Customer Development Manager - Northeast

Women of the Vine & Spirits is associated with Delicato Family Vineyards, seeking a Customer Development Manager to drive strategic growth and brand exposure across key retail accounts. The role involves account planning, forecasting, and executing sales initiatives to meet business objectives while managing relationships with wine buyers and distributors.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for managing and selling all brands within the Delicato Family Wines (DFW) portfolio in support of company sales goals
• Manages direct sales calls on retail accounts to develop long-term working relationships with the wine buyers and key distributors / wholesalers to sell in programing and feature activity
• Proactively communicates business issues and opportunities to DFW & Transcendent regional sales teams including programming and distribution gains and losses to assist in the forecasting process
• Manages assortment in retail accounts by facilitating the new item process including distribution of new items, expansion of current items and identifying underperforming/at-risk items
• Recommends and implements strategies that help drive incremental programming and ad support through use of marketing initiatives and Syndicated Data insights
• Partners with Consumer & Strategic Insights team to analyze retailer and market level Syndicated Data to communicate current trends monthly to retail buyers
• Works effectively and respectfully with colleagues, cross-functional teams, and external partners to achieve shared goals and drive results
• Ensures that all business operations, policies, and practices adhere to applicable legal and regulatory requirements to minimize risk and maintain ethical standards
• Prepares and delivers engaging, informative sales presentations as required
• Conducts wine tastings, fund raisers, trade shows and other wine events for and with distributors/ wholesalers
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree (BA/BS) or equivalent education and/or experience
• 3-5 years in wine or adjacent industry or consumer packaged goods; experience with managing distributor/ wholesaler relationships preferred
• 1-3 years' leadership or management experience
• Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and vehicle required with an acceptable driving record
• Demonstrates a foundational ability to clearly and concisely communicate ideas in both verbal and written forms, actively listen, and effectively present company sales strategies to stakeholders with guidance and support
• Engages in learning and development opportunities to achieve personal and professional goals. Is receptive to feedback, demonstrates curiosity, and sees value in continuous improvement
• Applies solid knowledge and independent problem-solving skills to develop relevant, effective solutions, utilizing a methodical approach, assessing risks, and adapting to ambiguity
• Is aware of one's own personal strengths, opportunities, biases and triggers and how they benefit or impede communication and collaboration. Demonstrates empathy for others and seeks mutual understanding
• Is open, flexible, and receptive to others' ideas and understands the importance of group satisfaction. Celebrates the wins of others and models enjoyment and satisfaction from their work
• Understands the fundamental differences between tactical and strategic approaches. Accountable for their role in executing strategic plans. Understands what is meant by seeing 'the bigger picture'
• Demonstrates adaptability and openness in times of change
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite Applications and able to utilize syndicated data resources
• Requires ability to travel frequently and flexibility in schedule to work evenings and weekends as needed
• This is a remote position that requires working from home
• Occasionally may be required to lift and carry cases of wine
• May need to determine color, taste and smell of wine using eyes, tongue, and nose
• May be exposed to weather-related temperature & humidity extremes
• Acts in a manner reflective of the Company culture of High Moral Standards, Innovation and Continuous Evolution, Trust in Team, Continuous Improvement, and Sustainable Relationships
• Communicates, interacts, and works effectively with others; receptive to feedback and coaching; voices concerns in a constructive manner
• Demonstrates commitment to safety first; communicates safety concerns; promotes a safe work environment based on established safety standards and training
• Follows all Company policies and procedures
• Experience with managing distributor/ wholesaler relationships preferred