Job Summary
The VP of National Sales has day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all sales related activities of the company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but not limited to the following:
•  Direct and oversee all aspects of wholesale sales to achieve shipment, depletion and accounts sold objectives
•  Develop, execute and monitor sales programs and pricing strategies that reinforce brand standards and strategies
•  Work closely with marketing to ensure the creation and execution of impactful promotion programs
•  Analyze and monitor sales contribution, operating expenses, and other key performance metrics to ensure achievement of annual budget and optimization of financial results
•  Ensure effectiveness of sales reporting by providing timely, accurate and succinct analysis of performance results versus budget, depletion trends and forecasts to senior management
•  Provide leadership in the development and evaluation of short- and long-term strategic sales plans
•  Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior management, ownership, and Board of Directors so as to identify their needs and seek a full range of business solutions
•  Ensure strong relationships with executive management of distributor partners
•  Work closely with operations and DTC departments to effectively monitor/manage inventory
•  Work closely with Commercial Pricing Manager and Business Analyst.

Critical Competencies for Success
•  Demonstrated leadership and successful track record
•  Proactively analyzes potential problems to avoid under-performance and acts quickly to correct
•  Displays passion and vision of the future with strong skills at evaluating new business opportunities
•  Excellent communication, presentation, customer service, organizational, and negotiation skills
•  Up-to-date knowledge of current sales applications such as TradePulse, BDN, and Nielsen
•  PC literate (Excel, PowerPoint, E-Mail)
•  Must possess in-depth working knowledge of the wine industry

Personal Characteristics
•  Highly motivated, pragmatic self-starter with uncompromising honesty and integrity
•  Emotionally mature with an entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic
•  Results oriented with a broad perspective for long-term strategic gains
•  “Hands-on” executive with the ability to “roll up the sleeves” and get the job done
•  Willingness to travel between 33% and 50% of the time to support the business
•  Straightforward, decisive management style that encourages teamwork across all departments
•  Professional presence with inspiring leadership skills

Qualifications (work experience, preferred skills and education):
•  Minimum 10 years’ senior sales management experience required
•  Wine industry experience required with an in-depth familiarity of the three-tier distribution network, experience with Southern Wine & Spirits preferred
•  Strong working understanding of national/regional chains as well as the high-profile on-premise channel
•  Experience with both the “popular-priced 1.5L” and “luxury $20+” segments required, successful introductions of new products preferred
•  Previous experience working in mid-sized ($50 to $100 million), family-owned companies preferred