The Wine & Spirits Ambassador is essential to Columbia Distributing's Wine & Spirits portfolio success in key, influential accounts with focus mainly in the on-premise segment. The ambassador is responsible for the development of the wine and spirits portfolio in a select group of accounts with focus primarily towards white table cloth, fine wine, trendy on premise, off premise specialty shops, and select high-end product customers. This position with work closely with the account sales representative to develop a plan of action to maximize the success of the wine & spirits portfolio. Additionally, the ambassador will assist in the coordination, planning, and execution of buyer and consumer events that help promote the Wine & Spirits portfolio throughout a designated territory.

 

Primary Responsibilities
 Responsible for creating and maintaining target account list
 Develop and maintain relationships with buyers at key influential accounts
 Develop and implement wine & spirits strategy for defined area
 Create wine & spirits programs in accounts/market
 Work with account representative to ensure priorities, plans, and customer needs are communicated
 Sell in distribution, wine list placements, by the glass features, promotions, drink features, and back bar placements
 Promote product sales in account through staff training events
 Attend and/or assist in planning wine & spirits trade and consumer events and wine dinners
 Function as a local wine & spirits expert in education and training
 Manage inventory expenses in accordance with company policy
 Interact respectfully and maintain dialogue with inter-company departments, suppliers and customers
 Complete all required training to improve performance and effectiveness
 Maintain a high level of industry knowledge in all 3 adult beverage categories: wine, spirits, food journals, trends, market share, etc.
 Create opportunities and develop programs appropriate to customer base.
 Submit all required reporting, preplans, trackers, surveys, market surveys (MVPs), expense report, mileage log, etc. by the required due date
 Effectively sell and represent the Columbia Distributing portfolio in all assigned accounts
 Minimum visibility in assigned accounts must be equal to or greater than competition
 Increase net core brand distribution over baseline throughout the year
 Minimum MVP standards in eighty percent (80%) of accounts surveyed and above MVP standards in twenty percent (20%) of accounts surveyed
 Accomplish sales and distribution goals by executing the monthly, quarterly and annual business objectives and company initiatives

 

Key Competencies
 High level of knowledge and selling experience in wine and spirits categories
 Previous experience in on-premise selling required
 Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
 Excellent oral and written communication skills
 Effective organizational and time management skills
 Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers

 

People Management
 None

 

Work Environment
 This job operates in our accounts, mostly indoors with occasional outdoor work.

 

Physical Demands
 Lift, carry, push, pull up to 55 lbs.
 Use arms, wrists, hands, grasp
 Must be proficient in the use of industry tools including hand truck, six-wheeler, manual pallet jack, box cutter, etc.
 Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle

 

Expected Hours of Work
 This is a full-time position, days/hours of work vary, and may include weekends.

 

Travel
 State wide travel required

 

Required Education and Experience
 High School diploma or GED required
 High level of wine and spirits knowledge required
 Sales Fundamental (which includes Certified Sales Professional-CSP training and certification) required upon hiring; WSET Level 2 and required within one (1) year of start date
 Minimum 2-5 years previous sales experience in beverage industry
 Valid driver's license and auto insurance required
 Must be at least 21 years of age or older

 

Preferred Education and Experience
 Bachelor's degree preferred
 Wine & spirits certifications highly preferred
 Previous beverage industry sales experience

 

Compensation
 Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and specific location.
 Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Employees are also eligible for 80 hours of vacation every year and 7-8 days of paid holidays throughout the calendar year (depending on location).
 Hired applicant may be eligible for incentives/ bonuses/ annual bonuses.

 

 

Classification: Exempt
 Reports to: Wine & Spirits District Manager