What is your role and how long have you been at Pernod Ricard?
I joined Pernod Ricard in October 2022 on the commercial graduate scheme with 3 others. I began working in the North field sales team, where I called on Italian restaurants to gain distribution and menu listings of some of our products. Following this I began a placement with the on-trade customer marketing team where I was able to learn a different part of the business and how they operate. Following this, I was then promoted to Business Development Executive for Greater Manchester and then on to Cheshire – in this role a typical day involves calling on seven on-trade venues in your patch, having a conversation with the managers and owners to see how we can aid them concerning the sales and listings of our products.
What inspired you to apply for this role?
Whilst working in hospitality I was working with the products regularly and many of the brands were my personal favourites, so when I saw the opportunity to work for the brands it really excited me. I also wanted to be part of a company where I could really progress my career and after seeing how much opportunity there was at Pernod, I knew it would be a great role to apply for.
What has been the single most important thing you learnt so far in your job?
Having the ability to build rapport with different personality types. Throughout the training you are taught how you can flex your personality to meet other’s needs, it also gives you a massive understanding of how to communicate more effectively – because naturally people respond to different cues and learning how to adjust my stance has massively helped me build relationships with customers when presenting proposals and campaign ideas.
What would a ‘normal’ day look like for someone in your role?
No two days are ever the same, however, a typical day involves calling on seven on-trade venues in your patch, having a conversation with the managers and owners to see how we can aid them concerning the sales and listings of our products. Also exploring how we can activate the brands within the venues to help push the sales for the customer and gain further exposure for the brands to consumers, whether that be a tasting, staff training or sponsoring an event.
What do you find most interesting with the sector you’re in?
For me it’s the flexibility and ever-changing spirit market and how we as a company adapt to it. I really enjoy exploring category information which shows us which spirit category, brand, cocktail is ‘in’ and how we can use that information to help the company succeed. I think its super interesting as there are so many avenues to category, for example what specific cocktail is most popular in the south of England may be totally different to what the most popular cocktail in the north or Scotland is.
How did you find the application process?
I found the application process smooth; I was kept informed the whole way through of what stage I was at and what happens next. The assessment day was great, and I felt the day really allowed me to be myself due to being made to feel like I could relax. We met lots of people who were in the business already which allowed us to also ask questions and quiz them on their experience of working at Pernod. On the day everyone was super helpful and took a genuine interest in to finding out who I was – without feeling like I was being tested.
Finally, any tips for anyone who’d like to apply for a role at Pernod Ricard?
I would recommend researching the company and finding out what the company’s values are prior, being able to demonstrate you understand the company/role really goes a long way. Ask as many questions as you need, you’re not expected to know everything and showing interest also goes a long way. Finally, although it’s quite a nervy time, be yourself, let your own personality shine through as this will get noticed.