VP, Sales and Supplier Performance

We're Growing – Come Grow With Us!
Looking for a rewarding career? Johnson Brothers is expanding! As a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, we've been delivering exceptional service since 1953. With a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and growth, we proudly represent the world’s top beverage brands. We're hiring across multiple areas and looking for passionate individuals to join our dynamic team. Help shape the future of the beverage industry with us!

Job Description:

Position Summary:
The Vice President, Sales and Supplier Performance serves as the strategic leader responsible for managing Johnson Brothers’ core supplier relationships, driving supplier business planning, and ensuring strong financial and operational performance across the organization. This role is pivotal in aligning supplier strategies with Johnson Brothers’ business objectives, leading a high-performing team, and fostering collaboration across our U.S. network to deliver profitable growth and operational excellence.
 

The preferred location(s) where this role will be based out of are Minnesota, Texas, North Carolina. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Business Performance

• Serve as the executive lead for supplier partnerships, ensuring business alignment and mutual profitability for Johnson Brothers and our suppliers.

• Develop and execute long-term business plans that support both supplier growth objectives and company financial targets.

• Partner with executive leadership and regional presidents to integrate supplier plans into overall company strategy.

• Oversee and manage supplier scorecards, measuring innovation, on-premise execution, and overall performance against KPIs.

• Analyze category, channel, and customer data (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, DISCUS) to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain influential relationships with key supplier executives and decision-makers.

• Lead quarterly and annual business reviews with supplier leadership to assess performance and adjust strategies.

• Partner with suppliers on innovation launches, pricing strategies, and brand programming to maximize market impact.

• Collaborate on co-investment opportunities, ensuring alignment on spending, budgeting, and ROI.

• Serve as the conduit between suppliers and Johnson Brothers’ regional and corporate teams to ensure consistency, compliance, and alignment.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of supplier managers and analysts focused on performance, collaboration, and accountability.

• Foster a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

• Champion cross-functional collaboration between supplier management, sales leadership, marketing, and finance teams.

• Drive a “Talent First” mindset by developing future leaders and strengthening team capabilities.

Operational & Financial Oversight

• Oversee supplier planning processes including pricing strategies, trade spending, and program execution.

• Manage budgets and profitability, ensuring tactical and grant dollars are optimized for return.

• Monitor inventory levels and forecasting accuracy in partnership with purchasing and logistics.

• Lead the development and execution of market execution plans, ensuring goals are met by geography, channel, and customer.

• Oversee reporting, analytics, and business reviews to track performance against key metrics.

Change Leadership & Communication

• Act as a key driver of organizational change by aligning stakeholders around transformational priorities.

• Communicate supplier and category strategies clearly and consistently across Johnson Brothers’ network.

• Promote best practices and innovative approaches that strengthen supplier execution and market performance.

• Represent Johnson Brothers externally at supplier events, industry functions, and strategic business meetings.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in supplier or brand management, preferably within the beverage alcohol industry.

• Proven success in managing large-scale supplier relationships and driving strategic business outcomes.

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing diverse teams across multiple geographies.

• Strong analytical and financial acume