District Manager - Illinois

Palm Bay International•Chicago, IL

12d•$100,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

Palm Bay International, a dynamic family-owned company, offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive portfolios of imported wines and spirits, including over 50 suppliers from around the globe. Among Palm Bay’s most valued assets is its remarkable network of long-term partnerships with the foremost wholesale companies in all 50 states, as well as the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. With the crucial collaboration of these partners, Palm Bay’s portfolio is able to meet the needs of every level of the industry, from independent restaurants and retail stores, to chain accounts, supermarkets, hotels, airlines, cruise ships, duty-free accounts, and U.S. military bases. This impressive roster of brands, accounts, and relationships positions Palm Bay as a major source of fine wines and spirits and an industry leader in the U.S. marketplace. The District Manager, Illinois On-Premise, is a sales role responsible for overseeing the development of our sales and execution of our annual goals in an assigned area. This is a role for a go-getter- someone willing to be out selling our brands every day of the week. You will be the key ambassador for our company and the person responsible for working with sales reps and distributor managers to bring in the annual plan. Qualities we are looking for include: Go-Getter, someone who can work towards goal achievement Tenacity Reliability and integrity—your word means something Enjoys working with people Objective: Attaining goals within given area

Requirements

5-7 years of alcohol beverage sales experience in progressively responsible roles.
Must have wine certifications
Knowledge of core pricing principles
Knowledge of key merchandising principles in the on and off-premise
Knowledge of how restaurants run their beverage program
Four-year college/university degree with a focus in Business Administration preferred.
Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong presentation skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and experience in working with a multi-brand portfolio.
Results oriented; thrives in a dynamic; fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to manage up to make sure the Regional Manager is aware of what is happening in the market.
Work with counterparts across the region at times on blitzes.

Nice To Haves

Current relationships in the market is a bonus
Advanced degree a plus.
Higher level WSET certification or equivalent wine education is a plus.

Responsibilities

Work with the Regional Manager to ensure goal clarity in the area
Constant focus on achieving goals in the territory
Working with the Regional Manager to provide solutions to move sales forward (Programming Ideas, Pricing Opportunities)
Consistently updating distributors on where they are vs. goals and programs
Selling with Profitable Volume Growth in mind
Managing own T&E to ensure staying within budget
Must be able to lift 45lbs
Must be able to travel 40-60% of the work week.
Must be able to work some weekends and travel overseas for business purposes.
Build exceptional relationships and trust with the account and buyer community
Be equally capable and showcase the necessary interpersonal dexterity to be highly effective selling into a white tablecloth, Michelin star environment, a casual neighborhood pizzeria, a fine wine bottle shop, or a regional chain environment
Host supplier representatives, owners, and executives during in-market travel, delivering exceptional market access and sales success.
Ideate and execute supplier-supported in-market value-adds, including events, blitzes, educational activities, winemaker dinners, tastings, happy hours, etc.