As the Area Manager for IL, you'll take the lead in understanding the local market and building strategies that drive growth in market share and sales. You'll focus on maintaining strong, personal relationships with key accounts—whether on-premise or in retail—by showcasing Avaline’s portfolio of wines, ensuring our brand's story and quality are front and center.

This position is based in Chicagoland.

What You’ll Do:

Manage and grow Avaline's wine portfolio across assigned territories and channels
Track sales depletions and oversee the execution of strategic sales programs
Partner with the Sales Director and distributor networks to develop and implement effective programming
Execute national account strategies at the regional level
Lead local market events and activations in collaboration with internal teams and agency partners
Manage Avaline’s Chicago Metro Territory with SGWS team.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key buyers to drive sales, menu placements, and shelf visibility
Work autonomously, as well as collaboratively with distributor teams and Avaline partners, to drive growth and execution, maintain accountability to KPIs, and deliver results across the territory
Own territory-level sales strategy from goal setting through performance tracking and execution
Work both independently and collaboratively with distributor teams to achieve KPIs and deliver measurable results
Launch new items and LTOs with confidence, ensuring a strong in-market presence
Use tools like VIP iDig, SGWS Compass, and internal dashboards to analyze performance and inform future strategy
Lead trainings, tastings, and events with retail staff, restaurant teams, and consumers
Ensure consistent execution of POS, promotional materials, and brand standards across key accounts
Act as a proactive problem solver and brand ambassador, bringing energy, insight, and ownership to every interaction

Who You Are:

Strong communicator with top-tier organizational skills and attention to detail
Naturally collaborative, self-starter, and able to work independently in the field
A proven track record of delivering sales objectives and growth.
Analytical thinker who can use data to inform decisions and strategy
Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Wine education (WSET or CMS) is a plus

Qualifications:

Experience in wholesale supply-chain management including building relationships, launching products, and growing sales while managing profitability.
Deeply connected in the Chicago on-premise scene with strong existing relationships in key image accounts
3 to 5 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry
Proven ability to launch products, build distribution, and grow sales within budget
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred
Experience working with and managing distributor partners
Based in the Chicagoland area with the ability to be in the Chicago Metro area. 3-4 or days per week.

Compensation and Benefits:

The Area Manager role offers a starting salary of $100-120K Base + 15% Bonus.
Benefits package includes Medical (90% employer contribution), Dental (75% employer contribution), Vision (75% employer contribution), Share Options, Unlimited PTO, 18 paid holidays, Car Allowance, Product Allowance, Electronics Allowance, HSA/FSA, 401k, Paid Parental Leave, Life & Disability Insurance, Company-sponsored WSET Certification, Employee Discounts and much more!