Sales Representative-Chicago

Summary

This role focuses on selling Big Grove products to new and existing customers across the Chicagoland area by leveraging brand knowledge and building strong client relationships. The goal is to expand retail availability and grow the brand rapidly in Illinois.

Core Values

Big Grove hires and retains people who exhibit the following core values:

• Set the Tone
• Thirst for Improvement
• We Care
• Practice Candor
• Passion Driven

Competencies

• Self-starter with high level of independence and ownership
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to ask for the sale and close sales
• Result driven and high achieving
• Detail oriented and thorough
• Accountable
• High-performing team member with ability to look at business as a whole, communicate across departments, solve organizational problems, and accomplish goals
• Contribute to and exemplify BGB values, vision, standards, and culture

Essential Functions

• In coordination with the Director of Sales, develop a comprehensive sales strategy for the Chicagoland area and surrounding market aligning with overall company goals and objectives to grow the brand rapidly in Illinois and Chicago.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with both on- and off-premise accounts, including chain and independent bars, restaurants, grocery, liquor stores, and other potential sales outlets.
• Secure prominent placement of products in conjunction with distributor partners.
• Conduct regular visits to accounts.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences to identify opportunities for growth and product placement.
• Build and maintain relationships with area distributors.
• Provide ongoing support including inventory management, order processing, and education.
• Manage the allocated sales budget effectively to maximize return on investment and achieve sales goals.
• Track sales performance metrics and adjust strategies as needed to meet or exceed sales goals.
• Utilize CRM software to manage relationships with customers and build reports to track progress and find opportunities within the market.
• Educate and train sales teams, retailers, and distributors about products and their unique selling points.
• Become a subject matter expert on Big Grove and product offerings.
• Plan and execute promotional events, tastings, festivals, and other marketing campaigns to engage consumers and boost sales.
• Ensure all sales activities adhere to local, state, and federal regulations related to the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages.

Work Environment

• Remote-based field position in the Chicago area; majority of working hours spent in the market.
• Temperature variability: attending festivals or events during all seasons, including extreme heat or cold.
• Loud noise levels in lively, dynamic atmospheres with background noise, music, and high guest activity, especially during peak dining hours, evenings, weekends, and special events.
• Fast-paced setting with production deadlines and distribution timeline efficiency standards requiring high focus, speed, and organization.

Physical Demands

• Frequent driving between accounts and company locations; ability to sit for extended periods while operating a vehicle and safely enter/exit multiple times per day.
• Regular standing and walking in bars, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, warehouses, and event venues, including navigating tight storage areas, stairs, ramps, and uneven surfaces.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move product and materials (e.g., cases of beverage, kegs, POS materials) up to 25–50 lbs; occasional heavier items may require team lifting.
• Ability to push/pull carts, rolling displays, and move product in backrooms, coolers, and storage areas.
• Frequent bending, reaching, crouching, kneeling, and twisting to stock shelves, rotate product, build displays, check inventory, and place POS materials.
• Frequent use of hands for handling product, assembling displays, opening cases, and using mobile devices/tablets for ordering and reporting.
• Ability to read labels, pricing, and merchandising standards; communicate effectively in busy, loud environments and over the phone.
• Exposure to varying temperatures (walk-in coolers/freezers, loading docks), weather conditions while traveling, and moderate noise levels in on-premise accounts.
• Schedule demands include early mornings, evenings, and weekends for account visits, promotions, tastings, and events; stamina required to maintain activity throughout the workday.

Position Type and Schedule

• Full-time position with 40+ hours per week expected.
• Hours and days may vary week to week.
• Evening and weekend work required for samplings and festivals.

Travel

• Travel is expected; valid driver's license and insurance required.
• Occasional travel to taprooms or other markets, including overnight stays.

Preferred Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Work experience with alcoholic beverage suppliers, distributors, or retailers preferred
• 2–4 years proven sales experience required
• Strong knowledge of craft beer, brewing processes, and industry trends
• Strong understanding of the Chicago market, its dynamics, and key players
• Only candidates based in or within a short commute of the market will be considered
• Proficient in sales management software and other software
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.