Description:
- Acting on own initiative, the Customer Development Manager is responsible for leading and directing a group of strategically important accounts within a defined geography.
- This position is responsible for the implementation and execution of strategic sales initiatives to increase our brands growth and exposure within the retail channel.
- The Customer Development Manager is also accountable for leading the account planning and forecast processes for the defined set of accounts with the goal of obtaining business plan and performance objectives.
- Manages direct sales calls on retail accounts to develop long-term working relationships with the wine buyers and key wholesalers to sell in programming and feature activity.
- Directly responsible for managing and selling all brands within the Delicato Family Wines portfolio.
- Collaborates with Consumer & Strategic Insights team to analyze retailer and market level Syndicated Data to communicate current trends monthly to retail buyers.
- Recommends and implements strategies that help drive incremental programming and ad support through use of marketing initiatives and Syndicated Data insights.
- Manages assortment in retail accounts by facilitating the new item process including distribution of new items, expansion of current items and underperforming/at-risk items.
- Develops and implements shelf recommendations with assistance from both internal and wholesaler category management teams on shelf schematics in store, including cold box placements, shelf location, and additional facings.
- Proactively communicates business issues and opportunities to DFW & Transcendent regional sales teams including programming wins and losses along with distribution gains and losses to assist in the forecasting process.
- Collaborates with the Trade Marketing Manager to develop and recommend incremental programs within retail accounts.
- Working cross-functionally with Finance and Consumer & Strategic Insights teams, evaluate effectiveness of trade spend at retail accounts.
- Submits required reports and expenses in a timely manner, meets all prescribed deadlines.
- Responsible for managing activities in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in Business Administration, Sales and Marketing, or related field required.
- 5+ years of wine supplier and/or wholesaler experience in selling wine, building brands, and conducting customer calls.
- Must possess excellent planning and organizational skills.
- Intermediate to advanced skillset with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
- Ability to navigate the Internet/Intranet and use Syndicated Data for effective business development.
- Must possess in-depth working knowledge of wine and the wine industry.
- Strong communicator and negotiator.
- Ability to work independently and build relationships.
- Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and vehicle required with an acceptable driving record.
Benefits:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance where Delicato covers nearly the entire cost for employees and a large percentage for dependents.
- Life, disability, and flexible spending accounts.
- 401(k) with generous company match.
- Discretionary profit sharing.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- Paid holidays.
- Wine & merchandise discounts.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Gym discounts.