National Sales Director/Wine Educator | Abeja Winery
Washington, DC, United States
Abeja is a company that values a commitment to quality, teamwork, and continuous learning and improvement. We take pride in the craftsmanship of the wines as well as the workmanship and cleanliness of the Winery, Inn, and The Kitchen at Abeja. We hold high expectations for professionalism and customer service for ourselves and are devoted to a continued pursuit of what we do best, with an endless drive to do even better. We collaborate with all members of the Abeja team and strive to continually develop knowledge and insights into the uniqueness of our winemaking and viticulture techniques.
The National Sales Director/Wine Educator will continue to improve the brand health of Abeja in National Markets by selling in a manner that serves to continuously elevate the reputation of the winery. They will deliver the stated volume, revenue, and profit objectives for the national market in a manner consistent with Abeja's values. This position will ensure strong communication and collaboration with wholesale distribution partners, key retailers, restauranteurs, sommeliers, and industry groups. They will continue to move Abeja forward with the ambition of becoming one of the go-to premier Washington wines in top restaurants and wine shops globally.
Let’s start off with the most important part-what’s in it for you:
The Perks
Incentive Eligible
Remote (Pacific Northwest in a major metropolitan market near an airport hub is preferred)
Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
Company Contributed HSA
Full Benefits - Medical, Dental, and Vision
IRA Match
Flexible work environment
Additional benefit opportunities available
What you’ll do:
The Brass Tacks
Creation of market plans to grow case sales and distribution for Abeja
Ensure that all wholesale distributors have clear annual objectives that are in alignment with Abeja's objectives
Ensure goals are set for every wholesaler and that their progress against these goals is evaluated on a regular basis (quarterly, annually). These goals may include shipments, depletions, points of distribution, On and Off trade mix, target accounts, and pricing control
Deliver national sales goals while working within stated budget constraints for travel, entertainment, meals, telephone, incentives, and promotional spending
Achieve placements and develop key relationships in the market with Chain, On and Off Trade Accounts.
Travel to markets to ensure you have strong relationships with all key distribution points
Support the efforts of the wholesalers. Spend time in the markets meeting with customers, working with sales reps, doing staff training, wine dinners, GSMs, and beyond
Continuously build the strength of our relationships with our wholesalers. They are the caretakers of our brand. Mutual trust, collaboration and objectives are essential
Manage the allocation process for all markets, assigning allocations to wholesalers in a fashion that maximizes Abeja's prestige and profitability
Forecast long-term, annual, and monthly sales as requested
Be an effective and eloquent ambassador for the winery with all levels of customer: internal sales, distributors, trade, and consumers
Establish effective working relationships and collaborations with other departments (Marketing, Finance, DTC, The Inn, The Kitchen at Abeja, Winery Production) to address key business issues and opportunities
The Nitty Gritty
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree preferred
Strong wine knowledge and a passion for wine
10+ years work experience in wine sales, portfolio management
Ability to represent Abeja in authentic manner consistent with Abeja values and philosophies to all types of trade, press, and consumers
Outgoing personality, with excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to inspire and teach Wholesalers and Customers
Ability to set goals for wholesaler and manage those goals
Ability to strategically set pricing; FL, PO, QD, BTG
Ability to allocate wine amongst wholesalers in a strategic fashion that builds brand strength and maximizes pricing
Strong distributor management skills (goal setting, inventory management, ability to conduct a business review)
Experience managing wholesaler inventories and pricing
Experience selling to On and Off Trade accounts
Ability to develop relationships with key buyers
Ability to travel extensively around the US
Ability to present and sell Abeja wines to accounts, working alone as well as with wholesaler sales representatives
Ability to work trade and public tastings representing Abeja
Ability to forecast long-term, annual, and monthly sales as requested
Be an effective and eloquent ambassador for the winery with all levels of customers: internal sales, distributors, trade, and consumers
Ability to continually evaluate market conditions and competitive activity
Ability to valuate Importer sales and inventories and identify problems and opportunities
Able to actively visit markets, meet with key management of importers and ensure RIDGE is receiving the needed share of the importer’s time and effort
Ensure that mutually agreed upon goals are achieved
Highly motivated and results oriented
The Fine Print
Abeja Winery is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We strive for excellence in every position within the company and select the most qualified people who embrace our service philosophy.
Where you’ll work:
Set in the rolling foothills of the Blue Mountains, just minutes outside of downtown Walla Walla, The Inn at Abeja is a beautifully restored, century-old farmstead featuring surrounded by 38 acres of creeks, gardens, and vineyards. The Inn features private guest cottages and suited in the property's original outbuildings, each meticulously renovated with a unique mix of antique decor and rustic country curio, indoor and outdoor living space, and elegant amenities. With both a stunning setting and impeccable hospitality, The Inn at Abeja invites guests to marvel in the property's rich history while enjoying the modern comforts that define luxurious wine country retreat.
The estate is home to the award-winning Abeja winery and tasting room, overseen by acclaimed winemakers, Daniel Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler. Tastings are available to the winery's mailing-list members and guests of The Inn at Abeja.
The Fine Print
Columbia Hospitality, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We strive for excellence in every position within the company and select the most qualified people who embrace our service philosophy and these values.
Accountability | Creativity | Enthusiasm | Honesty | Inclusion | Respect
Columbia Hospitality is a national management and consulting company with more than 25 years of experience in creating hospitality solutions and delivering exceptional experiences. Our portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia Hospitality has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine and Puget Sound Business Journal for their commitment to creating a fun, dynamic and nurturing work environment for team members.
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