District Manager, Fort Wayne

Johnson Brothers•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Johnson Brothers is a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, delivering exceptional service since 1953. They proudly represent the world’s top beverage brands and are committed to excellence, innovation, and growth. Johnson Brothers offers exciting opportunities and seeks passionate individuals to help shape the future of the beverage industry. The ideal candidate for this District Manager role has extensive experience selling into on and off-premise accounts and will be responsible for managing a team of Sales Consultants and Merchandisers in their designated region. Johnson Brothers, led by Michael and Todd Johnson, has grown into one of the largest wholesale distribution companies in the United States, operating across 20 states, and partners with top-tier suppliers to deliver a world-class portfolio and exceptional customer service. The company has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for 2025.

Requirements

Extensive experience selling into on and off premise accounts
Bachelor’s degree preferred
5+ years of sales experience
3+ years in the spirits or wine industry
2+ years of managerial experience with a sales team
Experience working in a startup environment
Proven track record of success
Must have a steadfast work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and resilient
Must be proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
Strong understanding of cost/pricing methodology
Must have the ability to manage individuals to exceed goals and perform to defined metrics
Act in a professional manner at all times (ie. dress appropriately, speak professionally, and write professionally)
Strong written, verbal, analytical and interpersonal skills
Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines
Must be self-motivated and able to work alone as well as within a team structure
Goal oriented, focused, and assertive individual who needs little direction or supervision
Proven track record of strong sales in previous/current work experience
Excellent communication skills and interpersonal talents which will enhance existing customer and key retailer relationships
Adheres to the company’s equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies
Attendance is an essential job requirement defined as having regular, consistent, reliable, punctual and predictable attendance including the ability to work regular hours and shifts, before and after hours, and on weekends, when required

Responsibilities

Manage team to ensure successful execution and service to retail chain accounts
Market work should consist of 80% of the week. Managers should spend approximately 1 day per week in the office, but the rest of the week should be in the market with Retail Specialists and Merchandisers
Complete all new hire paperwork and onboarding including training Retail Specialists and Merchandisers on Netsuite and internal operations
Train and develop Retail Specialists in the field weekly (or more often upon hiring) to provide on-the-job sales training
Route market Merchandisers on a daily basis to ensure efficient deliveries and merchandising based on market needs
Provide monthly sales goals to Retail Specialists. Managers must keep Retail Specialists up to date on progress and help them to achieve the goals
Address any account issues/complaints to find an equitable resolution and restore the relationship
Review account sales data frequently to identify trends and reassign underperforming accounts as necessary
Enter orders, maintain accounts, and assist with retail deliveries for Retail Specialists when they are unable to
Merchandise accounts/deliver orders as needed
Complete formal performance reviews for all Retail Specialists on a bi-annual basis (more often if necessary)
Ensure full compliance on chain schematics, planners and planograms
Work with Operations Teams to ensure efficient route schedules based on chain receiving times
Create and foster an open and positive work/team environment. Address any and all concerns of Retail Specialists in a professional and timely manner
Review sales orders and pricing to ensure correct pricing and margins are being maintained
Ensure execution on new brand depletions
Manage execution on retail placements and approved items sell-through
Liaison between Chain Account Managers and Retail Specialist team
Recruiting for new talent (this includes creating sales routes, reviewing resumes and conducting interviews)
Must be able to travel within established geographic areas, as necessary
Must have reliable transportation, hold a valid drivers’ license and meet company driving record & automobile insurance requirements
Respond to all manager/partner emails, phone calls, and information requests in a timely manner
Accounts receivable collection management
Lift and carry a 40+ pound case of wine
Work flexible hours which include early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends
Complete and pass a criminal background check
Download and use the app, TripLog, if an employee receives mileage allowance