The Wine & Spirits Ambassador is essential to Columbia Distributing's Wine & Spirits portfolio success in key, influential accounts with focus mainly in the on-premise segment. The ambassador is responsible for the development of the wine and spirits portfolio in a select group of accounts with focus primarily towards white table cloth, fine wine, trendy on premise, off premise specialty shops, and select high-end product customers. This position with work closely with the account sales representative to develop a plan of action to maximize the success of the wine & spirits portfolio. Additionally, the ambassador will assist in the coordination, planning, and execution of buyer and consumer events that help promote the Wine & Spirits portfolio throughout a designated territory.

Primary Responsibilities
Responsible for creating and maintaining target account list
Develop and maintain relationships with buyers at key influential accounts
Develop and implement wine & spirits strategy for defined area
Create wine & spirits programs in accounts/market
Work with account representative to ensure priorities, plans, and customer needs are communicated
Sell in distribution, wine list placements, by the glass features, promotions, drink features, and back bar placements
Promote product sales in account through staff training events
Attend and/or assist in planning wine & spirits trade and consumer events and wine dinners
Function as a local wine & spirits expert in education and training
Manage inventory expenses in accordance with company policy
Interact respectfully and maintain dialogue with inter-company departments, suppliers and customers
Complete all required training to improve performance and effectiveness
Maintain a high level of industry knowledge in all 3 adult beverage categories: wine, spirits, food journals, trends, market share, etc.
Create opportunities and develop programs appropriate to customer base.
Submit all required reporting, preplans, trackers, surveys, market surveys (MVPs), expense report, mileage log, etc. by the required due date
Effectively sell and represent the Columbia Distributing portfolio in all assigned accounts
Minimum visibility in assigned accounts must be equal to or greater than competition
Increase net core brand distribution over baseline throughout the year
Minimum MVP standards in eighty percent (80%) of accounts surveyed and above MVP standards in twenty percent (20%) of accounts surveyed
Accomplish sales and distribution goals by executing the monthly, quarterly and annual business objectives and company initiatives

Key Competencies
High level of knowledge and selling experience in wine and spirits categories
Previous experience in on-premise selling required
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Effective organizational and time management skills
Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers

People Management
None

Work Environment
This job operates in our accounts, mostly indoors with occasional outdoor work.

Physical Demands
Lift, carry, push, pull up to 55 lbs.
Use arms, wrists, hands, grasp
Must be proficient in the use of industry tools including hand truck, six-wheeler, manual pallet jack, box cutter, etc.
Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle

Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position, days/hours of work vary, and may include weekends.

Travel
State wide travel required

Required Education and Experience
High School diploma or GED required
High level of wine and spirits knowledge required
Sales Fundamental (which includes Certified Sales Professional-CSP training and certification) required upon hiring; WSET Level 2 and required within one (1) year of start date
Minimum 2-5 years previous sales experience in beverage industry
Valid driver's license and auto insurance required
Must be at least 21 years of age or older

Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree preferred
Wine & spirits certifications highly preferred
Previous beverage industry sales experience

Compensation
Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and specific location.
Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Employees are also eligible for 80 hours of vacation every year and 7-8 days of paid holidays throughout the calendar year (depending on location).
Hired applicant may be eligible for incentives/ bonuses/ annual bonuses.


Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Wine & Spirits District Manager