WineTalent Classifieds: California Sales Manager to Grow Brands

WineTalent is working with our confidential winery client on a California Sales Manager role. The winery is a boutique, family-owned winery based in the Sierra Foothills with a growing brand and identity. The winery currently has two brands and is selling wine in California. With a flexible production plan, excellent fruit sources and access to premium bulk wine, the winery is looking to increase the presence of the brands in the market and increase production as sales warrant. The California Sales Manager will be working with current buyers while establishing a relationship with a distributor partner to sell the wines throughout California and into other states as production increases. This is an excellent opportunity for someone to make their mark as a California Sales Manager and to be responsible for the growth of the winery. 

Job Description: We are searching for a top sales professional to manage the sales of the wine brands in the California market. The Sales Manager will be responsible for managing the current direct-to-trade sales channels while developing the wholesale program to partner with a strategic distributor. This person will be tasked with first focusing the sales effort in the local metropolitan markets and then will expand the territory to encompass the state of California. The Sales Manager will be focusing on off-premise accounts with specialty retailers as well as managing chain sales in the state. Once the off-premise sales are established, the Sales Manager will be working to also build on-premise sales in the state. The Sales Manager will be responsible for establishing and managing the brands’ pricing and programming with the distributor.  

Responsibilities: The California Sales Manager is responsible for managing the current direct distribution model while developing a partnership with a distributor in California. This person will also be responsible for managing the market through routine market visits and the development of new accounts. Going forward, the Sales Manager will be working in conjunction with the distributor to build brand awareness and build new accounts in the major metropolitan markets of California and other key states. The Sales Manager will be responsible for tracking account progress and depletions. Additionally the Sales Manager will be managing the distributor’s performance monthly, quarterly and yearly.

Qualifications:  
•  A minimum of 5 years of wine sales experience, preferably with experience in brand building. 
•  Currently have relationships with the brokers, off-premise, on-premise and chain accounts in the market to provide adequate support of current and future customers.  
•  Strong chain sales experience desirable. 
•  Familiarity with sales in a large territory within California. 
•  Experience with pricing, programming and distributor management.
•  Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Enology, or related. Relevant work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.
•  Must be able to effectively manage work schedule to meet needs of customers, distributors and management.
•  Self-motivated, professional and strategically focused on building sales.

Interested in Applying?  Email resumes to amy@winetalent.net.  All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.