WINE SALES SPECIALIST - IL

Job Description Job Description: Are you passionate about wine, storytelling, and building lasting relationships in the hospitality world? Grand Cru Selections IL is seeking a charismatic sales professional to represent our curated portfolio of exceptional wineries across Chicago and greater metropolitan area. In this role, you'll cultivate partnerships with top restaurants and retailers, championing the voices behind each bottle and bringing their stories to life for our clients. As part of a collaborative, vision-driven team, you'll serve as both a trusted advisor and brand ambassador—bridging the artistry of winemaking with the vibrancy of the hospitality community. RESPONSIBILITIES -Make regular sales visits to cultivate strong client relationships, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction -Bring a spirit of hospitality and a commitment to education when engaging with accounts—whether hosting on-site tastings, leading seminars, or supporting company events -Build and nurture key account partnerships that drive measurable growth -Implement and execute strategic sales initiatives -Spend at least 75% of time doing market work -Collaborate with management and colleagues on inventory reduction strategies and goals -Work within our operating systems, to enter orders, look at inventory, build reports and analyze business. -Meet monthly/quarterly/yearly sales goals for volume and activity of supplier wineries as set by management ADMINSITRATION & FINANCE -Create territory sales forecasts -Receive and process customer orders through company operating systems -Communicate inventory and pricing discrepancies with customers to maintain order accuracy -Process new account set-up and changes, ensuring all documents are properly recorded -Track and submit receipt and expense reports in according to company guidelines -Liaise between customer and internal teams to process accurate and timely invoices -Create Event Budgets & ROI projections QUALIFICATIONS -Entrepreneurial spirit -Fine wine sales experience - Minimum 1 year -Strong communication and marketing skills -Experience with Microsoft Office and Business Central is beneficial but not required -Present a polished and professional image -Must be able to lift 10 - 25 lbs. -Must embody the Company Core Values... Conscientious - we do what is right with integrity and empathy. Authentic - we are genuine and honest. We take care of our relationships. Forward Thinking - we forge our own path by consistently evolving and creating new opportunities. Excellence - we achieve bold results through the execution of a great process. We believe that taking care of our team is essential to delivering exceptional work. That's why we offer a robust benefits package designed to support your well-being both on and off the clock. Enjoy generous paid time off to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance, along with comprehensive medical insurance fully covered by the company. We also offer a 401(k) plan with employer matching to help you invest in your future. At every step, we're committed to creating a workplace where you feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Grand Cru Selections IL is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. Job category: Sales and Marketing