Regional Sales Manager - Midwest

At The Winebow Group we are passionate about fine wine and spirits. We are fortunate to work with products that we care about and with producers who we believe in.

The Winebow Group, comprises national import and distribution houses that offer comprehensive portfolios of fine wine and spirits from around the world. Craft + Estate, one of three import units, seeks a Regional Manager to oversee the Midwest region. This position will report to the SVP/GM and will be responsible for covering the following states: KY, IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, and WI. The ideal candidate will reside in Chicago, IL. Craft + Estate offers an eclectic collection of fine wines, craft spirits and artisanal sakes that provides the adventurous and inquisitive consumer freedom of discovery. Our fresh and contemporary approach is rooted in the belief that quality knows no boundaries. Representing centuries-old producers, modern visionaries, and a growing international community of artful distillers, Craft + Estate delivers uncompressing quality while celebrating uniqueness and diversity.

* Work closely with distributors to develop and execute an effective sales and marketing plan in order to maximize distribution of the portfolio. This includes establishing goals, pricing and * programming, preparing annual budget forecasts, and monitoring orders and inventory levels. * Manage and develop business of portfolio by actively working the market with sales teams as well as independently, conducting staff-trainings, seminars, consumer tastings, wine dinners, etc. * Conduct regular reviews of depletions, programs, and inventories with distributors’ management teams. * Manage rollout of new brand launches. * Develop and monitor key account penetration. * Travel within the region as needed to maintain high visibility with distributors and with key accounts. * Coordinate and manage supplier visits and perform necessary follow-up. * Establish and maintain strong relationships with distributor sales and management teams; key * customers and suppliers by providing exceptional service, timely communication and * comprehensive product knowledge. * Process billbacks in a timely fashion. * Follow-up on requests in a timely manner from Brand Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Customer Service, Accounting, and Sales Administration. * Provide feedback and market updates to corporate office on a timely and regular basis. * Meet agreed upon company goals and objectives.

* Bachelor’s Degree preferred **Additional Skills:** * Bachelor’s Degree. * Ten years of marketing or sales experience. * Minimum of seven years of fine wine sales experience. * Comprehensive knowledge of wine and craft spirits. * Experience working in a multi-state environment. * Strong relationships with distributor network and in key on/off accounts within geographic territory. * Knowledge of distributor pricing strategies and the ability to manage and maintain profit margin negotiations. * Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening hours and weekends when needed. Travel is required at least 50% of the time. * Excellent communication skills to include the ability to negotiate and mediate situations. * Demonstrated knowledge of Diver and strong overall computer skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook. * Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to formulate strategies based on competitive data. * Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and multi-task.