Sales Director - Confidential Growth-Phase CPG Beverage Company
The Opportunity
An established and rapidly expanding company within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) beverage sector is seeking a strategic Sales Director to lead commercial growth across multiple markets and channels.
What You'll Lead
Develop and execute annual and multi-year sales strategies designed to achieve revenue, depletion, distribution, and profitability objectives.
Own sales forecasting, volume planning, pricing strategy, and commercial execution across assigned markets.
Identify opportunities to increase market share, distribution, velocity, and overall brand visibility.
Analyze market trends, competitive activity, consumer insights, and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across distributors, key accounts, and internal sales teams.
Distributor Partnerships & Market Execution
Lead relationships with distributor partners, executive leadership teams, brand managers, and field organizations.
Develop annual business plans, market objectives, incentive programs, and execution strategies alongside distributor partners.
Drive accountability around distribution gains, retail execution, promotional activity, display compliance, and volume growth.
Conduct recurring business reviews with distributor leadership to evaluate performance and uncover new opportunities.
Ensure effective inventory management, forecasting accuracy, seasonal program execution, and innovation launches.
Negotiate distributor support for strategic initiatives and market priorities.
Develop and propose wholesaler incentives that align with submission deadlines and business objectives.
Utilize VIP/iDig reporting tools to evaluate wholesale performance and identify opportunities.
Monitor mandated chain distribution execution and partner with distributors to resolve performance gaps.
Team Leadership
Recruit, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing sales organization.
Set clear expectations, accountability measures, and development plans for team members.
Conduct regular market visits and field coaching sessions to strengthen execution and professional growth.
Foster a culture centered on ownership, urgency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Partner with marketing to maximize activations, sampling initiatives, events, and promotional effectiveness.
Guide field priorities related to distribution initiatives, off-premise programming, and sales campaigns.
Collaborate with marketing and sales leadership to evaluate and execute event opportunities.
Strategic Accounts
Build and manage relationships with major chain, regional, and strategic on-premise and off-premise customers.
Pursue expanded distribution, displays, features, menu placements, promotions, and partnership opportunities.
Collaborate with customers to maximize brand visibility and consumer engagement.
Support commercialization efforts for new products and innovation launches.
Identify additional opportunities related to promotions, merchandising, displays, and distribution expansion.
Required Experience
7–10 years of progressive experience in beverage industry sales, including at least 4 years in a sales leadership capacity.
Demonstrated success managing distributor networks within a three-tier distribution system.
Proven ability to lead teams while consistently delivering revenue and volume growth.
Exceptional critical thinking, organizational ability, professionalism, and personal accountability.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with sound business judgment.
Willingness to travel regionally and work evenings or weekends when business needs require.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Excel, and VIP data reporting tools.
Valid driver's license, reliable personal transportation, clean driving record, and personal liability insurance.
Preferred Background
Experience launching new brands, products, or beverage platforms.
Ability to proactively identify opportunities using market intelligence and customer feedback.
Strong follow-through and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and presentation abilities.
Self-directed work style with minimal supervision.
Financial acumen, including wholesaler margins, retailer cost calculations, and market discount structures.