Italian Portfolio Specialist (Wine Jobs: Sales & Marketing)

  The Winebow Group

  Chicago, Illinois

The Winebow Group a global leader in fine wine and spirits is looking to add an Italian Portfolio Specialist to our already successful team. This position will be covering Illinois, Chicago and Minnesota. This position is responsible for driving the sales of certain portions of the Leonardo Locascio Selections Portfolio of wines in an assigned sales division to increase sales and distribution, while also achieving company and department goals. Increase Case Sale Average promoting the Crus and higher priced items in the portfolio. Working in the field 60% of the time either on your own or with sales reps to help mentor and promote sales.

Job Responsibilities: 
•  Driving assigned sales division to sales/distribution goals.
•  Plan and execute launches of new Brands to the market
•  Develop and execute sales drives and initiatives aimed at increased Case Sale Average.
•  Develop and execute Pre-sells and Offerings for high end items.
•  Create awareness and attention towards the Cru wines of each individual Producer.
•  Create and provide the various sales teams with the tools necessary to succeed in launches, drives, offerings and pre-sells
•  Providing input to RM on sales incentive programming.
•  Providing input to RM regarding inventory management.
•  Providing input to RM on pricing.
•  Developing key account relationships in both on and off premise accounts.
•  Training and conducting wine education for the sales force.
•  Providing feedback that may affect inventory levels.
•  Providing feedback and suggestions regarding pricing patterns and calendars
•  Helping to develop sales incentive programs based broadly on criteria to include: Cornerstone Brands and goals, NON cornerstone Brands, inventory levels and winery deal opportunities, seasonality and Winebow priorities.
•  Developing a core list of accounts, which can be solicited independently of the sales reps.
•  Targeting high profile on premise accounts.
•  Conducting sales presentations at Supplier Meetings where current programs, pricing, inventory issues, priorities and product education are discussed.
•  Mentoring and motivating sales reps by working in the field with them as well as demonstrating your abilities to be an ambassador to them and their accounts.
•  Following up with sales reps after work-withs to ensure sales reps are being held accountable for securing sales on commitments made by accounts.
•  Providing monthly Activity Report, detailing all team activity that is relevant to the Leonardo Locascio Selections Portfolio and performance.
•  Participating in monthly Portfolio Specialists meetings.

Additional Skills and/or Educational Background:

•  High School diploma or GED required; additional experience strongly preferred
•  3 to 5 years experience working as a distributor rep and/or supplier rep, selling a premium Italian portfolio.
•  Strong wine knowledge and understanding of the wholesale market in particular state.
•  Spirit of initiative, creativity and out of the box thinking
•  Effective oral and written communication skills with the proven ability to communicate across multiple teams and departments.
•  Prompt response to all communication (phone, email etc.)
•  Respect of deadlines
•  Detail oriented with excellent organizational and analytical skills.
•  Excellent follow up and mentoring abilities.

Computer Skills:

•  Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
•  Diver Application preferred.
•  Navision Application preferred.