State Manager - Michigan - Kobrand Corporation

We are searching for an experienced dynamic, wine-centric, highly motivated, and goal-oriented Michigan State Manager. This individual will be responsible for distributor management, including inventory, pricing management and programming, as well as sales to key accounts, working with suppliers and distributor managers, conducting special events, and providing market information to the Group Manager for the North Central United States.

The duties and responsibilities of the position include the following (other duties may be assigned as needed):

• Manage inventory, pricing and programming for entire market
• 60% focus on distributor & market management / 40% focus on account management
• Manage sales, local marketing fund and T&E budgets along with distributor accounts receivable invoice processing
• Develop and maintain a key account list, including personal relationships with key buyers/owners and managers
• Work with a team spirit that includes distributor network, Kobrand suppliers, Portfolio Specialists, Channel Teams and the corporate office
• Work with multiple local distributors to ensure that Kobrand sales team is getting adequate street and sales meeting time with distributor management and reps
• Propose and conduct on/off premise promotional events
• Conduct wine tastings and wine dinners for consumers/trade
• Review monthly sales team performance, and key account performance
• Identify market trends and opportunities and propose action plans for all markets
• Manage regional quota and sales team quota of depletions, placements, and qualitative efforts
• Conduct regular Performance Review Meetings with Distributor Management, including future action plans for goal attainment in all areas

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Distributor management experience including inventory, pricing, and programming
• Minimum five years of experience selling fine wines in both on and off-premise accounts
• Account management experience developing new business, managing existing accounts and recovering lost accounts
• Must have exceptional closing skills, strong verbal/written communication, and organizational skills
• Passion and knowledge of wine, wine regions and the wine industry (CSW, WSET, or similar, a plus)
• Strong computer skills are a MUST with a specific emphasis on Excel
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be 21 years of age

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to comfortably lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to walk, stand, climb, balance, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel or crouch on a daily basis
• Must be able to travel within the territory up to 30% of the time

Kobrand Corporation offers a competitive salary, a performance-based bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.