Area Sales Manager - Wisconsin & Minnesota

Essential Functions and Duties        

Genuinely engages in the company’s strategic goals and supports the company’s stated values and Triple Bottom Line initiatives

Management of Sales Staff

• Hires, supervises, coaches, develops and motivates staff to cover targeted markets, focusing on recruiting and retaining top performers
• Creates individual performance objectives and conducts regular check-ins along with an annual performance review for all direct reports
• Regularly works with sales reps within assigned territory
• Manages Brand Ambassadors within assigned territory
• Manages and operates within assigned expense budgets and ensure direct reports do as well

Stakeholder Management

• Reviews distributors weekly inventory and orders and ensures they are maintaining targeted inventory levels utilizing available forecasting tool
• Ensures the distributor’s inventories and retail trade are rotated properly and are in code.
• Conducts monthly Distributor warehouse walks to check rotation and out of code product. Develops and presents sales plans at distributor sales meetings
• Conducts both on and off premise work with monthly distributor sales and management
• Reviews and consults with distributor management on sales and distribution objectives, programming and action plans on a regular basis as well as Annual Business Plan and QTR/Tri Reviews
• Ensures proper and timely process of Distributor billing and invoicing
• Develops and presents sales plans at distributor sales meetings
• Collaborates with distributors to maximize the use of co-op dollars
• Conducts retail samplings, on premise promotions and beer dinners

Sales Strategy and Growth

• Reviews and approves all sales forecasts and actual monthly sales results
• Responsible for maintaining forecast accuracy
• Responsible for tracking program execution, ads, displays and distribution for assigned area
• Creates seasonal beer market plans and recaps appropriately
• Assists National Account Managers in planning and executing chain programs
• Plans and directs activities in assigned territory to ensure results are consistent with the company goals and objectives
• Completes and submits weekly and monthly recaps and reports

Other duties and projects as assigned

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred

Work Experience

• Minimum five years of relevant experience along with solid working knowledge of the beer and brewing industry

Required Qualifications

• Proven ability to establish and build relationships, manage distributors and work with wholesalers
• Proficiency with computers, specifically Microsoft Office programs and sales tracking programs & databases
• Strong leadership skills with the proven ability to lead and motivate team members 
• Ability to lift 35 pounds
• Ability to operate in a team environment as well as autonomously
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to speak in front of groups
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks as well as strong decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain a high level of organization
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with a driving record considered acceptable based on our insurance company’s matrix
• Willingness to work flexible and extended hours as needed (including evenings and weekends)
• Willingness to travel as needed, including overnight

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the territory
• Prior experience managing people
• Prior experience working with distributors