Rhuaridh Paul
Glasgow,,Scotland
Summary
A commercially-minded and self-motivated drinks buyer with five years experience within one of Scotland's most prominent drinks wholesalers with a focus on spirits and wines, two years of brand sales and advocacy, along with a further seventeen years within the hospitality industry. Successful in managing a large number of accounts simultaneously, whilst also implementing structured business plans to maximise revenue gains and develop effective supplier partnerships. Commercially sharp with the ability to adapt to new business opportunities. Strong presentation, communication and negotiation skills with a background in training/leading both large and small teams to achieve company targets.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work history
Specialist Drinks Buyer
Dunns Food and Drinks Ltd
Glasgow
2021.10 - 2026.07
- Comprehensive account management of over two hundred active supplier partnerships
- Personally achieving year-on-year growth of A&P income by 8%
- Continuous analysis of sales data to monitor fast / slow moving products and identify improvement opportunities
- Working collaboratively with e-commerce platforms, finance and marketing teams
- Represent Dunn's within on-trade via days-in-trade and hospitality events
- Stay on top of category trends and actively update the product offering to provide customers with a diverse range of products
- Full financial control of pricing structures and maintaining stable margins that are competitive whilst also achieving KPI targets
- Negotiation, creation and execution of Joint Business Plans to act as revenue generators, whilst also increasing sales volumes and strengthening supplier partnerships
- Engaging collaboratively with suppliers on tailored marketing plans to boost their exposure on all digital platforms
- Working directly with the largest/prestige accounts to source products, create pricing and ensure high levels of service
- Engaging with sales teams on focused-product drives and education of product categories
- Organise and execute customer-focused activations - annual trade shows, tasting events and distillery trips
- Full stock control responsibilities - reviewing stock management vs sales to process daily orders and keep accurate holding stock levels
General Manager
The Absent Ear
Glasgow
2021.01 - 2021.10
- Responsible for all areas of opening and launch of high-concept cocktail-focused venue, with targets of achieving UK TOP 50 listing - achieved in first year of trading
- Full control of all financial management - wage percentage, forecasting, sales GP, overheads, purchasing etc
- Recruitment, training and management of full opening team
- Working with suppliers to establish pouring/listing contracts, along with hosting activations
- Responsible for all HR responsibilities
- Successful team collaboration to achieve placement in UK TOP 50 Bars program
Business Development Executive
Sea Spirits Brands
, Scotland
2020.09 - 2021.08
- Responsible for all elements of brand advocacy and sales on West Coast of Scotland with varied portfolio of global products
- Adapting to restrictions of COVID lock downs by utilising social media and digital assets to host online trade tastings and brand sessions with customers
- Organising and leading brand-orientated training to both off/on trade accounts
- Engaging closely with on-trade accounts to obtain menu/cocktail listings and negotiate listing fees/stock retros
- Working with partnered wholesalers on stock, pricing, customer queries, brand marketing plans and price promotions
Business Development Executive
Glaswegin
, Scotland
2019.11 - 2020.09
- Responsible for all elements of brand advocacy and sales on West Coast of Scotland
- Adapting the role to restrictions of COVID by also working within warehouse operations to deal with delivery logistics and e-commerce orders
- Leading brand-orientated training sessions to both off/on trade accounts
- Representing brands at trade shows and events
- Working with on-trade accounts to obtain menu/cocktail listings and negotiate listing fees/stock retros
- Working with partnered wholesalers on stock, pricing, customer queries, brand marketing plans and price promotions
Bar Manager
Dakota Hotel Group
Glasgow
2016.05 - 2019.07
- Completing rotas for teams of up to sixteen
- Developing all areas of the drinks programme
- Full financial control of operations including purchasing, wage control and overall departmental profit
- Full control of all cellar and stock management responsibilities
- Full control, training and development of all floor and bar service
- Organising numerous drinks, dinner and cigar events due to popular demand
- Implementing, creating and costing seasonally-changing drinks/cocktail menus
Skills
- Tactical contract negotiation and successful account management
- Detailed passion and knowledge for all spirit/wine categories
- Excellent communication skills across both internal departments and external contacts
- Effective category oversight of both on-trade and retail channels
- Event planning and management on both small and large scale
- Strong understanding of all key Microsoft programs - Excel, Power Point, Copilot with good understanding on utilising AI into daily practices
- Inventory management and stock control
- Qualifications - WSET Level 2 Spirits, WSET Level 2 Wines and WSET Level 2 Sake
- Level 3 - First Aid Qualification
- Working closely with Scotland Food and Drinks 'Working with Wholesale' program to support young and local suppliers engage with wholesalers successfully
- Experience with Digital tools such as CANVA to build/ create digital brochures
- Bartender at The Absent Ear Cocktail bar to stay intertwined with on-trade and trends
References
Available on request
Timeline
Specialist Drinks Buyer
Dunns Food and Drinks Ltd
2021.10 - 2026.07
General Manager
The Absent Ear
2021.01 - 2021.10
Business Development Executive
Sea Spirits Brands
2020.09 - 2021.08
Business Development Executive
Glaswegin
2019.11 - 2020.09
Bar Manager
Dakota Hotel Group
2016.05 - 2019.07