Experienced Customer Development Manager for Strategic Retail Accounts - Leading Wine Industry Brands and Driving Business Growth through Effective Sales Initiatives

Introduction to blithequark

At blithequark, we are passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving business growth through strategic sales initiatives. As a leading player in the wine industry, we are committed to building strong relationships with our retail partners and providing top-notch service to our customers. Our team is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, leveraging the latest market trends and insights to inform our sales strategies and drive results.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Customer Development Manager to join our team in Bentonville, AR. As a key member of our sales team, you will be responsible for leading and directing a group of strategically important accounts within a defined geography. Your primary focus will be on implementing and executing strategic sales initiatives to increase our brand's growth and exposure within the retail channel. You will also be accountable for leading the account planning and forecast processes for your defined set of accounts, with the goal of obtaining business plan and performance objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage direct sales calls on retail accounts to develop long-term working relationships with wine buyers and key wholesalers, selling in programming and feature activity
• Directly manage and sell all brands within the blithequark portfolio, leveraging your in-depth knowledge of the wine industry to drive sales and growth
• Collaborate with our Consumer & Strategic Insights team to analyze retailer and market-level Syndicated Data, communicating current trends monthly to retail buyers and informing sales strategies
• Recommend and implement strategies that help drive incremental programming and ad support through the use of marketing initiatives and Syndicated Data insights
• Manage assortment in retail accounts by facilitating the new item process, including distribution of new items, expansion of current items, and underperforming/at-risk items
• Develop and implement shelf recommendations with assistance from internal and wholesaler category management teams, including shelf schematics in-store, cold box placements, shelf location, and additional facings
• Proactively communicate business issues and opportunities to the blithequark regional sales teams, including programming wins and losses, distribution gains and losses, and other key metrics
• Collaborate with the Trade Marketing Manager to develop and recommend incremental programs within retail accounts, driving sales and growth through innovative marketing initiatives
• Work cross-functionally with Finance and Consumer & Strategic Insights teams to evaluate the effectiveness of trade spend at retail accounts, ensuring that our sales strategies are data-driven and optimized for results
• Submit required reports and expenses in a timely manner, meeting all prescribed deadlines and maintaining accurate records
• Manage activities in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, ensuring that our sales practices are always ethical and responsible

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Business Administration, Sales and Marketing, or a related field
• 5+ years of wine supplier and/or wholesaler experience in selling wine, building brands, and conducting customer calls

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Sales and Marketing, or a related field
• 7+ years of wine supplier and/or wholesaler experience in selling wine, building brands, and conducting customer calls
• Proven track record of driving sales growth and expanding brand presence in the retail channel

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Intermediate to advanced skillset with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), with the ability to learn and adapt to new software and systems
• Ability to navigate the Internet/Intranet and use Syndicated Data for effective business development, with a strong understanding of market trends and insights
• In-depth working knowledge of wine and the wine industry, with a passion for staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments
• Strong communicator and negotiator, with excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently and build relationships, with a strong focus on customer service and sales growth

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At blithequark, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees. As a Customer Development Manager, you will have access to a range of training and development opportunities, including:

• Comprehensive onboarding program, with training on our sales strategies, products, and systems
• Ongoing coaching and mentoring, with regular feedback and performance evaluations
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences, workshops, and industry events
• Cross-functional training, with the opportunity to work with different teams and departments

Work Environment and Company Culture

At blithequark, we pride ourselves on our positive and supportive company culture. Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences, and we are committed to creating a work environment that is collaborative, inclusive, and fun. As a Customer Development Manager, you will be part of a dynamic and fast-paced team, with opportunities to make a real impact on our business and drive sales growth.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range of $100,157.52 to $156,787.44 per year, depending on experience. In addition to your salary, you will also be eligible for a range of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance, with medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with generous company match, plus discretionary profit sharing
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, with flexible scheduling and work-life balance
• Wine and merchandise discounts, plus opportunities to attend industry events and conferences
• Tuition reimbursement, plus opportunities for professional development and growth

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and results-driven sales professional with a passion for the wine industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Customer Development Manager at blithequark, you will have the chance to make a real impact on our business, drive sales growth, and build strong relationships with our retail partners. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join our dynamic and fast-paced team – apply today!