District Manager, Chicago IL

Job Description:

In this role you will be responsible for marketing and selling MMD’s international and domestic portfolio of fine wines and champagnes to distributors and other sales accounts in the Chicago Metro Area. Your major focus will be to maximize the sales of MMD brands to the trade and consumer through effective planning, relationship building with key accounts and distributors sales representatives, key account management and direct sales. You will be reporting to the Midwest Regional Manager and assist in distributor and supplier visits management. You will prepare required sales activity and administrative reports through MMD’s VIP and Karma software.

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits for a worker located in the Chicago Metro Area with a preference to candidates located in Cook County. Territory includes the State of IL

Marketing and Sales
• Maintains a thorough and current understanding of the culture, long-term objectives and industry news of the wineries represented by MMD USA.
• Ensures market penetration of all company products and maintains and improves the products image.
• Assists Midwest Regional Manager in developing and implementing marketing programs to achieve marketing objectives including sales objectives, distribution objectives, merchandising goals. Utilizes Programming and/or Incentive tools to help achieve marketing goals.
• Identifies with management assistance key accounts in major markets/cities. Classifies them according to the criteria set by MMD USA and updates list quarterly.
• Launches new products in the Chicago area market and determines proper distribution channels.
• Assists the Regional Manager in conducting monthly business reviews.
• Conducts focused tastings/seminars to motivate sales staff or key accounts.

Distributor Management
• Educates distributor in understanding the culture, long-term objectives and current industry news of the wineries represented by MMD USA.
• Realizes a minimum of 6 work with per month when permitted by the distributor
• Verifies that targeted programs and objectives for each division are implemented and achieved.
• Assists SGWS IL Team in developing, training, motivating and managing sales personnel within territory.
• Weekly, coordinates team meetings/ GSM with the distributor sales teams in the territory

Account Management / Sales/ Relationship building
• Provides sales support/training to the accounts staff members to generate sales.
• Implements MMD management directed sales objectives to achieve penetration in various segments and territories which are of particular importance for each of the products.
• Monitors pricing level for off-premise licenses.
• Makes regular sales calls to designated on-premise accounts to cultivate customer relations and satisfaction with service provided.
• Makes product presentations, promotes new and existing portfolio items to expand and grow the business.
• Meets/exceeds assigned monthly focus brands and their volume/placement objectives using resourcefulness and persistence.
• Establishes effective business relationship with key accounts and distributor sales representatives through an understanding of their needs and a responsive and timely follow-up.
• Continually seek and open new accounts: Visit 30 accounts / week minimum
• Assists customers with inventory management responsibilities (product availability/new product placement and rotation of stock).
• Recommends creates/designs wine lists, and wine by the glass programs.
• Merchandises off-sale/retail accounts and reset shelf space, cold box and build displays to correspond with promotions and incentive programs.
• Complies with MMD USA salesperson responsibilities and policies.

Suppliers visit Management
• Organizes, prepares and develops agenda and itinerary for suppliers’ visits
• Key accounts visits with suppliers
• Provides written feedback to management on suppliers’ visits

Reporting
• Researches, organizes and presents sales reports, quota attainment, market feedback and results on a regular basis to the Regional Manager. Gathers necessary required information from Distributors or accounts as reported through the Karma and VIP portals.
• Daily report of sales activity in Karma
• Conducts market/pricing analysis as requested.

Planning, Organization, Sales Activity and Task Management
• Establishes an efficient work schedule that ensures assigned accounts are contacted and serviced as needed.
• Utilizes Outlook Calendar and Karma to manage work schedule, tasks, appointments, events and coordinates activities with MMD management.
• Analyzes the total territory and each account to determine the priority, distribution volume and promotion opportunities.
• Establishes priority brand objectives for each account for each sales call that will result in achievement of goals.
• Gives input on pricing and programming with the Regional Manager

What you bring:
• Bachelor’s Degree desired with 3-5 years industry related sales experience within the distribution, hospitality or supplier community.
• Comprehensive and current knowledge/experience with wine and spirits including regions/varietals, product/food pairing techniques, basic production and service.
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable auto. Acceptable driving record.
• Ability to lift and carry a 45(+) pound case of product on a repetitive basis.
• Available to work flexible hours including weekends as necessary. Additional hours required during the peak season of October, November and December.
• Goal oriented, focused, adaptable, persuasive, and assertive individual who can work independently and with a variety of personalities. Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, WordProcessing, Powerpoint, Outlook).

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