Craft & Innovation Brand Manager

As our Craft & Innovation Brand Manager, you will lead the strategy and execution behind one of the most dynamic areas of our business.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset, strong analytical skills, and a passion for building brands. They thrive in a fast-paced environment, collaborate across departments, and are energized by bringing innovative products to market while delivering exceptional service to our customers and supplier partners.

You will be responsible for developing and executing portfolio strategies that accelerate sales and expand distribution across all our brands. Success in this role requires balancing long-term brand building with short-term commercial execution, identifying new opportunities for growth, and ensuring every brand receives the strategic focus and marketplace support needed to win.

Job Summary

Manage and grow the Craft Brands portfolio while maintaining a strong focus on core brands. This role is responsible for developing and executing portfolio strategies that deliver both short- and long-term financial results, maximize sales and distribution opportunities, and ensure each brand receives the resources and support needed to reach target consumers. This role also supports excellent customer service and upholds high product quality standards across the Markstein Sales Company portfolio.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Fulfill Markstein Sales Company policies, standards, and Anheuser-Busch Equity Agreement requirements by performing the following duties:

• Apply Markstein Sales Company sales standards and hand-selling techniques while working in the trade.

• Serve as the subject matter expert and primary contact for Craft Brands, including Sierra Nevada, CBA, Boston Beer Company, Firestone Walker, Gambrinus, Speakeasy, and Black Diamond. Ensure Markstein's commitments are met by maintaining documentation and developing sales boards to share results.

• Travel within the assigned territory to call on regular and targeted customers, solicit orders for new product entries, secure display space, support core brands, and place the right products in the right accounts.

• Accompany sales representatives, sales supervisors, and suppliers on customer visits to generate business for innovative products, core brands, wet samplings, beer tastings, and on-premise promotions.

• Pre-book all on-premise promotions, wet samplings, point-of-sale materials, and beer tastings within the assigned area. Attend promotions, samplings, and special events as scheduled weekly.

• Coordinate supplier ride-withs and crew drives by setting mutually agreed-upon goals, objectives, and target accounts.

• Partner with the Sales Manager to create and communicate brand incentives based on budget and profitability.

• Work with the Sales Execution Manager to develop reasonable monthly objectives for sales representatives by channel.

• Pre-book displays, promotions, and permanent and temporary point-of-sale materials using established display and merchandising standards, with emphasis on salable features.

• Maintain strong knowledge of ABC rules, regulations, and issues relevant to the business.

• Build expertise in the craft portfolio through product education, brewing processes, and beer-and-food pairings.

• Maintain, update, and document the Accomplishment Workbook for all craft suppliers to track performance, successes, and opportunities.

• Participate in designated company- and supplier-sponsored incentive programs.

• Stock, rotate, and perform quality checks on all MSCo products.

• Collaborate with sales supervisors and/or the Sales Manager to resolve customer issues.

• Complete all required daily administrative duties on time.

• Work effectively with others, maintain a reliable schedule, and demonstrate regular attendance.

• Pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and take direction effectively.

• Conduct account business reviews as needed to evaluate progress for new entries, innovative brands, and core brands.

• Stay familiar with craft supplier websites and explore new craft beer resources to build knowledge and share insights with the sales team.

• Assist with training and educating sales and delivery teams on all new brand entries during BUDS meetings.

• Assist with special event execution as needed.

• Assist with account pre-sells as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree with 5-8 years of experience in brand innovation management, marketing, or sales.
• Ability to apply analytics and consumer insights to build effective business plans.
• Strong understanding of budget and financial management.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing direct reports and allocating team resources to achieve business objectives.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment on complex projects.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, written, organizational, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)

LOCATION: Antioch, CA

BENEFITS:

• Robust Medical/Dental/Vision/Life & Wellness Program after 60 days
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick, Holidays,
• 401(k) Program
• Extensive Training Program
• Opportunities for Advancement
• Referral Bonus Program

Compensation Pay Range:

$70,000 - $100,000 plus Car Allowance