Area Manager, Retail

Role Overview

• Create and communicate a clear, compelling vision for the area that aligns teams to company priorities and performance goals
• Lead change initiatives across the area, fostering innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Make sound strategic judgments by recognizing patterns, risks, and opportunities across multiple districts and market segments
• Inspire commitment and collaboration across districts to achieve results
• Manage, coach, and develop DMs to ensure strong leadership of their teams and effective execution in all accounts
• Provide direction, supervision, training, evaluation, and development to support each DM team’s success
• Reinforce consistent work-with schedules; conduct coaching days in the field with DMs and Sales Consultants
• Collaborate with DMs on personnel matters and territory alignment; maintain overall responsibility for area personnel issues and team structure
• Establish area-wide accountability standards, conduct performance evaluations for DMs with clear development plans and measurable goals
• Lead talent planning, recruiting, onboarding, and succession planning for leadership roles across the area
• Cultivate an inclusive, high‑achievement culture and address escalations professionally and promptly
• Assist the Division leader in developing and executing a successful business plan for the area
• Manage portfolio profitability to meet plan goals; ensure pricing discipline and guardrails are followed
• Maintain accurate inventory levels and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to balance supply, demand, and execution
• Monitor KPIs (distribution, depletions, revenue/margin, display/feature compliance, new item speed‑to‑shelf) to keep the area on plan; analyze results and course‑correct as needed
• Ensure routing, workload balance, and operational efficiency across districts
• Assist in developing sales plans, quotas, and supplier objectives, including the methods to achieve those goals
• Set sales goals at the area and district level; guide DMs in building actionable plans to achieve them
• Review and communicate sales vs. goal progress regularly
• Ensure execution on new item launches, priority brand programming, retail placements, and sell‑through
• Educate and develop staff to improve product knowledge and execution excellence
• Present in the market with DMs and their teams to evaluate execution, coach in real time, and strengthen retailer and supplier relationships
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers; represent the area in business reviews, planning meetings, and market visits
• Work closely with supplier partners to create a positive, solutions‑oriented environment and achieve mutually established goals
• Align supplier goals with area and district plans; manage portfolio priorities to ensure proper exposure and focus for critical brands
• Partner with suppliers, Sales Directors, and internal teams to create area‑wide synergy and a unified go‑to‑market strategy

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum 2+ years in a District Manager role, (or higher) required
• 4+ years overall sales experience, preferred in the wine or spirits industry
• Proven leadership, coaching, and talent-development capabilities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to influence across organizational levels
• Exceptional analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills with strong financial acumen
• Proficient in MS Office and familiar with PowerBI, Pocket Advantage, Workday, and JB pricing/profit tools a plus
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. of product
• Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and reliable transportation
• Must pass criminal background check and MVR.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Bi-weekly pay
• Salary position with eligibility for incentives
• Mileage reimbursement
• 401(k) program