Regional Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Oversee business performance within a designated state or group of states to ensure the fulfillment of the regional business plan.

• This position entails direct leadership responsibilities and drives outcomes through collaboration, influence, and coordination with cross-functional teams and distributor partners.

• Ensure complete compliance with VCTUSA’s established ‘Ways of Working’, which includes adherence to company standards, processes, and compliance expectations.

• Manage state-level depletions, key performance indicators (KPIs), and distributor objectives.

• Conduct monthly performance evaluations with key distributor teams.

• Oversee monthly work-withs, market visits, and essential selling activities.

• Develop and implement state-level road maps (e.g., programming/activity calendars).

• Maintain relationships with key personnel at state distributors.

• Track pricing accuracy, inventory health, and forecast inputs.

• Ensure that district manager(s) performance is in alignment with regional strategy and objectives.

• Responsible for annual business planning and performance management within the assigned state(s).

• Provide weekly/monthly performance updates to state distributor leadership regarding active monthly programs and key initiatives.

• Accountable for inventory management within the assigned region, ensuring Days of Inventory on Hand (DOH) and Days of Ongoing (DOO) are within targeted guidelines.

• Responsible for executing chain/brand programs within the assigned region.

• Oversee the execution of Luxury Brand Collection initiatives.

• Ensure brand expenditures for the assigned region remain within the annual budget.

• Submit discretionary spending requests per company policy.

• Target state distributor banks for activities that yield the highest return on investment.

• Hold monthly meetings with Sales Operations to review year-to-date budget performance.

• Prioritize distributor relationship management, which includes Market Leads, State VPs, State EVP (monthly and quarterly meetings), and State Business/Portfolio Managers.

• Facilitate monthly performance review meetings and quarterly business reviews (QBRs).

• Coordinate surveys during key selling periods.

• Conduct monthly meetings with portfolio managers to assess pricing, programming, and inventory.

• Spend 60%-70% of time in the market for team development, business reviews, and key distributor meetings.

• Build relationships with key account buyers to ensure the execution of focus programs.

• Engage in regional/local chain development through monthly/quarterly market audits and program compliance.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Marketing or a related field, along with a minimum of five years of progressive sales experience in the wine and spirits or beverage alcohol industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proven track record of success in sales and account management within the alcohol beverage industry, including extensive knowledge of on- and off-premise wine channels and trade.

• A strong passion for both luxury/premium and commercial wines, along with enthusiasm for selling a diverse range of price points and formats.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage distributor partnerships aimed at maximizing results and achieving shared objectives.

• Proven leadership and motivational abilities, with a history of mentoring and developing sales talent.

• In-depth knowledge of off-premise and chain execution strategies (pricing, promotions, merchandising) and comfort in leading account strategies.

• Practical sales experience in the food and beverage industry, with substantial exposure to distributor management.

• Comprehensive understanding of wine principles, the winegrowing/winemaking process, food and wine pairing, and related industry knowledge.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, along with excellent public speaking and presentation abilities.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, demonstrating the highest level of integrity.

• Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Valid Driver’s License and the ability to obtain insurance; willingness to spend considerable time traveling in the market.

• Overnight travel is expected to be approximately 15% - 20% of the time, with weekend and evening work as necessary.

• Travel throughout the region is required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage starting on the first day, along with tax-saving options (401k with company match), short- and long-term disability, paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.

• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account benefits available for eligible employees.

• Community engagement is encouraged, offering one day/shift off per year for Volunteer Time Off (VTO).

• Access to various employee-focused health, wellness, training, and safety programs, along with scholarship opportunities for dependents.