Regional Sales Manager - MN, IN, ND, SD, NE

This position requires a high level of competency in distributor management and frequent, key regional off & on-premise account HQ calls within the territory. This position will cover all of MN, IN, NE, ND, and SD. We would like for the person we hire for this role to be based in Minneapolis, MN.

The Regional Sales Manager is responsible for the development of existing and new account business for all WX national and private label brands in the assigned states. The candidate will develop and implement an annual, regional business plan with the Sales Director to achieve account and depletion targets with profitable margins by brand, SKU & state. The candidate must be willing to travel throughout the region to manage our distributor network and be responsible for executing large, national account programs within the region.

Responsibilities:

• Execute the regional business plan by working closely with distributors and key accounts in the assigned states.
• Achieve annual depletion and accounts sold goals by brand.
• Increase execution rates at the unit level on private label programs with national chains.
• Interface with distributor partners on strategic objectives for our brands.
• Communicate with RSD on, and properly execute, pricing and programming to achieve distribution objectives and margin standards.
• Implement promotional and merchandising campaigns & incentives to drive sales.
• Manage depletion allowances and marketing funds to maximize results while maintaining budget.
• Provide RSD with accurate and timely information & reporting necessary to manage the business unit and improve on regional business plans.
• Establish strong sales presence within territory and conduct regular distributor meetings to ensure brand priorities and initiatives are maintained in key states.
• Manage a list of key accounts including national/regional chains and key independents.
• Survey accounts and provide feedback on execution and competitive activity.

DISTRIBUTOR MANAGEMENT

• Manage all aspects of the WX distributor relationship to include:
• Volume (goals, creation of budget, negotiation, monitoring, review, course correction)
• Merchandising Activity (creation, tracking, monitoring, review, and course correction)
• Pricing (negotiation, management, price, price support and non-price spend)
• Inventory Management
• Internal Controls/Administration
• SKU level budget and forecast for volume.
• Price structure management by distributor, market, channel, key account.
• Maintain spending control vs. budget
• Forecast regional sales by state and SKU
• In-Market activities (survey, work-with, education training, events)
• Distributor ride-with’s and sales meetings
• Quarterly/Monthly business reviews

Requirements:

• Five+ years sales/marketing experience as a supplier within the region.
• Extensive knowledge of the beverage alcohol market.
• Track record of managing others strongly desired.
• Proven success in wine/adult beverage industry sales management with experience in chain account channel.
• Strong ability to influence others and close deals in a timely manner.
• Ability to recognize and solve problems that result in win-win outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• A high level of integrity, self-confident with an excellent ability to build relationships.
• Be a strategic and creative thinker, with the ability to make good and sometimes difficult decisions.
• Highly organized and self-motivated.
• Possess effective industry relationships in all three tiers.
• Strong sense of urgency and commitment to achieving results.
• Good judgment and professional maturity.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work autonomously in fast paced and ever-changing environment, as well as be an active team member.
• Good PC skills (Word, Excel and Power Point) and proficiency in analyzing industry data, Nielsen, IRI, RAD, Scan.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life experience.
• Clean driving record, vehicle and insurance required.
• Willing and able to travel frequently (50+% of time) including overnight stays.
• Weekend and evening work as required.

About Us:

Founded in 1999, WX is a privately-owned innovative beverage alcohol company that produces products in 14 countries, on 5 different continents, and ships to 103 countries in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. With offices located in Novato, CA and London, WX offers a unique working environment, with the fast pace of an entrepreneurial start-up and the down-to-earth atmosphere found in the Northern California wine industry. We seek people who are passionate about making a difference in the industry and their careers.

WX Brands is ranked the 13th largest wine company in the U.S. In 2021, 2022 & 2023, WX Brands was named by North Bay Business Journal as one of the best places to work.

Perks:

WX offers a competitive benefits package including PTO starting at 19 days per year. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that promotes career growth by leaps and bounds while being part of a team-oriented environment that knows how to have fun!