Wine Specialist Account Advisor

Wine Specialist Account Advisor - Job Description Position Summary The Wine Specialist Account Advisor is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of on-premise and off-premise accounts with a dedicated focus on wine. This role demands deep wine expertise, credible category authority, and the ability to serve as a trusted advisor to buyers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and retail wine buyers across assigned accounts. The Wine Specialist elevates Freedom’s wine portfolio presence through education-led selling, strategic placement, and best-in-class account relationships. This role reports to the Sales Director and serves as the primary wine authority within Freedom’s frontline sales team. The Wine Specialist is expected to set a high bar for product knowledge, account service, and portfolio execution—representing Freedom Distributing as a true wine partner to the trade. Key Responsibilities Manage a defined territory and assigned wine-focused account list. Maintain regular call frequency and disciplined route planning. Present, sell, and execute approved wine portfolios and supplier priorities. Secure placements, by-the-glass features, wine list inclusions, displays, and retail shelf sets. Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with buyers, sommeliers, and wine directors. Lead wine-specific account conversations with authority, confidence, and category expertise. Serve as the in-house wine education resource for accounts and internal sales team members. Conduct formal and informal wine training sessions, tastings, and pairing presentations for accounts. Communicate wine region, varietal, producer, vintage, and style information with accuracy and fluency. Stay current on wine trends, emerging regions, and consumer preference shifts. Support the onboarding of new wine suppliers by leading knowledge transfer and account introductions. Order Management & Coordination Write accurate orders in alignment with account needs, inventory levels, and delivery schedules. Coordinate closely with Operations to ensure timely and accurate deliveries. Communicate out-of-stocks, vintage transitions, and allocation constraints proactively. Follow company procedures for credits, breakage, and returns. Portfolio & Brand Execution Ensure wine products are properly displayed, rotated, and merchandised across off-premise accounts. Execute supplier programs, vintage promotions, wine events, and sales initiatives. Support wine list development and menu engineering conversations with on-premise buyers. Monitor competitor wine activity and market trends within assigned territory. Performance & Reporting Track individual wine sales performance against goals and targets. Maintain accurate CRM or sales system data as required. Provide feedback to the Sales Director on account opportunities, challenges, and competitive insights. Support forecasting and sales planning for seasonal wine programs and allocations. Professional Standards & Compliance Conduct business in compliance with all federal, state (Idaho), and local alcohol distribution regulations. Maintain pricing integrity and adherence to company policies. Represent Freedom Beverage with professionalism, integrity, and accountability. Maintain safe driving practices and proper conduct while in the field. Qualifications WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (minimum required); WSET Level 3 Award in Wines strongly preferred. Candidates without WSET Level 2 at time of hire must obtain it within 12 months. Demonstrated fluency in wine regions, varietals, winemaking techniques, and vintage variation is required at the time of hire regardless of formal credential status. Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) Introductory or Certified Sommelier credential. Advanced coursework or certifications from WSET, CMS, GuildSomm, or comparable accredited institutions. Experience & Knowledge Minimum 3–5 years of hands‑on wine experience in sales, hospitality, retail, or a combination. Demonstrated fluency across major wine regions including France, Italy, Spain, USA, Germany, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. Previous experience selling wine to on‑premise accounts (restaurants, bars, hotels) and/or off‑premise retailers strongly preferred. Existing knowledge of the Boise market and relationships within the Idaho wine trade community are a huge plus. Professional Skills Exceptional interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with a consultative sales approach. Confident presenter and educator; comfortable leading tastings and training sessions in front of trade audiences. Self‑motivated with strong time‑management and organizational abilities. Comfortable working independently in a field‑based role. Ability to articulate wine quality, style, and value proposition across multiple price tiers. Work Requirements Regular fieldwork with travel throughout assigned territory. Flexible schedule including evenings and occasional weekends (wine events, dinners, tastings). Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Ability to lift and transport cases of wine as needed. Success Measures Wine sales growth within assigned territory Account retention and satisfaction among wine‑buying customers Depth and quality of wine placements (BTG, wine lists, shelf sets, features) Execution of supplier wine programs and vintage launches Pricing compliance and margin protection Consistent route discipline and reporting accuracy Demonstrated growth in wine credentials and ongoing professional development #J-18808-Ljbffr Freedom Distributing