The Wine & Spirits Ambassador is essential to Columbia Distributing's Wine & Spirits portfolio success in key, influential accounts with focus mainly in the on-premise segment. The ambassador is responsible for the development of the wine and spirits portfolio in a select group of accounts with focus primarily towards white table cloth, fine wine, trendy on premise, off premise specialty shops, and select high-end product customers. This position with work closely with the account sales representative to develop a plan of action to maximize the success of the wine & spirits portfolio. Additionally, the ambassador will assist in the coordination, planning, and execution of buyer and consumer events that help promote the Wine & Spirits portfolio throughout a designated territory.

This position will cover routes throughKing County and Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom Counties.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for creating and maintaining target account list
• Develop and maintain relationships with buyers at key influential accounts
• Develop and implement wine & spirits strategy for defined area
• Create wine & spirits programs in accounts/market
• Work with account representative to ensure priorities, plans, and customer needs are communicated
• Sell in distribution, wine list placements, by the glass features, promotions, drink features, and back bar placements
• Promote product sales in account through staff training events
• Attend and/or assist in planning wine & spirits trade and consumer events and wine dinners
• Function as a local wine & spirits expert in education and training
• Manage inventory expenses in accordance with company policy
• Interact respectfully and maintain dialogue with inter-company departments, suppliers and customers
• Complete all required training to improve performance and effectiveness
• Maintain a high level of industry knowledge in all 3 adult beverage categories: wine, spirits, food journals, trends, market share, etc.
• Create opportunities and develop programs appropriate to customer base.
• Submit all required reporting, preplans, trackers, surveys, market surveys (MVPs), expense report, mileage log, etc. by the required due date
• Effectively sell and represent the Columbia Distributing portfolio in all assigned accounts
• Minimum visibility in assigned accounts must be equal to or greater than competition
• Increase net core brand distribution over baseline throughout the year
• Minimum MVP standards in eighty percent (80%) of accounts surveyed and above MVP standards in twenty percent (20%) of accounts surveyed
• Accomplish sales and distribution goals by executing the monthly, quarterly and annual business objectives and company initiatives

Key Competencies

• High level of knowledge and selling experience in wine and spirits categories
• Previous experience in on-premise selling required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Effective organizational and time management skills
• Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers

People Management

None

Work Environment

This job operates in our accounts, mostly indoors with occasional outdoor work.

Physical Demands

• Lift, carry, push, pull up to 55 lbs.
• Use arms, wrists, hands, grasp
• Must be proficient in the use of industry tools including hand truck, six-wheeler, manual pallet jack, box cutter, etc.
• Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle

Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, days/hours of work vary, and may include weekends.

Travel

State wide travel required

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED required
• High level of wine and spirits knowledge required
• Sales Fundamental (which includes Certified Sales Professional-CSP training and certification) required upon hiring; WSET Level 2 and required within one (1) year of start date
• Minimum 2-5 years previous sales experience in beverage industry
• Valid driver's license and auto insurance required
• Must be at least 21 years of age or older

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Wine & spirits certifications highly preferred
• Previous beverage industry sales experience