Account Development Specialist - Aspect Fine Wine (San Diego)

Breakthru Beverage Group • San Diego, CA

8d

About The Position

The Aspect Account Development Specialist leads sales for an assigned portfolio within a targeted account base, working to increase share and velocity through effective brand sell-in and consumer-facing activations. The role serves as an expert consultant to assigned accounts, maintains relationships with key stakeholders and supplier representatives, and supports category growth through market insights, account planning, education, and execution. The position spends 80% of working time in market, and candidates must live within the territory. Reliable transportation is required for daily travel to accounts.

The specialist partners with retail and on-premise sales teams, Trade Development, sales management, suppliers, and customers to develop beverage and marketing strategies, launch brands, improve distribution and merchandising, and deliver account-specific programming. Retail work may focus on product facings, cold-box share, displays, and planogram placement; on-premise work may focus on wine-menu placement, by-the-glass offerings, monthly features, and staff training. The role also participates in market events and education and is expected to build advanced expertise in the assigned brands or category.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent training and work experience, at least three years of sales or related industry and category expertise experience, and fine-wine accreditation or progress toward an accepted credential. Compensation includes a base salary range of $76,800–$104,100, eligibility for a bonus program, and mileage reimbursement for business miles. The position is eligible for health care benefits, life insurance, time-off benefits, and participation in the company’s 401(k) plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent training and work experience.
• At least 3 years of sales or industry-related experience and category expertise for category-specific roles.
• Fine Wine Accreditation; preferably WSET Level 2 or similar, such as CSW or Level II Court of Master Sommeliers. The credential must be in process or completed within 6 months.
• In-depth understanding of wine styles, regions, grapes, aging potential, and flavor profiles.
• Specialized knowledge of the supported category or area of responsibility.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Proficiency with MS Office and other computer programs, including presentation software.
• Results-oriented approach and verbal and written communication skills, including diplomacy, discretion, and customer service.
• Ability to multitask, work independently or as part of a team, pay attention to detail, and meet deadlines.
• Analytical and reporting skills.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume team environment.
• Must live within the territory.
• Reliable transportation for daily travel to and from accounts.

Nice To Haves

• Prior fine-wine sales or supplier experience is highly preferred.
• On-premise or hospitality experience in a management capacity.
• Strong understanding or background in consumer engagement mechanics.
• Previous experience with a wine supplier or distributor.

Responsibilities

• Drive revenue and market share for the assigned portfolio and account base, spending 80% of working time in market.
• Serve as an expert resource for beverage and marketing strategies and plans to grow the assigned category or supplier.
• Research trends, categories, and portfolios to help meet supplier goals.
• Present new products and beverage offerings and conduct monthly business reviews with key accounts.
• Partner with Trade Development and Sales management to accelerate new brand launches.
• Plan high-end consumer activations within key accounts to increase category awareness and address customer needs.
• Provide real-time market insights and report field intelligence for the assigned territory and categories.
• Collaborate with on-premise and retail sales teams to develop solutions that drive category growth across the territory.
• Develop and deliver training modules for sales teams, customers, and suppliers on sales trends.
• Collaborate with other departments to maximize performance across the portfolio.
• Set merchandising objectives for each account, understand company priorities, and define point-of-sale needs with suppliers.
• Analyze and survey accounts to determine specific needs and identify opportunities.
• Own account plans and execute them in line with brand plans.
• Obtain appropriate category distribution by presenting and selling brand features and benefits, including beverage-menu development.
• Conduct staff education and build the category within accounts.
• Build and maintain relationships with key account stakeholders and gatekeepers.
• Participate in supplier- and category-specific work-with sales calls.
• Schedule and prepare account visits and dinners for dignitaries and supplier representatives.
• Attend educational workshops, review professional publications, and establish industry networks to maintain specialized knowledge.
• Obtain relevant advanced brand or product certifications to become a market expert and resource.
• Maintain customer confidentiality and a safe, clean working environment.
• Drive market share through retail or on-premise account work; retail activity may focus on facings, placement, cold-box share, displays, and planograms, while on-premise activity may focus on wine-menu placement, by-the-glass offerings, monthly features, and staff training.
• Handle beverage-alcohol products responsibly and interact safely and responsibly with the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Eligible to participate in a bonus program, with metrics and participation level determined annually.
• Mileage reimbursement for business miles.
• Eligible for health care benefits, life insurance, and time-off benefits.
• Eligible to participate in the company’s 401(k) plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level