Trade Relations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The History of Foley Family Wines & Spirits

In spring of 1996, Bill & Carol Foley purchased 1,000 acres of lush and fertile earth within the then relatively unknown Sta. Rita Hills region of Santa Barbara County. Their plan – produce hand-crafted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that reflected the best of California’s Central Coast. Named for their two daughters – Lindsey & Courtney – Lincourt Vineyards was born, and with it, the beginning of Foley Family Wines & Spirits.

In the 25 years since, Foley Family Wines & Spirits has grown into one of the world’s largest producers of fine wine, adding some of the industry’s most valuable wineries, located in the most recognized winemaking regions, including Napa, Sonoma, the Pacific Northwest, and New Zealand. Today, the Foley Family Wines & Spirits portfolio boasts a number of the most-celebrated names in wine, including Chalk Hill Estate, Chalone, Ferrari-Carano, and Sebastiani.

** This is a hybrid role. Tues - Thursday onsite M & F remote optional. **

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Manager, Trade Hospitality, the Trade Relations Specialist is responsible for scheduling tours, educational tastings, experiences, overnight visits, transportation and events at the properties within the Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) Portfolio for special guests, trade/wholesale guests, FFWS employees and subsidiaries of FFWS. This is to be executed through the creation of informative and compelling agendas that outline all activities involved throughout the visit. The Trade Relations Specialist also develops banquet event orders and communicates tasting and event planning to respective winery locations. The Trade Relations Specialist must be capable of delivering world-class customer service while representing the Foley Family Brand with professionalism by being gracious, genuine and respectful to guests and employees alike. The Trade Relations Specialist is involved in both strategic planning and day-to-day operations. You may also act as support for the Trade Ambassador on-site at FFWS properties, ensuring that tastings and events are carried out in an efficient and satisfactory manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support in scheduling all Trade and VIP visits and facilitate internal and external correspondence.
• Develop and tailor itineraries in accordance with the sales team and guests’ needs and desires.
• Assist the Trade Relations Manager with planning and executing special trade events, including meetings, dinners, luncheons, tours, tastings, and National Sales Week.
• Work with internal and external hospitality teams to ensure readiness of facilities for tours, tastings and overnight stays, ensuring a seamless wine country visit for all special guests.
• Responsible for documenting and communicating appropriate metrics within the Monday.com reservation system.
• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of Monday.com, trade decks, and pricing materials through timely updates and ongoing management, ensuring current and reliable information for trade partners and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of monthly billbacks to accounting; maintaining compliance with company deadlines.
• Archive all event files, invoices, purchase orders, no charge orders, records and feedback forms.
• Conduct necessary receipt-related procedures; remain vigilant and consistent with winery inventory and accounting procedures; immediately inform managers of any discrepancies discovered.
• Proactively identify opportunities and challenges and suggest methods to improve event operations, efficiency and service levels.
• Work with corporate marketing to secure needed educational materials, collateral and takeaways.
• Attend educational training seminars as needed.
• Provide support to Trade Ambassador ensuring that tastings and events are carried out in an efficient and satisfactory manner.
• Stay up to date on relevant industry trade literature and events.
• Maintain a working knowledge of winemaking, from vine to wine with knowledge of the Sonoma and Napa growing regions, including varietals at Foley Family brands.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Must have a thorough knowledge of the Wine Industry (wine club/customer loyalty programs, three tier distribution).
• Knowledge of food and beverage operations and service delivery
• Capable of following reasonably complex directions as well as being able to effectively communicate with co-workers and customers by telephone, email and/or in person
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work with constantly changing priorities
• Ability to maintain records, organize, multi-task and respond quickly
• Ability to be a team player and model teamwork
• When necessary, must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends
• Positive role model and ambassador for Foley Family Wines & Spirits in the community
• Must be 21 years or older

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or a wine-related technical degree with one to two years of hospitality related event planning or operational experience is required
• Advance experience of Microsoft Outlook Calendars: booking, itinerary building, sharing, etc.
• Advanced experience of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe and Monday.com

Company Core Values

Teamwork – Be a Spirited Partner

Commitment – Crush Every Day

Quality – Good vs. Grape: It’s All in The Details

Integrity – It Takes a Community

Safety – Tend the Vines

Entrepreneurship – Love the Wine You’re With

Fun! - Smile! You Have Purple Teeth!

The purpose of this description is to describe the essential job functions and the level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. This description is not an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by this position. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and assign other duties as necessary.