Fine Wine Territory Specialist

Summit Beverage•Kalispell, MT

2d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Fine Wine Territory Specialist will be responsible for servicing and growing all accounts within a large, assigned territory, with a focus on fine wine. This individual will develop new business, open new accounts, and strengthen relationships with existing customers. Responsibilities include consultative selling, wine list development, tastings and staff training, executing monthly campaigns, and ensuring product distribution and merchandising standards. The Specialist will work closely with the Fine Wine Coordinator to provide seamless customer service and achieve company sales goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred, or equivalent experience.
Three to five (3–5) years direct sales experience, preferably in fine wine or beverage alcohol sales.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Company’s vehicle policy.
Strong knowledge of fine wine, including varietals, regions, producers, and industry trends.
Ability to conduct effective tastings, wine list presentations, and staff trainings.
Strong beverage industry and company product knowledge.
Ability to build long-term customer relationships across a wide territory.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a consultative sales approach.
Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage a large territory.
Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in interpreting policies and procedures, delegating responsibilities, monitoring administrative activities, and evaluating performance of staff and contracted vendors.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, and customers.
Ability to promote positive public relations and to convey company objectives effectively.
Excellent computer skills.
Excellent budgeting and business planning skills.
Ability to work on own initiative and handle a wide range of tasks.
Understand and effectively communicate Summit Beverage’s organizational mission and goals.
Must be able to read reports and use computer/general office equipment.
Must be able to read and interpret documentation.
Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with employees and business contacts.

Nice To Haves

Wine certifications (WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, CSW, or similar) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Growing total territory revenue and distribution versus the prior year.
Achieving growth targets put forth by management and meeting monthly goals on assigned brands.
Pre-planning sales objectives and running route as efficiently as possible across a broad territory.
Calling on accounts according to established frequency while also identifying and opening new accounts.
Conducting wine tastings, server/staff trainings, and providing educational support to accounts.
Partnering with accounts to develop or revise wine lists and identify growth opportunities.
Executing monthly campaigns, supplier features, and promotional programs.
Observing accounts for sales opportunities and competitive activity.
Inspecting work and back stock for proper pricing, rotation, and positioning.
Ensuring compliance with Company’s product quality assurance standards (i.e. outdated, damaged, unsellable).
Collaborating with the Fine Wine Coordinator for order entry, follow-up, and account service.
Maintaining sufficient inventory levels (including call-ins).
Maintaining accounts receivable for each assigned account.
Delivering factual and persuasive sales presentations, and closing sales calls effectively.
Documenting and maintaining accurate records (route books, recap forms, CRM entries, etc.) for each call.
Meeting or exceeding sales volume, profitability, and distribution commitments.
Recommending and performing resets as needed and/or directed.
Executing all ad features; executing displays greater than competition.
Continuously expanding wine knowledge and taking initiative to improve overall fine wine expertise.
Adhering to all applicable Federal, state, and local regulations regarding the merchandising of alcoholic beverages.
Adhering to Company policies and procedures.
Properly maintaining company property such as company vehicles.
Investigating and resolving all customer complaints in a timely fashion.
Maintaining appropriate dress/appearance per Company standards.
Being punctual for all account calls, scheduled meetings, tastings, trainings, presentations, and company meetings.
Displaying exceptional communication with suppliers, management, and customers.
Demonstrating accuracy and thoroughness in all areas of responsibility to ensure quality of work.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Showing sound judgment, decision-making, and accountability.