Area Manager - Southern California

The Family-owned, Chicago based Importer, Winesellers, Ltd., named Importer of the Year by both Wine & Spirits and Wine Enthusiast, is looking for a top-notch, experienced performer located in the greater Los Angeles area to successfully manage sales in Southern California and Arizona.

Qualifications include:
- Live in Los Angeles area (Los Angeles or Orange County) and have recent restaurant, retail, distributor and/or supplier wine experience in Southern California.
- Strong relationships with key buyers and accounts, both on and off-premise, including chains.
- Experience managing multiple accounts.
- Distributor management experience is a plus (pricing, programming, et cetera).
- Willingness and ability to travel to all markets and key accounts within Area.
- Strong relationships with distributors in the region.
- Proven sales record throughout career and ability to influence the marketplace.
- Proficiency working with variety of software, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint, iDig/VIP, etc.
- Exceptional communication and public speaking skills.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Strong knowledge and passion for wine from around the world.
- Ability to lift 40 lbs. as required.
- Valid driver's license.

Duties and Responsibilities:
- Attainment, along with the Regional Director, of Depletion Goals.
- Communicate and execute the business plan in all markets.
- Travel within the area, staying within T&E budget.
- Help to develop and implement pricing, programming, and sales incentives.
- Develop relationships with distributor management and sales force.
- Help Communicate with distributor purchasing to monitor inventory levels.
- Conduct sales meetings/training seminars for distributor sales and management.
- Conduct on-premise staff trainings and retail in-store tastings.
- Maintain, and sell to a list of key accounts.
- Organize & Manage special events, supplier visits, tastings, blitzes, etc.
- Assist in developing and presenting quarterly business reviews to management.

Salary and Benefits:
- Competitive salary and aggressive bonus opportunity.
- Car allowance, phone and T&E budget.
- Benefits package consisting of health, vision, dental and 401k.
- Paid vacation and personal days.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated team player with a strong desire to achieve goals. We are looking for an individual who can take company directives and put them into action without the need for micro-management. The person has to be smart, intuitive, highly-effective, and personally accountable. Passion and determination are critical.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a top-notch professional looking to take their career to the next level!

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter.

Job category: Sales and Marketing