drinks brand.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Founder, you'll take ownership of Mai Chai's national retail expansion, with a particular focus on accelerating grocery distribution.

  • Drive new business across major UK grocery retailers, convenience, impulse and wider retail channels.
  • Leverage your existing buyer relationships to secure new listings and unlock national distribution opportunities.
  • Build and convert a strong commercial pipeline, taking opportunities from initial engagement through to confirmed listings.
  • Develop existing retail partnerships, driving additional distribution, SKU expansion and commercial growth.
  • Shape the commercial strategy, identifying new routes to market and opportunities to accelerate growth.
  • Play a key role in building the foundations of a scalable national sales function.

About You

  • Proven experience in drinks or FMCG sales, ideally within soft drinks, functional beverages or RTD.
  • Has established relationships with senior buyers and category decision-makers at major UK grocery retailers, alongside a proven track record of personally securing new national listings.
  • Strong new business development experience, with the confidence to open doors and convert opportunities rather than simply managing existing accounts.
  • An entrepreneurial, hands-on approach, ideally gained within a challenger brand or high-growth environment.
  • Commercially astute, proactive and comfortable taking ownership in a fast-paced, evolving business.

Whether you've helped scale an emerging drinks brand or built an impressive track record within a larger FMCG organisation, we're interested in people who can bring the relationships, ambition and drive to make things happen.

Why Mai Chai?

This is an opportunity to join a brand with real momentum, significant ambition and the backing to support its next stage of growth.

You'll have direct access to the Founder, genuine commercial autonomy and the chance to influence the direction of the business as it expands its UK and international footprint.

Are You Ready to Work for the UK’s Next Big Brand?

If you're passionate about building brands, winning business and turning ambitious growth plans into commercial success, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with The Advocate Group to find out more about joining Mai Chai on its next chapter.

This search is being managed exclusively by Advocate Group on behalf of Mai Chai. All direct or third-party applications will be forwarded to Advocate Group for processing.

Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner within the UK FMCG and consumer products sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying for this role, you agree to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

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