Brewery Representative - Devils Backbone Brewing Company

Dreaming big is in our DNA. It’s who we are as a company. It’s our culture. It’s our heritage. And more than ever, it’s our future. A future where we’re always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life’s moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together – when we combine your strengths with ours – is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?

SALARY:  $54,000, bonus eligible

WORK TERRITORY: Remote – Northern VA (Winchester/Springfield/Fredericksburg)

JOB SUMMARY: The Sales Representative position is responsible for maintaining an adequate and strategic presence in their respective territory.  This position works with wholesaler equivalents and the Area Manager to ensure maximum saturation of company products in the relevant territory.  Primarily focused on both on & off premise activations, this position must also possess the ability to develop sound relationships with accounts, and to discern the most effective ways to support said accounts.  This position troubleshoots with clients to guarantee products are delivered and present when needed.  This position crafts and works towards goals and targets in line with company strategy and under the overall direction of the Sales Director.  This position is mainly responsible for acquiring and maintaining sound and product-focused relationships with on-premise and off-premise vendors.  This position works largely autonomously, and is one of the more public positions within the company.   

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follows consistent store visit schedule and inputs into assigned system.

• Builds relationship with local wholesaler team(s): sales reps, merchandiser, team leads, sign-shop, etc. Assists wholesaler representative with the selling-in of trade solutions, sampling activations, and POC placement.

• Implements sales performance measures and targets using brand priorities with wholesalers while assisting in achieving expected results.

• Makes daily decisions regarding retail inventory levels using past sales history, sales data tools, and changes in climate, competitive activity and special promotional activities.

• Utilizes sales history, data tools, and competitive activity to manage territory and retailers.

• Promotes and builds brewery awareness.

• Executes events and promotional activities – sampling, engraving, training (may include evenings and weekends).

• Improves velocity in accounts by building displays, driving distribution, resetting coolers, displaying POS items, educating retail employees, hand selling, securing features, and developing promotional programs.

• Adheres of local alcoholic beverage laws

• Establish regular contact and build relationships with key decision makers at key accounts with a focus on “pull through” not “force in” sales technique.

• Establish an action plan prior to visiting market, utilizing sales reps, VIP information and appropriate collateral/sales materials.

• Assist all distributor partners in promoting sales of the products, beer launches, seasonal and brewery initiatives, helping build consumer acceptance of the products.

• Manage distributor partner activity, including, but not limited to, inventory management and forecasting, program development and implementation, monthly and quarterly sales meetings, and promotional calendar development and execution.

• Conduct promotions at bars and restaurants, samplings at retails stores and brewery visits for retailer.

• Manage each event from beginning to end, in terms of support, POS, manpower, etc. ensuring Devils Backbone the best possible image to the consumer.

• Coordinate planned on-site promotions during peak business hours and planned beer dinners outside of normal promotions.

• Perform ongoing quality control of beer outside of brewery.

• Ability and willingness to maintain flexible work schedules.  Frequent travel, weekend and extended workdays are necessary.

• The ability to drive a motor vehicle to and from accounts continuously.

• Complete and submit weekly and monthly market visit recaps and reports, quarterly goals and expense reports.

• Attend all sales team meetings, as requested.

• Must be able to work in an environment with a moderate to high noise level.

• Regular visits to bars, restaurants, and other retailers are required.

• Travel is required.

• Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

• 2-3 years of industry experience selling in the craft beer market.

• Sales and/or Marketing experience preferably in the beverage or consumer products industry.

• Proven Leadership Ability/Advanced Supervisory. Skills/Demonstrated Coaching Skills Required.

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong data analytics ability.

• Highly self-motivated and results oriented.

• Ability to work hours as required (nights, weekends, etc.).

• Strong internal and external customer orientation; Strong customer service skills and ability to work in a team environment required.

• Strong knowledge of the local market for craft beer.

• Experience in both distributor and supplier side.

• Cicerone or beer education preferred.

• Performance duties of this job include regularly being required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk, hear, and smell.

• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 55 lbs.

• Ability to frequently reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and climb.

• Must be able to participate in critical assessment of beers.

• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

• The ability to drive a motor vehicle to and from accounts continuously.

• The ability to travel via car or airplane on a regular basis.

BENEFITS:

• Health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Wellness and Tax-Advantaged Savings and Spending Accounts

• Life Insurance and Disability Income Protection

• Generous Parental Leave and FMLA policies

• 401(k) Retirement Savings options with a company matching contribution

• Chance to work in a fast-paced environment among a company of owners

• Free Beer!