Johnson Brothers

District Manager, Independent Spirits

Johnson Brothers$80K — $95K *
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of sales experience.
  • 3+ years in the spirits or wine industry.
  • 2+ years of managerial experience leading a sales team.
  • Experience in a startup environment.

Responsibilities

  • Manage sales team to ensure effective execution with retail chain accounts.
  • Spend approximately 80% of the week in the market, engaging directly with Retail Specialists.
  • Conduct training and onboarding for new hires on internal operations and tools like Netsuite.
  • Address account issues to resolve complaints and maintain strong relationships.
  • Review and analyze account sales data to identify and address underperformance.

Benefits

  • Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
  • Opportunity to work in a startup environment with dynamic team growth.
  • Access to professional development and training resources.
Full Job Description

Job Description:

We are searching for a high-energy and motivated District Sales Manager to lead and develop a team of Sales Consultants. This role is responsible for driving sales execution, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring operational excellence across the designated region. Leadership, people development, business planning, and supplier management are key elements of this position.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience selling into on and off premise accounts. This job is responsible for managing a team of Sales Consultants and Merchandisers in their designated region.

Essential Functions:

· Manage team to ensure successful execution and service to retail chain accounts
· Market work should consist of 80% of the week. Managers should spend approximately 1 day per week in the office, but the rest of the week should be in the market with Retail Specialists and Merchandisers
· Complete all new hire paperwork and onboarding including training Retail Specialists and Merchandisers on Netsuite and internal operations
· Train and develop Retail Specialists in the field weekly (or more often upon hiring) to provide on-the-job sales training
· Route market Merchandisers on a daily basis to ensure efficient deliveries and merchandising based on market needs.
· Provide monthly sales goals to Retail Specialists. Managers must keep Retail Specialists up to date on progress and help them to achieve the goals
· Address any account issues/complaints to find an equitable resolution and restore the relationship
· Review account sales data frequently to identify trends and reassign underperforming accounts as necessary
· Enter orders, maintain accounts, and assist with retail deliveries for Retail Specialists when they are unable to
· Merchandise accounts/deliver orders as needed
· Complete formal performance reviews for all Retail Specialists on a bi-annual basis (more often if necessary)
· Ensure full compliance on chain schematics, planners and planograms
· Work with Operations Teams to ensure efficient route schedules based on chain receiving times
· Create and foster an open and positive work/team environment. Address any and all concerns of Retail Specialists in a professional and timely manner
· Review sales orders and pricing to ensure correct pricing and margins are being maintained
· Ensure execution on new brand depletions
· Manage execution on retail placements and approved items sell-through
· Liaison between Chain Account Managers and Retail Specialist team
· Recruiting for new talent (this includes creating sales routes, reviewing resumes and conducting interviews)

Other:
· Must be able to travel within established geographic areas, as necessary
· Must have reliable transportation, hold a valid drivers’ license and meet company driving record & automobile insurance requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS:
· Bachelor’s degree preferred.
· 5+ years of sales experience.
· 3+ years in the spirits or wine industry.
· 2+ years of managerial experience with a sales team.
· Experience working in a startup environment.
· Proven track record of success.

· Must have a steadfast work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and resilient
· Must be proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
· Strong understanding of cost/pricing methodology.
· Must have the ability to manage individuals to exceed goals and perform to defined metrics.
· Act in a professional manner at all times (ie. dress appropriately, speak professionally, and write professionally)
· Respond to all manager/partner emails, phone calls, and information requests in a timely manner
· Accounts receivable collection management
· Lift and carry a 40+ pound case of wine.
· Work flexible hours which include early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends. Willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
· Strong written, verbal, analytical and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
· Must be self-motivated and able to work alone as well as within a team structure.
· Goal oriented, focused, and assertive individual who needs little direction or supervision.
· Proven track record of strong sales in previous/current work experience.
· Excellent communication skills and interpersonal talents which will enhance existing customer and key retailer relationships.
· Attendance is an essential job requirement defined as having regular, consistent, reliable, punctual and predictable attendance including the ability to work regular hours and shifts, before and after hours, and on weekends, when required.
· Must complete and pass a criminal background check.
· The Company has invested in and requires the downloading and use of the app, TripLog, if an employee receives mileage allowance. This app ensures the accurate tracking of mileage on behalf of the Company and is needed for IRS records.

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

About Johnson Brothers

Johnson Brothers is a family-owned wine, spirits, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages distributor with headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. The company was founded in 1953 by the Johnson family and has since grown to become one of the largest distributors in the United States. Johnson Brothers operates in 28 states and has a portfolio of over 6,000 products. The company is committed to providing exceptional customer service and has a team of over 1,500 employees.
Learn more about Johnson Brothers
Size
2,000 employees
Industry
Net Income
$50 million
5 Year Trend
+5%
Revenue
$1 billion

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