Asian Beverage Portfolio Manager

Columbia Distributing•Kent, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable professional to manage and grow our Asian alcohol portfolio, with a primary focus on Japanese sake and shochu. This role involves strategic sales support, relationship management, business development, and educational leadership to drive awareness and sales of premium products.

Requirements

Strong understanding of beverage alcohol and/or non-alcoholic beverage distribution environments.
Ability to translate cultural and consumer insights into actionable commercial strategies.
Excellent relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Comfort working cross-functionally and influencing without direct authority.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM / reporting tools.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience preferred.
3–6 years of experience in category beverage sales, brand management, portfolio management, or related commercial roles.
Demonstrated experience selling into or supporting Asian-focused on-premise or retail accounts.
Experience working with culturally diverse brands, customers, or consumer segments strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage and develop the state based Asian alcohol portfolio, specializing in Japanese sake and shochu.
Provide strategic sales support to internal sales teams and key account managers.
Build and maintain headquarters-level relationships with major Asian grocery chains and retail partners.
Conduct regular business development meetings with Asian retail and restaurant accounts to drive growth.
Lead sake education and training programs for sales teams, restaurant staff, and retail professionals.
Act as the primary liaison between suppliers and the distributor, overseeing portfolio management, pricing strategies, and purchasing.
Plan and execute consumer tastings, trade seminars, and promotional events to increase brand awareness and engagement with premium sake.
Develop and execute portfolio strategies aligned to brand objectives, market opportunities, and customer needs.
Translate supplier goals into actionable commercial priorities for Sales, Merchanditing, and Account Management teams.
Monitor portfolio performance and identify growth opportunities across channels (on-premise, off-premise, specialty accounts).
Support new product launches, distribution expansion, and menu or shelf placement initiatives.
Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned supplier partners, ensuring consistent communication, alignment on goals, and visibility into execution.
Represent the company and portfolio at supplier meetings, customer presentations, tastings, and industry events.
Assist in preparing accounts and teams for supplier visits to ensure professional execution and follow-through.
Collaborate with Sales teams to prioritize key accounts, programs, and opportunities aligned with portfolio goals.
Design and deliver culturally relevant sales education, tastings, and buyer meetings to increase brand knowledge and engagement.
Support targeted activations (e.g., seasonal programs, cultural holidays, emerging trends) to drive trial and velocity.
Partner closely with Brand Development, Sales Leadership, Marketing, and Operations to ensure cohesive execution.
Communicate portfolio priorities clearly and consistently across internal teams.
Provide feedback to internal partners and suppliers on market trends, customer insights, and execution gaps.