Midwest Regional Wine Sales Manager Job in Chicago, Illinois US

This position refers esclusivelly to those candidates with a strong expereince in the Wine Spirits sector. It is important that they have been working with Soutern Wine Spirits distributor and/or wine importers or suppliers

Arel Group Wine and Spirits, Inc is a family owned Company where tradition and innovation are combined with a drive for perfection and a strong work ethic. Arel Group Wine and Spirits, Inc primary objective is to import fine, authentic, Italian wines to the US market. As per today Arel Group is seeking an energetic, self motivated and strong team player to manage sales and distributors in the Midwest Area.

The Regional Sales Manager (RSM) will implement sales directives to insure the delivery of Arel Group Wine Spirits (the Company) wines distribution and volume case goals, premium image, and profit objectives, in a manner consistent with the company's values.

The Midwest Regional Sales Manager reports directly to the Sales Vice President.

TERRITORIES OF RESPONSIBILITY

·         Michigan

·         Nebraska

·         Wisconsin

·         Iowa

·         Minnesota

·         Indiana

·         Illinois

·         South Dakota

·         North Dakota

RESPONSIBILITIES

SERSM is accountable for achieving sales and distribution goals, accounts goals, executing retail and restaurant programs, developing relationships with key account decision makers, educating distributors, reviewing potential distributor options where needed, managing distributor’s inventories, reviewing depletion and shipment data, doing field work with distributor sales reps. His / Her main duties include:

Monitor and optimize revenues for the Company

·         Forecast volumes, and align distributor pricing to support‘s company strategic intent

·         Ensure proper sales channel objectives, as defined by VP Sales,  are met or exceeded

·         Deliver sales presentations to customers thus increasing sales in accounts

·         Ensure the maximum sales volume and profit possible for the Company. This includes understanding the price elasticity of demand for the Company’s products in each individual market.

·         Ensure that sales objectives are being met while remaining under assigned budgets

Grow Sales and Relationships in Regional Restaurants and Retail Chains for the Company

·         Develop programs and implement sales in the regional accounts, restaurant groups, chain retailers and other influential accounts.

·         Manage distributor salespeople and management to partner to build glass / list placement and stack programs and other broad market sales opportunities.

Challenge and manage the distributors at large

·         Communicate brand standards to wholesalers and ensure standards are enforced.

·         Manage the brand manager of distributor’s personnel to ensure the objectives assigned by the VP are executed.

·         Work with distributor management to ensure the pricing are aligned to meet volume objectives while remaining under or meeting budget.

·         Manage and review bill backs pertaining to samples, trade tastings, and any additional opportunity funds in addition to special purchase allowances (SPA)

·         Deliver specific objectives aligned with the Company values and volume objectives to distributor sales force during work-with, general sales meetings, and/or brand incentives.

·         Manage distributor pricing to coincide with brand standards.

·         Manage inventory status.

Communicate our strengths to our customers

·         Train and motivate managers and salespeople in the distribution network.

·         Actively visit markets, meet with distributors’ key management and insuring the Company is receiving an adequate share of the distributor’s time and effort and that mutually agreed upon goals are being achieved.

·         Act as an effective and eloquent ambassador of the winery with all levels of customers (internal sales, distributors, trade and consumers) and the press.

·         Insure that all the critical communication reaches our distributors: reviews, articles, support materials, price changes, inventory issues, allocations, merchandising, and other.

·         Actively visit and build business with key customers.

·         Ensure Consumer Tastings are held VERY regularly in all markets where applicable

Analyze and forecast market conditions and translate into our long range planning

·         Continually review and evaluate distributor depletions, shipments and inventories. Identify discrepancies and responds in a timely manner.

·         Review distributor accounts sold and points of distribution against plan.

·         Ensure Monthly Reporting is completed and communicated by deadline each month.

REQUIREMENTS

·        At least 5 years of experience in the wine spirits industry, and understanding of the Midwest Market: chains, independent account and on premise.

·         Resident in the Chicago area

·         Relationships with distributor personnel and chain managers

·         Bachelor’s Degree

·         Prior distributor management

·         Team building and people management skills

·         Proficient in Microsoft Office with concentration on Excel

·         Valid driving license

·         Salary History and Updated Resume

·         References required