Customer Development Manager - Northeast

Work LocationBoston, MA, Hartford, CT, Philadelphia, PA

Position Purpose

Acting on own initiative, the Customer Development Manager drives strategic growth and brand exposure across key retail accounts within a defined territory. This role leads account planning, forecasting, and the execution of sales initiatives to meet business objectives, working independently to deliver results.

 

*CANDIDATES IDEALLY LOCATED IN BOSTON, MA, PHILADELPHIA, PA OR HARTFORD, CT*

Essential Duties

• Responsible for managing and selling all brands within the Delicato Family Wines (DFW) portfolio in support of company sales goals
• Manages direct sales calls on retail accounts to develop long-term working relationships with the wine buyers and key distributors / wholesalers to sell in programing and feature activity
• Proactively communicates business issues and opportunities to DFW & Transcendent regional sales teams including programming and distribution gains and losses to assist in the forecasting process
• Manages assortment in retail accounts by facilitating the new item process including distribution of new items, expansion of current items and identifying underperforming/at-risk items
• Recommends and implements strategies that help drive incremental programming and ad support through use of marketing initiatives and Syndicated Data insights
• Partners with Consumer & Strategic Insights team to analyze retailer and market level Syndicated Data to communicate current trends monthly to retail buyers
• Works effectively and respectfully with colleagues, cross-functional teams, and external partners to achieve shared goals and drive results
• Ensures that all business operations, policies, and practices adhere to applicable legal and regulatory requirements to minimize risk and maintain ethical standards
• Prepares and delivers engaging, informative sales presentations as required
• Conducts wine tastings, fund raisers, trade shows and other wine events for and with distributors/ wholesalers

*Other duties as assigned
 

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree (BA/BS) or equivalent education and/or experience
• 3-5 years in wine or adjacent industry or consumer packaged goods; experience with managing distributor/ wholesaler relationships preferred
• 1-3 years’ leadership or management experience

Certificates and Licenses

• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and vehicle required with an acceptable driving record

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrates a foundational ability to clearly and concisely communicate ideas in both verbal and written forms, actively listen, and effectively present company sales strategies to stakeholders with guidance and support
• Engages in learning and development opportunities to achieve personal and professional goals.  Is receptive to feedback, demonstrates curiosity, and sees value in continuous improvement
• Applies solid knowledge and independent problem-solving skills to develop relevant, effective solutions, utilizing a methodical approach, assessing risks, and adapting to ambiguity
• Is aware of one's own personal strengths, opportunities, biases and triggers and how they benefit or impede communication and collaboration. Demonstrates empathy for others and seeks mutual understanding
• Is open, flexible, and receptive to others' ideas and understands the importance of group satisfaction. Celebrates the wins of others and models enjoyment and satisfaction from their work
• Understands the fundamental differences between tactical and strategic approaches. Accountable for their role in executing strategic plans. Understands what is meant by seeing "the bigger picture"
• Demonstrates adaptability and openness in times of change  
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite Applications and able to utilize syndicated data resources
   

Working Conditions

• Requires ability to travel frequently and flexibility in schedule to work evenings and weekends as needed
• This is a remote position that requires working from home
• Occasionally may be required to lift and carry cases of wine
• May need to determine color, taste and smell of wine using eyes, tongue, and nose
• May be exposed to weather-related temperature & humidity extremes
   

Work Standards

• Acts in a manner reflective of the Company culture of High Moral Standards, Innovation and Continuous Evolution, Trust in Team, Continuous Improvement, and Sustainable Relationships
• Communicates, interacts, and works effectively with others; receptive