Category Developer

Breakthru Beverage Group•Middle River, MD

About The Position

The Category Developer is the sales lead for their assigned portfolio within a targeted account base. They are focused against increasing share and velocity of their assigned commodity using tactics that help sell-in the right brands to customers and sell-out to consumers via planning and execution of brand activations. This role must maintain strong relationships with the key stakeholders/gatekeepers of the supplier accounts and be the ‘go-to’ consultant for the accounts. The Category Developer will be active with in-market events and education. Our Category Developers will be required to participate in a two-week ‘in-person’ Academy Category Training.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or equivalent training and work experience
Minimum of 3 years in sales or industry related experience
Deep knowledge of category or responsibility that this role will support
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle
Proficient PC skills using MS Office and other various computer programs including presentation software
Must be a results-oriented professional with verbal/written communication skills using diplomacy and discretion as well as customer service skills
Ability to multi-task, work independently and/or within a team, pay attention to detail and meet deadlines
Analytic and Reporting skills
Utilize sound judgement and problem-solving skills
Ability to work in fast-paced, high-volume, team environment

Nice To Haves

5 years’ experience in industry or related and category expertise experience; such as: CSS Certification or WSET Spirits level 2; or Category specific certifications (Whiskey or Tequila)
On-premise/hospitality experience
Strong understand or background of consumer engagement mechanics

Responsibilities

Drive and delivery on sales and marketing goals of assigned category and brands
Serve as the expert and resource for the division or group in developing beverage and marketing strategies and plans for growth of assigned category.
Research trends, category, and portfolio to ensure that the group or division and company meet supplier goals as established.
Present new products and beverage offerings and conduct monthly business reviews.
Plan high-end consumer activations within key accounts to elevate category awareness based on customer needs.
Drive real time market insights to inform, apply, unlock and accelerate growth.
Lead, organize, report, field intel and insights for assigned territory and categories.
Collaborate with on-premise & retail sales teams, developing creative solutions to help drive business and growth in assigned categories across their assigned territory
Develop and deliver training modules to the sales team, customer, and supplier regarding sales trends
Determines specific areas in which the category has opportunity for growth (Territories, Accounts, etc)
Establishes merchandising objectives relative to brand priority for each account by understanding company priorities and defining POS needs to the supplier
Focus on increasing share and velocity of assigned category.
Ownership of account plan and execution based on brand plans
Obtains appropriate distribution of category throughout account base by presenting and selling based on the brands’ features and benefits
Conduct staff educations and building of the category.
Maintain and build strong relationships with the key stakeholders/gatekeepers of the assigned accounts
Participate in supplier and category specific work-with sales calls.
Attend educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks to build and maintain industry knowledge.
Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.
Other duties, as assigned by the jobholder’s supervisor, may also be required.