Director, Customer Development Retail - Central

Position Purpose

Acting on own initiative, the Director of Customer Development leads Regional and Customer Development Managers across all retail accounts in the division. This role drives strategic sales initiatives, oversees account planning and budgeting, and is accountable for exceeding performance and business goals.

*THIS IS A REMOTE BASED POSITION - OPEN TO CANDIDATES LOCATED IN CINCINNATI, OH, CHICAGO, IL OR MINNEAPOLIS, MN*

Functional Responsibility

• Oversees, directs, and manages departmental activities and team performance
• Drives and models company culture and holds self, peers, and direct reports accountable for demonstrating a constructive company culture through influential, personal behavior and actions
• Develops and implements clearly defined operational and individual goals to develop employees, achieve productivity levels, and to attain the company's strategic plan
• Research best practices, stays abreast of industry trends, and maintains awareness of regulatory changes to ensure compliance and continually improve operations
• Executes departmental financial objectives by preparing budgets, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective action 
• Achieves departmental results to ensure the effective delivery of the strategic plan
• Develops staffing needs; attracts, motivates, and retains a workforce with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to achieve goals and objectives
• Promotes and ensures a safe and healthy work environment for all employees
• Leads the way and prepares departmental staff for success in a continually changing environment
• Fosters a work environment that encourages creative thinking, promotes flexibility, and drives innovation
• Addresses employee issues, concerns, and complaints in an objective and confidential manner; notifies HR Business Partner and keeps immediate manager informed as appropriate
• Ensures compliance and consistent application of company policies, initiatives, and decisions
• Coaches, guides, and develops direct reports; fully engages in the GPS (Performance Management) process; provides high-quality feedback, and ensures proper GPS documentation of employee performance, recognition, and deficiencies

Essential Duties

• Directs Regional and/or National Customer Development Managers in planning, forecasting, and budgeting process
• Develops and implements strategic initiatives across multiple retail chains to drive sales growth and brand visibility. Collaborates with retail partners to tailor programs that align with their goals and customer needs.  Coordinates cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of marketing, promotional, and operational activities
• Works effectively and respectfully with colleagues, cross-functional teams, and external partners to achieve shared goals and drive results
• Analyzes market trends, customer data, and competitive landscape to identify high-impact sales strategies that drive revenue growth and profitability
• Ensures ongoing transparent communication with National Zone sales team Division Managers and VPs regarding programming successes and challenges as well as distribution gains and losses to assist regional sales teams in the forecasting process
• Manages flawless in-store and wholesale execution by aligning trade strategies with customer-specific plans
• Ensures that all business operations, policies, and practices adhere to applicable legal and regulatory requirements to minimize risk and maintain ethical standards

*Other duties as assigned

Non-Essential Duties

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree (BA/BS) or equivalent education and/or experience
• 7-10 years in wine or adjacent industry or consumer packaged goods, experience with managing distributor / wholesaler relationships preferred 
• 5-7 years of 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

• Communicates clearly and effectively across diverse audiences with minimal guidance, actively listens, adapts messaging to align with audience and business needs, and independently advocates for company sales strategies and strategic priorities to drive results
• Prioritizes and seeks opportunities for continuous persona