Market Activation Manager - Columbus, OH

About the role

The Market Activation Manager serves as the primary marketing expert for Gallo's Innovation Team, leading launch efforts for a new line of canned cocktails in key markets. This role involves building and maintaining positive relationships with key accounts, ensuring high visibility for the brands, and creating affinity among target consumers. Responsibilities also include executing sales support efforts, building new business, and executing impactful sampling activations.

Essential job functions

• Build and develop a key account list across a defined territory of “must win” accounts, driving off-premise growth, focusing on targeting quality distribution
• Demonstrate an understanding of supplier brand strategies (marketing, promotion, and consumer engagement)
• Execute brand standards at industry leading levels
• Apply skills to educate, inspire, and achieve shelf placements, staff education, POS visibility, cooler placements, and trade enthusiasm
• Focus on securing brand features, programming, and visibility within the account universe
• Communicate market conditions to the client regularly in an articulate, efficient manner
• Maintain awareness of best practices, trends, and competitive brands
• Track, measure, record, and provide valuable insights on all sales support initiatives
• Ensure practices are compliant with all local, state, and federal regulatory statutes
• Work closely with local distributors partners to ensure all goals are met within the defined time frame
• Occasionally assist the Gallo Innovation brand teams in executing select brand events within the market

Requirements

• 1-3 years of beverage industry related experience; preferably in beer
• B.A. or B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field
• Ability to drive and maintain a valid driver’s license, and have a reliable vehicle
• Proficiency in the entire Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook)
• Comprehensive understanding of the brewing process, basic production, product/food pairing techniques, and service
• Strong time management skills, and ability to manage a budget effectively
• Self-motivated with the ability to work efficiently remotely
• Creative abilities to develop programming opportunities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, dynamic environment
• Comprehensive understanding of adult beverage practices and regulatory compliance
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends as needed
• Must be able to lift at least 50lbs and stand for long periods of time

Qualifications

• Strong leadership, motivation, excellent and persuasive communication skills (written and verbal)
• Existing distributor, on premise, or retail account relationships are a plus
• Extensive knowledge of alcohol beverage industry, with preferred expertise in the beer category
• Experience taking prompt action to accomplish objectives and achieve goals beyond what is required; ability to be proactive
• Skilled at commanding presence, presenting ideas effectively to individuals and groups at all levels
• Experience setting high standards of performance for self and others; experience implementing standards of excellence with measurable goals
• Knowledge & ability to use industry related software such as Canva, Karma/VIP, etc., a huge plus

Reporting relationship and evaluation

The Market Activation Manager reports directly to and is evaluated by the company’s Northeast Region Manager of Emerging Brands and is overseen by the company’s Vice President. Additionally, all roles are responsible to Gallo's Business Development Manager in market and Innovation Brand Team.