JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Objective
Ackley Brands is seeking an experienced wine business professional for its portfolio of wineries. Based in Illinois, the Regional Manager will manage and grow distribution sales across the Midwest territory.
Summary
The Regional Sales Manager Midwest will be responsible for growing the awareness and sales of Montinore Estate (OR, Italy), Borealis Vintners (OR), Cataclysm Wine Co (WA), Hogue Cellars (WA), Columbia Winery (WA), Betz Winery (WA), La Messe (Italy) and First Sight (CA) by maintaining strong distributor management, growing buyer relationships and employing trade marketing within IL, MI, MO, WI, IA, ND, SD, and NE. This position will originate from home in Illinois and be part of a fast-growing sales and marketing team based in Seattle, WA. Extensive travel will be required.
The ideal candidate is a highly productive self-starter driven by goal success, while being able to thrive in a collaborative culture with other peer sales team members in other markets. The position requires previous distribution management experience, self-motivation and exceptional communication and presentation skills.
This position will report directly to the Senior Director of Sales and will require regular collaboration with other managers and directors within the organizations to ensure the most effective and efficient communication. As a leader in the organization, a strong focus on culture is necessary, ensuring that the person in this position is leading by example and encouraging the best in others.
Essential Job Functions
The main job requirement of this position is to grow sales in the Southwest region across all brands and companies of Ackley Brands. Below are primary job functions, but not limited to:
- Manage multiple distributor partners across the Southwest region, including education, pricing and programming.
- Develop and clearly communicate concise goals, objectives and market opportunities with distributor partners with biannual reviews.
- Maintain frequent face to face communication with accounts and distributor sales representatives to create strong relationships and provide necessary education and support.
- Make regular, meaningful visits in each market to build buyer relationships, identify new placement opportunities and participate in trade marketing activities.
- Consistently develop the buyer base through continuous education, quality presentations, sales support and servicing of accounts.
- Represent Ackley Brands in trade and consumer events, tastings, distributor meetings and winemaker dinners.
- Continuously build brand awareness for long term growth and sustainability.
Other Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience).
- Valid driver’s license required.
- At least 5 years wine wholesale and distributor management experience required.
- Knowledge of buyers, promotional practices and operational procedures within the wine industry.
- Exceptional communication skills, able to command attention and deliver a memorable presentation, and speak knowledgably about wine.
- Team player that will collaborate with team members, work other markets and support company-wide initiatives.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Advanced experience in Microsoft Office and Google Docs.
- Ability to frequently lift and carry at least 45 lbs.
About Ackley Brands
Ackley Brands was founded in 2016 when the Ackley family purchased Montinore Estate, a leader in the world of Biodynamic viticulture and sustainable winemaking that had been producing within Oregon’s Willamette Valley for nearly four decades. Ackley has since assembled an ambitious and discerning team to launch origin-obsessed brands across the beverage category that undeniably reflect the regions and terroirs from which they hail. From the bustling metropolis of Seattle, Washington to the picturesque landscapes of Northern Italy, Ackley Brands is committed to curating innovation, blending time-honored winemaking with modern creativity.#J-18808-Ljbffr