State Manager (Michigan)

The Long Drink Company

About The Position

As the Michigan State Manager, you will report directly to the Michigan Director of Sales, and will be entrusted with the critical task of collaborating with distributor partners to enhance brand visibility and optimize distribution. Your leadership will encompass overseeing a team of market & field sales managers who are responsible for the efficient execution of strategies. Your primary focus will involve driving sales, monitoring Key Performance Indicators, and nurturing the professional development of your team.

Requirements

Must be able to travel 25-50% of the time
Preferred 7+ years of sales experience in the alcoholic beverage industry with knowledge and passion for both commercial and premium products in a retail environment
BA degree or equivalent experience in Business, Marketing or related field.
5+ years in a leadership role supervising a sales team.
Experience managing a beer, wine or spirits distributor.
Proficiency in using CRM and sales reporting tools
Well organized with ability to work both independently and within team environment
Results oriented, innovation, strong problem solving and negotiation skills
Ability to work and succeed in dynamic entrepreneurial environment
Must be able to build and maintain customer relationships
Understanding of Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

Preferred 7+ years of sales experience in the alcoholic beverage industry with knowledge and passion for both commercial and premium products in a retail environment

Responsibilities

Developing and implementing annual operating plan which includes financial, volume, and distribution objectives
Establish and monitor sales/key performance indicator targets for individual market and field sales managers, providing consistent feedback, coaching, and overseeing performance management.
Devote three full days weekly to route rides to assess both the performance of the field sales & market managers in sales techniques.
Managing assigned budgets including incentives, branded merchandise and other departmental expenses.
Set goals for your state and work with wholesalers to forecast and apply sales plans.
Conduct regular meetings to review distributor performance and provide strategic direction.
Monitor sales data to identify trends and growth opportunities.
Ensure the state meets their plans and provide corrective roadmaps if needed.
Engage with trade shows, smaller regional chains, and key accounts with both on and off premise.
Communicate with distributors, manage pricing strategies, promotions and inventory levels.
Ensure distributor sales staff is trained on product knowledge and sales techniques.
Ensure all sales practices are compliant with state & company policies/law