We are in search of a Southern California Area Sales Manager that will be responsible for managing and achieving annual sales and distribution goals for the Southern California Region. The ideal candidate will reside in the greater Los Angeles/San Diego Area. The focus of this job is making connections with people, motivating and inspiring them to achieve results. A poised and engaging, empathetic communication style based on natural warmth and enthusiasm is the key to achieving the goals of this job. The work involves driving toward results by enrolling the commitment and buy-in of others. While the job requires strong initiative and self-direction, results are only achieved with and through people. A sincere appreciation for people and how they are each uniquely motivated is the foundation for designing and implementing interactive communication and decision-making processes. Knowledge and skill in how to successfully influence and persuade others by understanding how their individual needs and motivations link to goals is essential. The job requires a high degree of “selling”, whether of ideas and policies within the organization, or products or services in the marketplace. The job environment is fast-paced and results-oriented. While there is urgency to goal achievement, responsibility for the achievement of results needs to be shared. Initiating projects and processes beyond established organization practices will often require training and developing others, and enlisting their support by using a “selling” rather “telling” communication style. A self-confident, extroverted style that can enliven, engage and positively impact individuals and groups is essential. The job has a variety of tasks and is dynamic and changing. Because goals and desired results can quickly change, the job requires regularly meeting and proactively establishing relationships with new groups. The ability to understand, quickly react and motivate others to adapt to the changing organizational environment is a critical key to success. In general, the core of this position requires a motivated and motivating team builder and organization developer.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Principal Relationships:

Interacts with distributor field management and sales personnel, on premise and off premise customers, senior management, Director of Marketing, other Regional Sales Managers, winemaker(s), finance, HR Manager, winery hospitality staff as needed to support local market initiatives.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Achieve sales goal(s); profit, volume, account distribution.
•  Communicate and action annual regional plan to distributor partners and gain buy-in as needed to achieve growth.
•  Develop and maintain direct business relationships with decision makers of assigned accounts for the purpose of enhancing RWC’s business through the development of branded goods.
•  Provide outstanding customer service to trade customers and distributors by providing value added industry information, reports, and assistance via approved tools and budget.
•  Keep and maintain direct relationship with at least the top 200 accounts in region; direct sales calls, account support initiatives, winery education, and regular communication.
•  Ensure communication, meeting presentations, follow-up notes, account support are all properly tracked and saved as historical records for the company on approved company data and communication sites.
•  Keep updated list of all contacts (name, title, e-mail, phone, address) associated with top 200 accounts in region. •  Actively source new prospect accounts for RWC brands to ensure market awareness.
•  Achieve 25 account visits to licensed accounts per week . Actively source new prospect accounts for RWC brands to ensure market awareness.
•  Achieve a minimum of 3 phone calls per day to key customers/influencers
•  Maintain a full and complete calendar.
•  Recap DM’s & distributor salespeople your monthly performance for accounts sold and depletions.
•  Educate distributor sales representatives through tastings and wine education events.
•  Educate key accounts and consumers by conducting winemaker dinners, tasting events and wine steward demos.

Education/Experience:
•  2 years industry related sales and marketing experience.
•  Thorough knowledge of the wine industry, including; competitive brands, sales and market trends, vinicultural and verification practices and channel marketing.
•  Proven record of successful sales and brand development.
•  Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of distributor management and sales.
•  B.S. or B.A. degree
•  Knowledge and understanding of AC Nielsen and/or IRI Data.
•  Working knowledge of how business is conducted in California.
•  Strong knowledge of territory influencers, high profile general market accounts.

________________________________________________________________________________________
Skills:
•  Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
•  Strong English communication skills both written and verbal.
•  Ability to manage time effectively and handle multiple projects.
•  Ability to follow oral and written directions; work well under pressure and time limits.
•  Provide feedback to supervisors.
•  Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with other staff members, vendors, customers, government agencies/personnel, and/or the public.
•  Requires independent problem solving and the ability to work with others on a constant basis.