California Market Manager
Location: Southern California
Salary: $90k-$110k
Type: Hybrid, Full-time
Reports to: VP of Sales
Our client is a well known growing importer for a highly rated New World wine portfolio. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced, motivated, and results driven Wine and/or Spirits sales professional to join a leading premium wine importer with a focused, but extremely strong, category leading portfolio. The company has shown double digit growth for consecutive years and has ambitious plans in place to continue this momentum. If you have 3+ years experience calling on accounts with a supplier or distributor, an intermediate knowledge of wine, established on and off-premise relationships in the California market (chain relations a huge +), the ability to work effectively both autonomously and as part of a team, and wake up every day excited about what you do…we want to hear from you! The California Market Manager will be responsible for driving sales in the state of California with an initial focus on SoCal. You will be working with distributor reps and on your own, utilizing your existing contacts, and establishing new relationships. This is a hands-on, street-focused role ideal for someone with existing industry connections who is looking to join a small & aggressive industry leading organization where your contributions will be valued, recognized, and rewarded.
Key Responsibilities:
• Work closely with sales reps in the field, and on your own, providing mentorship and brand education to facilitate new account activation and growth within existing accounts.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships within all channels of trade, particularly with chain and off-premise retailers.
• Leverage technology to track performance, manage sales, and enhance efficiency.
• Represent the brands at industry events, tastings, and trade shows.
• Work closely with internal teams, sharing your insights, observations, accomplishments, and challenges, to develop sales strategies and market expansion.
• Capture “share of mind” with distributor personnel & retailers, establishing yourself as their supplier of choice.
• Maintain an active presence in the market, with an expectation of 4 days per week spent in the field interacting with accounts.
Qualifications:
• 3+ years of industry experience in a distributor or supplier role.
• Established relationships with accounts in California, and familiarity with the market.
• Experience managing or mentoring individuals in a sales-driven environment.
• Intermediate knowledge of wine, with certification a plus.
• Comfortable using sales tools and CRM systems to drive performance.
• Ability to thrive in a small but fast-paced & high-growth environment.
• Passion for the wine industry and the ability to educate, inspire, and influence sales teams, retailers & consumers.
Compensation & Benefits:
• Base salary of $90,000 - $110,000
• Annual KPI based bonus
• Stipend to cover health insurance costs
• PTO
• Generous T&E account
• Car allowance, fuel card, cell phone & internet reimbursement