Empire Merchants North is the premier wine and spirits distributor in Upstate New York with roots going back to the end of Prohibition. With more than 600 dedicated employees and state-of-the-art facilities, Empire Merchants North has become synonymous with both service and quality and has earned the loyalty of more than 9,000 area restaurants, bars, hotels, nightclubs, and retail outlets. Empire Merchants North acts as a marketing agent for the brands that we represent and is proud to employ the most knowledgeable and well-equipped sales force in Upstate New York.
We are seeking a high energy, motivated Route to Consumer Manager / Moet Hennessy - Freedom Division / Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne Counties
POSITION SUMMARY - Route to Consumer Manager
The Route to Consumer Manager will lead the salesforce in the East or West region of UNY through a multi-faceted role that is part business development, educator, trade advocate and business analyst. Duties include but are not limited to educational training and trade advocacy, sales performance analysis and marketing plans / programming (in coordination with Director of Commercial Operations) to ensure MH brands are on trend to budget goals for the year. GSM planning and presentation of all MH brand programming / training to the sales force and key account management which will include direct relationships and management of the MH brands with accounts. The share of time is expected to be split 40% office and 60% field.
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESULTS
- Assist the Director of Commercial Operations in building the annual plan/calendar, determining the promotional calendar, and designing sales force incentives by closely collaborating with Moet Hennessy and aligning supplier and Empire Merchants goals.
- Modifies planning calendar as necessary by continually evaluating opportunities.
- Ensure the salesforce and trade are clear and confident in selling the MH portfolio by consistently training and educating.
- Assists the sales representatives in selling MH portfolio as well as maintaining market and sales understanding by conducting sales work-withs on a regular basis.
- Forecasts adequate supply for all sales programs and ensures that appropriate inventory levels are maintained by closely collaborating with the Director of Commercial Operations.
- Participates in planning and preparation of General Sales Meetings by translating brands’ features and benefits into sell sheets, concept sales and other selling materials and attending/presenting brand initiatives and marketing strategies.
- Coordinates supplier meetings, ride-withs, winery visits, blitzes and target account spend activity and shares data as needed with supplier by communicating with all sales management as well as managing work flow, and calendars.
- Creates and distributes in coordination with marketing, supplier specific newsletters and videos, by collecting and recapping best practices and program results.
- Manages all MH POS workflow, both inbound and outbound.
- Executes upon the budget of tasting agencies, which includes executional builds and spot checks within the territory.
- Manages the execution of all MH KPI goals and surveys in the territory.
- Coordinates meetings with Freedom DOS of East or West and corresponding ADMs and FSMs to achieve KPI goals. These meetings will be both in person within a group setting and or virtually via Teams / Zoom.
- Completes all necessary training programs by attending, participating, and passing all required tests as defined by management (e.g. WSSM, TOPS, FOCUS MARKETING, and ANALYTICAL TRAINING).
- Maintains professional and industry knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.
- Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Empire Merchants North offers a competitive compensation package including:
- Salary: $70,000 - $80,000, plus annual bonus potential
- Paid Holidays, Health Plan options (medical, dental, disability coverage, life insurance, and other voluntary plans), 401K, PTO, vacation accrual, Flexible Spending Account, industry certifications (WSET), and more.
- The company will evaluate a specific candidate's education, skills and experience when making an offer.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Certifications and /or licenses:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or equivalent training and work experience required.
- Ability to hold a Solicitor’s Permit required (where applicable).
- Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle preferred
- WSET Wine Level 2
- WSET Sprits Level 2
Experience:
- A minimum of 3 years in sales/marketing or industry related experience is required.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Comprehensive understanding of beverages to include regions/varietals, product/food pairing techniques, basic production, and service
- Results oriented professional with excellent verbal/written communication skills; uses diplomacy and discretion.
- Ability to multi-task, work independently and/or within a team, pays attention to detail and meet deadlines.
- Proficient PC skills using MS Office and other various programs including presentation software and Pro Diver. Proficient Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint capabilities required.
Empire Merchants North is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, affirms in policy and practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote, in all job classifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, sex, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Empire Merchants North will not discriminate against persons because of their disability, including disabled veterans, and will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees and applicants with disabilities.
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