Work Location Chicago, IL, Cincinnati, OH, Detroit, MI, Indianapolis, IN

Position Purpose

Acting on own initiative, the Region Customer Development Manager is responsible for leading and directing Customer Development Managers as well as managing the chain wholesaler personnel for all off-premise retail in the assigned state/division. This position is responsible for the direction, implementation, and execution of strategic sales initiatives. The Region Customer Development Manager is accountable for leading the account planning and budgeting process for all chains within the division with a goal of exceeding business plan and performance objectives.

*THIS IS A REMOTE BASED POSITION, BUT CANDIDATES MUST RESIDE IN MIDWEST / NORTHEAST REGION*

Functional Responsibility

•  Manages and monitors day-to-day operations and team performance to ensure smooth workflows and that company standards are met
•  Manages company culture and holds self, peers, and direct reports accountable for demonstrating a constructive company culture through influential, personal behavior and actions; encourages strong work ethic and fosters an environment of trust and respect
•  Develops and aligns individual goals with the department's operational goals; ensures that decisions, actions, and priorities are aligned with the company's vision, mission, and strategies
•  Researches best practices, stays abreast of industry trends, and maintains awareness of regulatory changes to ensure compliance and continually improve operations
•  Assists in preparing the departmental budget, monitors spending, and directs team in cost-effective operations to ensure adherence to financial objectives
•  Monitors performance and regularly communicates with direct reports to achieve mutual understanding and desired results
•  Partners with immediate manager to determine staffing needs; attracts, motivates, and retains a workforce with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to achieve goals and objectives
•  Provides employees with a safe, healthy, and rewarding work environment; ensures delivery and completion of monthly safety topics
•  Communicates and supports change initiatives and decisions in an effective manner to successfully guide team through change
•  Fosters a work environment that encourages creative thinking, promotes flexibility, and drives innovation
•  Addresses employee issues, concerns, and complaints in an objective and confidential manner; notifies HR Business Partner and keeps immediate manager informed as appropriate
•  Ensures compliance and consistent application of company policies, initiatives, and decisions
•  Coaches, guides, and develops direct reports; fully engages in the GPS (Performance Management) process; provides high-quality feedback, and ensures proper GPS documentation of employee performance, recognition, and deficiencies

Essential Duties

•  Leads, develops, and mentors a team of Customer Development Managers; manages team's sales performance and effectiveness of trade spend at across all brands within the Delicato Family Wines portfolio
•  Attends sales calls with Customer Development Manager to provide support and insight while developing long-term working relationships with higher level retailer managers
•  Aligns with National Customer Development Managers to ensure state level execution goals and tracking of large national programming is prepared
•  Ensures that all programming and new item distribution is communicated, implemented and tracked within the wholesaler network for the entirety of Delicato Family Wines Customer Development team; manages key top-level relationships within the assigned wholesaler network
•  Collaborates with Consumer & Strategic Insights team to analyze retailer and market level Syndicated Data to communicate current trends monthly to wholesaler partners
•  Develops and implements strategies that help drive incremental programming and ad support through use of Trade Marketing initiatives and Syndicated Data insights
•  Oversees assortment in retail accounts by managing the new item process including distribution of new items, expansion of current items and underperforming/at-risk items
•  Works with wholesaler Category Managers to develop and implement shelf recommendations including cold box placements, shelf location, and additional facings
•  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

*Other duties may be assigned

Non-Essential Duties

•  Attends chain account promotions and events when necessary
•  Attends and participates in divisional and national sales meetings
•  Remains aware of inventory levels to ensure product availability to support current programming
•  Monitors competitive pricing and report threats to upper management
•  Increases level of wine knowledge through continuous education

*Other duties may be assigned

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

•  Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Business Administration, Sales and Marketing, or related field required
•  6-8 years of wine supplier and/or wholesaler experience in selling wine, building brands, and conducting customer calls
•  5-plus years of experience managing direct reports and wholesalers

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•  Must possess excellent planning and organizational skills
•  Intermediate to advanced skill set 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
•  Strategic thinker, strong communicator and negotiator
•  Ability to work independently and build relationships
•  Ability to manage, create, and track budgets

Certificates and Licenses

•  Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and vehicle required with an acceptable driving record

Working Conditions

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