Director, Kroger

WX Brands; Cincinnati (OH); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic and fast-growing wine company as a Director overseeing Kroger sales. In this pivotal role, you will set strategic direction and ensure the successful execution of sales initiatives tailored to WX's national and exclusive brands. Collaborate with various teams to drive growth, manage a significant budget, and maintain robust relationships with key stakeholders. This position offers the excitement of working in a rapidly evolving industry while fostering a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. If you're passionate about wine and ready to make an impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

PTO starting at 19 days per year

Employee pricing on products

Career growth opportunities

Team-oriented environment

Qualifications

• 8+ years in beverage alcohol sales, with 6 years in the wine industry.
• Strong relationships with beverage alcohol buyers, especially at Kroger.

Responsibilities

• Lead Kroger sales strategy and execution for WX Brands.
• Build strong relationships with key buyers and stakeholders.

Skills

Sales Leadership

Relationship Management

Strategic Planning

Market Analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Business Administration

MBA

Job description

Director, Kroger

Reports To: VP, National Accounts

Location: Remote Home Office In or Close to Cincinnati, OH

Are you ready to combine your passion for wine and entrepreneurship to join one of the fastest growing wine companies in the world?

About Us:

• #2 fastest growing wine brand in the US (premium price segment) with the #1 Pinot Noir
• 6X consecutive Impact Magazine Hot Brand Winner
• #1 US Brand in Canada
• Fastest growing brand in the UK, #2 US Brand in Sweden, and #1 Pinot Noir in Norway

The results speak for themselves!

With offices located around the world, WX offers a unique working environment, with the fast pace of an entrepreneurial start-up and the down-to-earth atmosphere found in the Northern California wine industry. We seek people who are passionate about making a difference in the industry and their careers.

Our organization is ranked the #9 largest wine supplier in the world. In 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024 WX Brands was named by North Bay Business Journal as one of the best places to work.

Position Summary

We’re looking for a special person to help lead Kroger sales at WX Brands. Reporting to the VP of National Accounts, this person will serve as the key strategic leader within the organization. You will play a pivotal role in setting strategy for, and ensuring execution of, sales programming, brand pricing strategies, brand building initiatives and much more. This individual will be responsible for driving sales growth, building long-term partnerships, and ensuring the successful execution of sales strategies tailored to the unique needs of both WX’s national and exclusive brand portfolio.

This role is based out of your home office with regular travel expected.

Key focus areas include, but are not limited to:

1. Strategic leadership developing near and long-term strategies across Kroger GO and all Kroger banners WX’s national brands and exclusive brand portfolio
2. Overseeing execution of focused sales programming, brand pricing strategies, brand building initiatives, distribution initiatives, brand feature and display, incentives and partnership programs across markets coordinating with the Regional Sales teams
3. Build and maintain strong relationships with key buyers, decision-makers, and stakeholders at across the Kroger network as well as partnership closely with our distributor KAMs to deliver results
4. Managing a significant activation budget to drive programming to the floor, and measuring ROI and success
5. Ensure proper brand representation, pricing, and placement in collaboration with marketing, trade, and category management teams.
6. Collaboration & Leadership:
1. Lead a team of AEs and work closely with distributor partners to achieve shared goals.
2. Collaborate with internal teams, including supply chain, marketing, and operations, to ensure timely product delivery and strong account support.
7. Tracking KPIs and monitor market trends

Requirements (Education & Experiences)

• 8+ years sales experience in beverage alcohol industry with minimum 6 years of experience in the wine industry
• BA in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing or equivalent experience, MBA preferred
• Direct headquarters calling experience
• Thoughtfully nurtured current relationships with beverage alcohol buyers at the leading national retail chains, preferably at Kroger.
• Proven track record of meeting aggressive growth targets.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire and coach teams
• Comprehensive understanding of the US wine and spirits industry, its trends, products, competitive issues, laws and business opportunities
• Ability and willingness to maintain a heavy travel schedule 50%

WX Brands’ Core Values

• WORK WITH FIRE & HUSTLE – Works with a sense of urgency. Takes ownership & does whatever it takes. Works hard & play hard. Celebrates successes.
• KNOW YOUR STUFF – Gets it right the first time. Learns from mistakes. Is an expert in their field. Listens & learns from others.
• LASER FOCUS – Understands & believes in the WX Vision. Behaves consistently, and in alignment, with our goals. Achieves more by doing less.
• SELF STARTER – Ability to complete projects independently and with a spirit of urgency; manage multiple priority projects at once; demonstrate flexibility as priorities change.
• VALUE & SUPPORT EACH OTHER – Works collaboratively as a team. Treats others with respect. Champions all forms of diversity.

Perks:

WX offers a competitive benefits package including PTO starting at 19 days per year plus employee pricing on our amazing products! We offer an entrepreneurial environment that promotes career growth by leaps and bounds while being part of a team-oriented environment that knows how to have fun!

You can find out more by visiting our website: www.wxbrands.com