Account Development Specialist - Multi Cultural (Philadelphia)

About the role

The Account Development Specialist is the sales lead for their assigned portfolio within a targeted account base, focused on increasing share and velocity of their assigned commodity. This role requires strong relationships with key stakeholders and gatekeepers of supplier accounts, as well as expertise in Wine and Spirits. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus, and applicants must be local to the city of Philadelphia.

Responsibilities

• Drive and deliver on revenue and market share of assigned portfolio in assigned account base, spending 80% of working time in market
• Serve as the expert and resource for the division or group in developing beverage and marketing strategies and plans for growth of assigned category or large supplier
• Research trends, category, and portfolio to ensure that the group or division and company meet supplier goals as established
• Present new products and beverage offerings and conduct monthly business reviews
• Plan high-end consumer activations within key accounts to elevate category awareness based on customer needs
• Drive real-time market insights to inform, apply, unlock, and accelerate growth
• Lead, organize, report, field intel, and insights for assigned territory and categories
• Collaborate with on-premise & retail sales teams, developing creative solutions to help drive business and growth in assigned categories across their assigned territory
• Develop and deliver training modules to the sales team, customer, and supplier regarding sales trends
• Establish merchandising objectives relative to brand priority for each account by understanding company priorities and defining POS needs to the supplier
• Focus on increasing share and velocity of assigned category, owning account plan and execution based on brand plans
• Obtain appropriate distribution of category throughout account base by presenting and selling based on the brands’ features and benefits, including beverage menu development
• Conduct staff educations and building of the category, maintaining and building strong relationships with key stakeholders/gatekeepers of assigned accounts
• Participate in supplier and category-specific work-with sales calls, attend educational workshops, and review professional publications to build and maintain specialized industry and/or commodity knowledge

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or equivalent training and work experience is required, with a minimum of 3-5 years in sales or industry-related and category expertise experience for category-specific roles.

• CSS Certification or WSET Spirits level 2; or category-specific certifications (Whiskey, Tequila, Sake, or Beer); or Fine Wine Accreditation
• Preferably WSET Level 2 or similar (CSW, Level II Court of Master Sommeliers)
• Specialized knowledge of category or responsibility that this role will support
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Proficient PC skills using MS Office and other various computer programs, including presentation software
• Results-oriented professional with verbal/written communication skills using diplomacy and discretion, as well as customer service skills
• Ability to multi-task, work independently and/or within a team, pay attention to detail, and meet deadlines
• Analytic and reporting skills, utilizing sound judgment and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• On-premise/hospitality experience
• Strong understanding or background of consumer engagement mechanics
• For Spirits Specialty: experience managing a Beverage Program or Bartending/Mixology, previous experience with cocktail costing, inventory, menu creation, P&L analysis, budgeting, batching, staff training, etc.
• For Wine Specialty: previous experience with a wine supplier, in-depth understanding of wine styles, different regions and grapes, aging potential for various wines, and specific flavor profiles