Fine Wine Territory Specialist

Responsibilities

• Grow total territory revenue and distribution versus the prior year.
• Achieve growth targets put forth by management and meet monthly goals on assigned brands.
• Pre-plan sales objectives and run route as efficiently as possible across a broad territory.
• Call on accounts according to established frequency while also identifying and opening new accounts.
• Conduct wine tastings, server/staff trainings, and provide educational support to accounts.
• Partner with accounts to develop or revise wine lists and identify growth opportunities.
• Execute monthly campaigns, supplier features, and promotional programs.
• Inspect work and back stock for proper pricing, rotation, and positioning.
• Ensure compliance with Company’s product quality assurance standards (i.e. outdated, damaged, unsellable).
• Collaborate with the Fine Wine Coordinator for order entry, follow-up, and account service.
• Maintain sufficient inventory levels (including call-ins).
• Maintain accounts receivable for each assigned account.
• Deliver factual and persuasive sales presentations, close sales calls effectively.
• Document and maintain accurate records (route books, recap forms, CRM entries, etc.) for each call.
• Meet or exceed sales volume, profitability, and distribution commitments.
• Recommend and perform resets as needed and/or directed.
• Execute all ad features; execute displays greater than competition.
• Continuously expand wine knowledge and take initiative to improve overall fine wine expertise.
• Adhere to all applicable Federal, state, and local regulations regarding the merchandising of alcoholic beverages.
• Adhere to Company policies and procedures.
• Properly maintain company property such as company vehicles.
• Investigate and resolve all customer complaints in a timely fashion.
• Maintain appropriate dress/appearance per Company standards.
• Punctual for all account calls, scheduled meetings, tastings, trainings, presentations, and company meetings.
• Display exceptional communication with suppliers, management, and customers.
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness in all areas of responsibility to ensure quality of work.
• Show sound judgment, decision-making, and accountability.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Three to five (3–5) years direct sales experience, preferably in fine wine or beverage alcohol sales.
• Wine certifications (WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, CSW, or similar) preferred but not required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Company’s vehicle policy.
• Strong knowledge of fine wine, including varietals, regions, producers, and industry trends.
• Ability to conduct effective tastings, wine list presentations, and staff trainings.
• Strong beverage industry and company product knowledge.
• Ability to build long-term customer relationships across a wide territory.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a consultative sales approach.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage a large territory.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in interpreting policies and procedures, delegating responsibilities, monitoring administrative activities, and evaluating performance of staff and contracted vendors.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, and customers.
• Ability to promote positive public relations and to convey company objectives effectively.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Excellent budgeting and business planning skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative and handle a wide range of tasks.
• Understand and effectively communicate Summit Beverage’s organizational mission and goals.