Experienced Customer Development Manager – Retail Channel Growth and Strategic Sales

Join arenaflex, a leading company in the wine industry, as we seek an experienced Customer Development Manager to lead and direct a group of strategically important accounts within a defined geography. This role is responsible for the implementation and execution of strategic sales initiatives to increase our brands' growth and exposure within the retail channel. If you have a passion for sales, a strong understanding of the wine industry, and excellent planning and organizational skills, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a dynamic and innovative company that has been a leader in the wine industry for years. Our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and employee development has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package, a collaborative work environment, and opportunities for career growth and development.

Job Summary

The Customer Development Manager will be responsible for leading and directing a group of strategically important accounts within a defined geography. This role will involve implementing and executing strategic sales initiatives to increase our brands' growth and exposure within the retail channel. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the wine industry, excellent planning and organizational skills, and the ability to build strong relationships with customers.

Key Responsibilities

* Manage direct sales calls on retail accounts to develop long-term working relationships with the wine buyers and key wholesalers to sell in programming and feature activity

• Directly responsible for managing and selling all brands within the arenaflex portfolio
• Collaborate with Consumer & Strategic Insights team to analyze retailer and market level Syndicated Data to communicate current trends monthly to retail buyers
• Recommend and implement strategies that help drive incremental programming and ad support through the use of marketing initiatives and Syndicated Data insights
• Manage assortment in retail accounts by facilitating the new item process, including distribution of new items, expansion of current items, and underperforming/at-risk items
• Develop and implement shelf recommendations with assistance from both internal and wholesaler category management teams on shelf schematics in store, including cold box placements, shelf location, and additional facings
• Proactively communicate business issues and opportunities to arenaflex & Transcendent regional sales teams, including programming wins and losses, along with distribution gains and losses, to assist in the forecasting process
• Collaborate with the Trade Marketing Manager to develop and recommend incremental programs within retail accounts
• Work cross-functionally with Finance and Consumer & Strategic Insights teams to evaluate the effectiveness of trade spend at retail accounts
• Submit required reports and expenses in a timely manner, meet all prescribed deadlines
• Responsible for managing activities in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations

Non-Essential Duties

* Attend chain account promotions and events when necessary

• Attend and participate in divisional and national sales meetings
• Remain aware of inventory levels to ensure product availability to support current programming
• Monitor competitive pricing and report threats to upper management
• Increase the level of wine knowledge through continuous education

Minimum Requirements

* Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Business Administration, Sales and Marketing, or related field required

• 5+ years of wine supplier and/or wholesaler experience in selling wine, building brands, and conducting customer calls

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Must possess excellent planning and organizational skills

• Intermediate to advanced skillset with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to navigate the Internet/Intranet and use Syndicated Data for effective business development
• Must possess in-depth working knowledge of wine and the wine industry
• Strong communicator and negotiator
• Ability to work independently and build relationships

Certificates and Licenses

* Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and vehicle required with an acceptable driving record

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
• Required to talk & listen
• May need to determine color, taste, and smell of wine using eyes, tongue, and nose
• May be exposed to weather-related temperature & humidity extremes
• Operates keyboard & mouse

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 to feedback and coaching; voices concerns in a constructive manner
• Demonstrates commitment to safety first; communicates safety concerns; promotes a safe work environment based on established safety standards and training
• Follows all Company policies and procedures

Additional Comments

Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

California Pay Transparency Disclaimer

This is a Exempt position. The pay range for this position is $100,157.52 to $156,787.44. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role. Actual placement within range will be contingent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, education, experience, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Benefits

arenaflex offers its employees a generous and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Core health insurance components: medical, dental, and vision, where arenaflex covers nearly the entire cost for employees and a large percentage for dependents
• Additional health benefits: life, disability, and flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Discretionary profit sharing
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Wine & merchandise discounts
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym discounts

Equal Opportunity Employer

arenaflex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply for this job