Regional Chain Manager - WA/AK

What makes this a great opportunity?

This role strategically leads the growth and development of the Off-Premise National & Regional chain accounts in both Washington and Alaska. This individual will shape the growth strategy and lead its successful execution with both our distributor and chain retailers to drive profitable results for Suntory Global Spirits brands. With chains retail sales making up the majority revenue sales for WA/AK, this role is a critical component of the regional leadership team. The skill development together with this experience allows for greater career growth within national accounts as well as commercial sales leadership opportunities. 

• Gain experience calling on the headquarters for National and Regional accounts, as well as being the liaison for national programming with our corporate NAMs
• This position includes working closely with distributors, national accounts, brand marketing teams, and national sponsorships

Role Responsibilities

Washington/Alaska Off-Premise Chain Management

The following position is open in Washington, United States.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Call on designated number of National & Regional Chain Accounts in the Washington and Alaska market with responsibility for growing sales and share, while expanding distribution & display programming, that adhere to Suntory’s brand requirements
• Will be tasked with developing and owning relationships with key regional chains; implement programs consistent with NAHQ standards
• Create locally relevant programming that leverages brand strategies that will drive sales and share growth (i.e. independently create and implement plans that bring our strategic partnerships to life in retail)
• Actively manage the presentation and execution of category plans, brand plans, promotions and new item introductions
• Will need to work closely with state & national management, local sales team, customer marketing, category management and consumer insights teams to bring new value and services to regional chain accounts
• Charged with expanding distribution/volume on priority brands/sizes
• Successfully launch all new products while achieving volume and distribution KPI’s as set out by corporate management.
• Conduct monthly/quarterly meetings with key account buyers to present programming/innovation
• Work with State Manager, Territory Manager, and the National Account Managers at Suntory to ensure effective communication of all chain programming to the distributor, that leads to strong execution results
• Responsible for creating monthly chain recaps and monitoring programming & ad activity to ensure Suntory is getting our fair share of the business
• Manage and track distributor program execution weekly/monthly. Address gaps with distributor leadership and implement corrective actions plans
• Participate in monthly reviews with Territory Manager and State Manager to identify any issues/concerns that can be improved upon with future programs and to call out successful business practices that we can expand upon moving forward
• Conduct sales & program blitzes with the distributor to focus on key holiday’s that align to our weeks to win strategy
• Provide monthly sales training and communication, to distributor sales force in areas of brand trend awareness and sales technique.
• Ensure all efforts and sales involvement are compliant with state and federal laws.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for prolonged period(s) of time and view computer screen
• Ability to travel 25% of time

Equipment/Software Used

• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Nielsen, IRI sales reporting
• Vistar, Anaplan a plus

Qualifications

• Sales Leadership
• Distributor Engagement
• Utilizing data analysis to build brand plans and strategies  
• Proven ability to work in complex cross functional teams
• Thorough knowledge of distribution, promotion, and selling techniques
• Proven ability in driving growth of brands and achieving customer objectives
• Proven ability and understanding of consumer-packaged goods industry, retail channels and account specific marketing necessary
• Understanding of expected promotional tactics and various marketing vehicles such ranging from digital, coupons, sponsorships, media and more
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Strong understanding of financials and ability to do ROI analysis
• Highly organized, strong time management, able to multi-task, work independently, prioritize initiatives and communicate with numerous touch points
• Strong people and organizational skills to lead the organization
• Proficient knowledge in MS Office Excel software

Salary Range - The salary range for this role, based in Washington is $100k-110k, along with an annual bonus, 401K match, profit sharing, and medical and wellness benefits. The salary range is commensurate with the candidate’s location, experience, and skillset. The range will vary if outside of this location.