Asian Beverage Portfolio Manager - Kent, WA

Columbia Distributing; Des Moines (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Distributing is seeking an Asian Beverage Portfolio Manager to manage and grow their Asian alcohol portfolio, particularly in Japanese sake and shochu. This dynamic role involves strategic sales support, relationship management, and driving educational programs to enhance product awareness and sales.

Key responsibilities include managing supplier relations, executing portfolio strategies, and collaborating across teams to ensure market success. Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of beverage alcohol distribution and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of beverage alcohol and non-alcoholic beverage distribution.
• Ability to translate cultural and consumer insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the Asian alcohol portfolio, focusing on Japanese sake and shochu.
• Provide strategic sales support to internal teams.
• Build relationships with key Asian grocery chains and retail partners.
• Conduct business development meetings with Asian retail and restaurant accounts.
• Lead sake education and training programs.

Skills

Knowledge of beverage alcohol distribution

Relationship management

Business development

Sales strategy development

Cultural insights application

Job description

Asian Beverage Portfolio Manager

#26-533

Multiple Locations: Kent, Washington; Wilsonville, Oregon; United States

Pay Range: $100,000 - $110,000 per year

Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable professional to manage and grow our Asian alcohol portfolio, with a primary focus on Japanese sake and shochu. This role involves strategic sales support, relationship management, business development, and educational leadership to drive awareness and sales of premium products.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the state based Asian alcohol portfolio, specializing in Japanese sake and shochu.
• Provide strategic sales support to internal sales teams and key account managers.
• Build and maintain headquarters-level relationships with major Asian grocery chains and retail partners.
• Conduct regular business development meetings with Asian retail and restaurant accounts to drive growth.
• Lead sake education and training programs for sales teams, restaurant staff, and retail professionals.
• Act as the primary liaison between suppliers and the distributor, overseeing portfolio management, pricing strategies, and purchasing.
• Plan and execute consumer tastings, trade seminars, and promotional events to increase brand awareness and engagement with premium sake.

Portfolio & Commercial Execution

• Develop and execute portfolio strategies aligned to brand objectives, market opportunities, and customer needs.
• Translate supplier goals into actionable commercial priorities for Sales, Merchandising, and Account Management teams.
• Monitor portfolio performance and identify growth opportunities across channels (on‑premise, off‑premise, specialty accounts).
• Support new product launches, distribution expansion, and menu or shelf placement initiatives.

Supplier Partnership & Market Representation

• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned supplier partners, ensuring consistent communication, alignment on goals, and visibility into execution.
• Represent the company and portfolio at supplier meetings, customer presentations, tastings, and industry events.
• Assist in preparing accounts and teams for supplier visits to ensure professional execution and follow‑through.

Sales Enablement & Activation Support

• Collaborate with Sales teams to prioritize key accounts, programs, and opportunities aligned with portfolio goals.
• Design and deliver culturally relevant sales education, tastings, and buyer meetings to increase brand knowledge and engagement.
• Support targeted activations (e.g., seasonal programs, cultural holidays, emerging trends) to drive trial and velocity.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Brand Development, Sales Leadership, Marketing, and Operations to ensure cohesive execution.
• Communicate portfolio priorities clearly and consistently across internal teams.
• Provide feedback to internal partners and suppliers on market trends, customer insights, and execution gaps.

Key Competencies

Strong understanding of beverage alcohol and/or non‑alcoholic beverage distribution environments. Ability to translate cultural and consumer insights into actionable commercial strategies. Excellent.