RTD/Malt Brand Manager

Position Summary:

The RTD/Malt Brand Manager is responsible for the management, strategic direction, and growth of Fedway Associates' Ready-to-Drink (RTD) and flavored malt beverage (FMB) portfolio across the New Jersey market. This position serves as the key liaison between Fedway and assigned supplier partners, ensuring brand strategies, pricing, and marketing programs are effectively executed to achieve company sales, distribution, and profit objectives.
The role requires strong collaboration across Fedway's wine, spirits, and beer divisions, with a focus on maximizing performance within emerging categories such as canned cocktails, seltzers, and hybrid beverages.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Requires frequent travel throughout the New Jersey market for account visits, supplier meetings, and events
• Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends for market activations or supplier events
• This position does not directly supervise staff but may coordinate activities with marketing coordinators, field activation teams, or interns as needed

Brand and Supplier Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned RTD, FMB, and hybrid suppliers
• Develop and execute annual brand and marketing plans that align supplier priorities with Fedway's business goals
• Manage supplier relationships, pricing structures, and brand budgets in compliance with company and NJ ABC standards
• Conduct quarterly business reviews, reporting on volume performance, profitability, and market execution
• Lead coordination of new product launches, including registration, pricing setup, and communication to internal teams

Sales Strategy and Execution

• Partner with sales management and district teams across all divisions to drive distribution, visibility, and volume growth
• Provide product knowledge, sales materials, and brand education to the sales force
• Support field execution of programming, point-of-sale (POS) displays, tastings, and retail activations
• Identify distribution gaps and work with key accounts to secure new placements
• Monitor field execution to ensure alignment with brand and supplier expectations

Marketing and Activation

• Collaborate with Fedway's marketing and digital teams to develop localized campaigns, social content, and consumer engagement programs
• Plan and execute trade events, sponsorships, and brand activations to build consumer awareness and equity
• Oversee the development and distribution of POS and merchandising materials
• Track program effectiveness, ROI, and consumer engagement metrics

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Monitor depletion, shipment, and scan data to analyze brand performance
• Prepare monthly and quarterly performance reports for senior management and suppliers
• Evaluate competitive activity, category trends, and pricing landscapes to identify opportunities for growth
• Utilize analytical tools such as VIP, Power BI, and Excel for reporting and forecasting

Performance Metrics:

• Achievement of brand volume, revenue, and distribution targets
• Execution and effectiveness of marketing and sales programs
• Strength and alignment of supplier relationships
• Category growth and profitability within assigned portfolio
• Quality and timeliness of brand and performance reporting

Required Skills:

• Comprehensive understanding of the three-tier alcohol distribution system
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities; capable of presenting to internal leadership and suppliers
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and analytical platforms (VIP, Power BI)
• Ability to work cross-functionally and balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of New Jersey ABC laws and compliance standards
• Experience in RTD, hard seltzer, or flavored malt beverage categories strongly preferred
• Prior experience in a wholesale beverage alcohol environment required; multi-category (wine, spirits, and beer) experience preferred

Education, Certifications and /or licenses:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field required
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in beverage alcohol brand management, marketing, or supplier relations
• Able to obtain and meet industry licensing requirements as needed

Physical Demands:

• May require occasional lifting/lowering, pushing, carrying, or pulling up to 25lbs.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and move about the office and market environments.

Compensation:

• Salary starts at $110,000/annually commensurate with experience.
• This position is eligible for a company car.
• Full benefit package including medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401K, and life insurance

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.