Market Specialist, Chicago IL

Posted Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM The Wine Group (TWG) is a leading producer of award-winning wines and alcoholic beverages across 120+ brands. With operations in California, New York and Australia, TWG is an innovator in developing and marketing brands beloved by consumers globally, including Cupcake, Franzia, Benziger, Imagery, Tribute, Chloe, Meiomi, Cooks, 7 Deadly, Cooper & Thief, and more. We produce our products using sustainable practices to create delicious beverages that people can feel good about. Visit us at JOB SUMMARY The Market Specialist supports sales execution across all channels within the Chicago, Illinois market. This position is responsible for lead selling including key account headquarter calls and assisting with distributor management. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a background in distributor/account management, program execution, and beverage alcohol. The role will require routine travel within assigned markets, specifically between multiple wholesalers and high-volume accounts. To best support the market, the candidate must reside in the Chicago, Illinois metro area. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Lead selling and key account management within assigned geography. Responsible for building relationships with execution and field-level distributor management. Establish optimal business rhythm at all levels within distributor network. Collaborate with TWG National Account teams – (Off/On Premise Chains) to maximize National/Regional accounts. Schedule and lead effective distributor general sales meetings. Introduce creative sales execution concepts, share across state lines/regions if successful, and aspire to be a leader in best practices. Assist with National Field Surveys – local scheduling and execution. Ensure TWG new item & monthly retail priority execution is being achieved. Manage assigned budgets including incentives, samples, demos and tastings, travel and entertainment and other departmental expenses. Administrative responsibilities include wholesaler inventory management, monthly CPR, phasing calendar, working key account list, and relevant travel and entertainment expenses on a weekly basis. Assist in the execution of sales strategy, pricing, and key initiatives for all assigned sales channels. Ensure all sales practices are compliant with state and company policies/law. Additional responsibilities as assigned by the State Manager. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. QUALIFICATIONS Ability to travel with overnight stays. 3 plus years of field sales experience with a supplier or distributor. Retailer lead selling experience is a plus. Intermediate wine knowledge or associated certifications preferred. Knowledge of Nielsen, Excel, Power Point, Teams, and Word. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Must meet minimum insurance requirements with a clean motor vehicle record. Must have a proactive spirit and possess strong initiative. Must be well organized with an ability to work independently as well as in a team environment and be flexible to changes in the wine industry. Must be able to work and succeed in a dynamic entrepreneurial environment. Support and model all Company procedures and policies. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Position operates in a professional office environment. Ability to perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, standing, and twisting. Must be able to lift and carry up to 55 lbs. Position includes travel to work with distributors, survey markets within region and attend various industry and/or company events. Must maintain a clean driving record and meet minimum state insurance requirements. COMPENSATION Hiring Salary Range Posted: $62,300 - $93,500. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities, education, and other position-related factors. At The Wine Group, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristic protected by law. NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider, or agree to, payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. #J-18808-Ljbffr