Regional Sales Manager – Mid-Atlantic States

About Us

Sovereign Brands is a family-owned, global wine and spirits company headquartered in Highland Park, IL. Owned and operated by the Berish family and partners, Sovereign Brands brings together first-class producers from the world’s most iconic wine and spirit regions to develop best-in-class brands. Sovereign has a portfolio of successful brands including Luc Belaire, a smash-hit line of French sparkling wines that has earned global acclaim for its exquisite taste and striking packaging and is available in more than 100 countries around the world. The company’s portfolio also includes McQueen and the Violet Fog, an extraordinary gin from Jundiaí, Brazil; Bumbu, an artisanal rum that ranks among the world’s most critically acclaimed rums, and Villon, a rich, spiced French liqueur with aromas of vanilla, chai and toasted oak. The Deacon, a premium blended Scotch Whisky made of Islay and Speyside malts, is Sovereign’s newest launch in collaboration with Pernod Ricard. www.sovereignbrands.com

Sales

DC, DE, Maryland, VA, WV

Position Overview

The Regional Sales Manager is responsible for driving portfolio development and performance across the Mid-Atlantic States (MD/DC/VA/WV/DE), covering both on and off-premise channels. Manages distributor and major customer relationships. Develops, executes and manages sales programming, pricing, budgets, marketing programs, and wholesaler inventory.

*Preferred geographical base is Maryland*

Primary Responsibilities

Lead in the development and execution of annual sales plan for assigned geographic territory working with Sovereign Brands Sales Team, distributor personnel, and retailers.
Actively develop and manage relationships with distributor personnel i.e. GMs, VPs, Account Executives, Merchandising VPs, Sales Managers, and Sales Reps.
Lead the planning and implementation of sales programming in all markets.
Oversee and efficiently manage all sales budgets, budget reporting & reconciliation.
Initiate development and execution of price structures and strategies and shelf prices in the market according to Brand Standards
Ensure POS and other marketing assets are utilized in the field with correct programs.
Spearhead the development of regional & program-specific POS, working with local POS vendors as needed.
Implement creative programs to activate the consumer, including product sampling, etc.
Ensure that distribution, pricing, POS, displays, programs, menus and ads are executed to brand standards & planograms.
Travel as appropriate to observe market conditions, call on key buyers and distributor personnel, and interact and work with Sovereign management & direct reports.
Lead and participate in internal and distributor planning and sales meetings.
Own distributor relationships with State Presidents, VPs, and Portfolio Managers.
Directly manage and develop territory sales personnel.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree preferred
A minimum of 5+ years’ experience in the wine and spirits industry
Prior experience managing distributors; maintains current relationships with distributor management
Multi-state experience preferred
Experience with control and open markets (experience presenting to State Agencies)
Prior experience leading and developing a team of direct reports
Strong knowledge of distributor operations, programming, and pricing
Ability to negotiate quotas with portfolio managers
Ability to analyze syndicated data (MicroStrategy, VIP, Compass, Diver, etc.)
Strong interpersonal, leadership and negotiation skills
Excellent communication skills, particularly verbal, including strong presentation skills
Ability to function effectively in an entrepreneurial business environment
Results and solution-oriented, focused self-starter with little need for direction or supervision
Motivating and inspirational to the team
Willing to be very “hands-on” to get the job accomplished
Proficient with Microsoft products
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel within the assigned territory 3+ days per week are required. If a personal car is used for business purposes, proof of car insurance will be required. Business-related travel expenses are reimbursed in accordance with company policy.
Other responsibilities as needed

Physical Demands

Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit
Frequently required to travel
Frequently required to talk and hear
Frequently required to lift up to 50 pounds

Salary and How to Apply

The base compensation for the position is: $110,000 – $125,000

Interested candidates: Please email Resume/CV to careers@sovereignbrands.com and please include your salary expectations. Referrals, please include Sovereign Brands employee name.

Sovereign Brands offers great benefits that allow you to manage your well-being, ensuring you can be your best self at work. Our comprehensive benefits package includes, for eligible employees: paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k). A full list of benefits will be provided to eligible employees at initial offer. Sales roles also include an auto and home office monthly allowance.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sovereign Brands, L.L.C. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Sovereign Brands provides eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, and business line. The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on non-discriminatory factors such as the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.