James Cahalane
Drimoleague,Ireland
Summary
Accomplished and results-driven senior professional with extensive experience across sales, marketing, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and production environments. Most recently worked in the liquor industry in Perth, Australia with Diageo as a Business Development Manager supporting world leading brands such as Smirnoff, Tanqueray and Johnnie Walker, and made the permanent move back to Ireland in May 2025. Proven track record in building strategic partnerships, expanding market share, and driving revenue growth for my clients. Dynamic team leader skilled at operating departments efficiently to meet goals. Proactive and hardworking individual focused on continuous improvement.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4037
4037
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Business Development Manager
Diageo
Perth, Australia
2023.07 - 2025.03
- Managed a $2M annual sales territory, consistently exceeding targets by 10-15%.
- Executed successful product launches, driving market penetration. Example: Smirnoff Crush Premix and Cocktails on Tap (COT).
- Secured and onboarded over 100 new hospitality accounts, driving significant volume growth.
- Strengthened distributor and key account relationships, boosting visibility for brands such as Ketel One Vodka and Casamigos Tequila.
- Designed and implemented territory strategies across on-trade and off-trade channels, including pubs, restaurants, and retail chains.
- Supported brand activations across multiple regions for flagship products like Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Don Julio, Johnnie Walker, and Gordons.
- Identified opportunities to drive business growth, diversification and expansion.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align business goals and objectives.
- Negotiated and approved lucrative prices and contracts, boosting growth. Example: Signing up new clients/venues on first our contracts using mrket leading brands such as Smirnoff.
Operations Manager
Glenilen Farm
Cork
2022.06 - 2023.02
- Managing the day to day running of the business including overseeing production, sales reports and logistics.
- Daily production planning and data analysing for more effective sales and to help reduce costs.
- Engaging with businesses such Hello Fresh and Aldi/Lidl and launching products into new stores and target new customers and was heavily involved in agreeing deals with Aldi to produce a new range of protein yogurts specifically only for Aldi stores. Success of this product increased overall business with Aldi from 40% in 2021 up to 63% in 2022.
- Heavily involved in key projects such as new product development including kid's yogurt range, crème fraiche, kefir protein yogurt range for companies such as Hello Fresh and constructing promotional activities, including new product launch.
- Leading teams at trade shows and international business events such as 'National Ploughing Championships' and 'National Bloom Festival' in Ireland and also several trade shows across the UK.
Operations Manager/ Sales & Marketing Manager
Irish Sprint Remedies Co LTD
Midelton
2020.01 - 2022.01
Sales & Marketing Executive
Glenilen Farm
Drimoleague
2019.01 - 2020.01
Bar Manager
The Tanyard Bar
Skibbereen
2017.05 - 2019.01
Radio Broadcaster
Kings of Small Talk, University of Ireland, Galway
Galway
2017.01 - 2017.05
Bar & Restaurant Supervisor
The King's Head
Galway
2014.01 - 2016.01
Shop Assistant/Supervisor
SuperValu
Skibbereen
2008.08 - 2014.08
Education
Master of Science - Food Marketing
University College Cork
CorkBachelor of Commerce - Commerce
National University of Ireland, Galway
GalwaySkills
- Business Strategy Development
- FMCG & Beverage Industry Expertise
- Trade Marketing
- Contract Negotiation
- New Product Development/Innovation
- Team Leadership
- Key Account Management
- Client Relationship Management
- Data Analysis & Forecasting
- Brand Development
Additional Information
References available upon request.
Personal Information
Hobbies: Boxing, Soccer, GAA, Rugby, Swimming
Timeline
Business Development Manager
Diageo
2023.07 - 2025.03
Operations Manager
Glenilen Farm
2022.06 - 2023.02
Operations Manager/ Sales & Marketing Manager
Irish Sprint Remedies Co LTD
2020.01 - 2022.01
Sales & Marketing Executive
Glenilen Farm
2019.01 - 2020.01
Bar Manager
The Tanyard Bar
2017.05 - 2019.01
Radio Broadcaster
Kings of Small Talk, University of Ireland, Galway
2017.01 - 2017.05
Bar & Restaurant Supervisor
The King's Head
2014.01 - 2016.01
Shop Assistant/Supervisor
SuperValu
2008.08 - 2014.08
Master of Science - Food Marketing
University College Cork
Bachelor of Commerce - Commerce
National University of Ireland, Galway