Illinois + Wisconsin Area Sales Representative

Schilling Cider

13d•$68,000 - $75,000

About The Position

Bring your passion and experience to the Schilling-verse! Schilling Cider strives to create a fun and productive workplace for our employees. We foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, with many avenues of potential growth, no matter where you start. We are looking to add an Illinois (Chicago)/Wisconsin Area Sales Representative (AKA Beverage Champion!) to our growing Sales team. The ideal candidate has a passion for cider, enjoys fermentations, is positive, highly motivated, and has the drive to learn and grow within a rapidly expanding industry! The Illinois/Wisconsin Area Sales Rep is responsible for executing within off and on-premise accounts by growing sales and market share through product distribution, display execution, and promotion. This role will be focused on the retail execution of Schilling Cider brands, with approximately 90% of their time in the field. The area for this role covers roughly the Chicago Land area in Illinois and key markets in Wisconsin. 75% of time spent to be in the Chicago metro area. Schilling Cider has always strived to create a fun and productive workplace that every employee can be proud of. We foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, with many avenues of potential growth, no matter where you start. Bring your craft beverage passion and experience to Schilling Cider!

Requirements

A passion for craft cider and deep knowledge of the local craft market and beverage industry
Strong sales, communication, and presentation skills
Willing to travel multiple times per year
Previous sales experience in the alcohol beverage industry
Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19
Currently reside in the Chicago Metro area
Valid Driver’s License with a good driving record
Comfort with mobile technology and MS suite
Ability to handle and maneuver 30lb cases and team lift kegs
Ability to occasionally work nights and weekends
Must be able to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues and external partners
Regular and predictable in-person attendance is a requirement of this job
Lead by example and take initiative; be outgoing and approachable
Be active in conversations around company culture and an agent of change, positively contributing to the workplace experience
Be self-driven and self-motivated
Work independently and as part of the team
Be an energetic, organized, and motivated problem solver
Exemplify the company’s values while representing our brands
Ask for help when needed

Nice To Haves

Possess a true entrepreneurial spirit
Has a desire to create a long-term career path within Schilling Cider
Has worked with Schilling Cider distributor Partners Chicago Beverage and Frank

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the Schilling sales plan to grow the greater Chicago Metro market
Work closely with Senior Director of Sales - East to build & execute Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly Plans to achieve annual market goals
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key retailers
Represent Schilling Cider at festivals, dinners, tastings, and events within territory
Increase distribution while educating retailers, restaurateurs, and consumers on the Schilling Cider portfolio
Call on existing account base to gain new distribution, execute promotional activity, and increase market share
Develop new business to increase volume/distribution/share within assigned area
Identify retail opportunities and sell/execute against those opportunities
Ensure proper merchandising of product and point-of-sale materials according to brand standards
Generate sales by maintaining/increasing shelf facings and positioning
Coordinate events and promotions to deliver greater brand awareness and stimulate sales
Execute monthly Chain Account opportunities – closing authorization gaps, gaining displays, merchandising shelves/backstock, POS support, implementing company programming
Clear and effective communication with distributor partners regarding retail opportunities and authorizations
Provide essential feedback to Chain Account and Marketing teams about retail successes and challenges
Accomplish sales goals in alignment with our CIDER Selling Process
Coordinate and conduct General Sales Meetings with all wholesaler channel teams
Compile and submit reports on assigned area and general market information to management team and wholesaler
Keep business calendar up to date and scheduled 60 days out
Utilize sales tools (KARMA, VIP, Nielsen, IRI, etc.) effectively
Recap weekly KARMA accomplishments to wholesaler
Communicate chain activity, new item launches, and incentive opportunities
Pivot various aspects of distributor management based on business needs
Coordinate with wholesaler on commitment closure opportunities