Experienced Customer Development Manager for Strategic Retail Accounts - Leading Wine Industry Growth and Sales Initiatives

Introduction to blithequark

At blithequark, we are passionate about driving growth and innovation in the wine industry. As a leading player in the market, we are committed to delivering exceptional products and services that exceed our customers' expectations. Our team is dedicated to building strong relationships with our retail partners, and we are now seeking an experienced Customer Development Manager to join our team in Bentonville, AR. This is a remote-based position that requires a candidate who is based in the Bentonville area and has a strong understanding of the local market.

Job Overview

The Customer Development Manager will be responsible for leading and directing a group of strategically important accounts within a defined geography. This position will play a key role in the implementation and execution of strategic sales initiatives to increase our brand's growth and exposure within the retail channel. The successful candidate will have a strong background in sales and customer development, with a proven track record of building long-term relationships with retail partners and driving business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage direct sales calls on retail accounts to develop long-term working relationships with wine buyers and key wholesalers to sell in programming and feature activity
• Directly responsible for managing and selling all brands within the blithequark portfolio
• Collaborate with the Consumer & Strategic Insights team to analyze retailer and market-level Syndicated Data to communicate current trends monthly to retail buyers
• 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 both internal and wholesaler category management teams on shelf schematics in-store, including cold box placements, shelf location, and additional facings
• Proactively communicate business issues and opportunities to blithequark regional sales teams, including programming wins and losses, along with distribution gains and losses to assist in the forecasting process
• Collaborate with the Trade Marketing Manager to develop and recommend incremental programs within retail accounts
• Work cross-functionally with Finance and Consumer & Strategic Insights teams to evaluate the effectiveness of trade spend at retail accounts
• Submit required reports and expenses in a timely manner, meeting all prescribed deadlines
• Responsible for managing activities in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Business Administration, Sales and Marketing, or a related field required
• 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 success in sales and customer development, with a strong understanding of the retail channel and wine industry trends

Skills and Competencies

• Must possess excellent planning and organizational skills
• Intermediate to advanced skillset with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to navigate the Internet/Intranet and use Syndicated Data for effective business development
• Must possess in-depth working knowledge of wine and the wine industry
• Strong communicator and negotiator
• Ability to work independently and build relationships

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 to ensure a smooth transition into the role
• Ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth within the company
• Access to industry-leading tools and technologies to support your work

Work Environment and Company Culture

At blithequark, we pride ourselves on our positive and supportive company culture. Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional results, and we are committed to creating a work environment that is collaborative, inclusive, and respectful. As a Customer Development Manager, you will be part of a dynamic and fast-paced team that is dedicated to driving growth and innovation in the wine industry.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

blithequark offers a competitive salary range of $100,157.52 to $156,787.44 per year, depending on experience. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a range of perks and benefits, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Discretionary profit sharing
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Wine and merchandise discounts
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym discounts and many more

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 work with a leading player in the market, build strong relationships with retail partners, and drive business growth. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join our dynamic team and take your career to the next level. Apply now to become a part of the blithequark team and contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional products and services to our customers.