Manager, Import Wine

Retail Services & Systems, Inc; Maryland; On-site; USD 102,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Generous store discounts

Health care plans (medical, dental, Rx

Vision

401(k), HSA, FSA

Disability & life insurance

Paid parental leave

College tuition assistance

Career development & product training

Consumer classes & More

Job summary

Total Wine & More in Bethesda, MD is seeking a Manager, Import Wine to lead buying for imported wines, managing category strategy, vendor negotiations, and supplier relationships to deliver financial targets and exceptional customer experience.

You'll collaborate across Supply Chain, Marketing, Promotions and Store Operations to implement programs, support private label initiatives, and drive growth in key suppliers and categories.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field, or equivalent experience (preferred).
• 6–8 years buying, merchandising, or vendor management experience, preferably in wine/alcoholic beverages.
• Strong understanding of category management principles with ability to deliver financial results.
• Advanced analytical skills to interpret sales and margin data for decision making.
• Experience building and revitalizing supplier relationships, including negotiating costs and driving opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to build relationships with suppliers and cross-functional partners.
• Strong organization and time management to handle multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Excel; familiarity with Access or other databases.

Responsibilities

• Oversee buying and category management for imported wines.
• Execute vendor negotiations and manage supplier relationships to secure best costs and differentiated assortments.
• Monitor and analyze sales, margin, and inventory to drive actionable plans.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Marketing, Promotions, and Store Operations to implement growth programs.
• Support private label development initiatives with suppliers and internal partners.
• Drive process improvements within assigned categories to enhance efficiency.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organization

Time management

Negotiation

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Spanish/Italian language a plus

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field; equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access or database tools

Job description

About the Role

Total Wine & More is seeking a Manager, Import Wine to join our Merchandising team in Bethesda, MD. In this role, you will oversee buying for imported wines with a focus on category and supplier management. You will manage vendor negotiations, own supplier relationships and strategies, and assortment decisions to deliver financial results and an exceptional customer experience. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced buyer to shape categories through strategic sourcing and data-driven decision making while developing open needs, trends, and innovation. This role will collaborate cross-functionally to implement programs that drive growth within these extremely important suppliers and categories. You will report to the Director, Wine. You will Oversee buying and category management for imported categories, ensuring optimal assortments that meet customer preferences and corporate objectives. Execute vendor negotiations and manage supplier relationships to secure best costs, build partnerships, and drive differentiated assortments. Monitor and analyze sales, margin, and inventory performance to develop actionable plans that achieve financial targets. Identify market trends and new product opportunities, recommending assortment enhancements that align with customer demand and business strategy. Manage and oversee new item process; set up, ongoing item maintenance, compliance, and supply chain partnerships Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Marketing, Promotions, and Store Operations to implement programs that drive category growth. Support private label development initiatives, working with suppliers and internal partners to bring products to market. Support the Director of Import Wine Merchandising in executing strategic initiatives and delivering against team goals. Drive process improvements within assigned categories, enhancing operational efficiency and business performance.

You will come with Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field, or equivalent experience, is preferred. 6-8 years experience of buying, merchandising, or vendor management experience, preferably within the wine or alcoholic beverage industry. Strong understanding of category management principles with proven ability to deliver financial results. Advanced analytical skills with ability to interpret sales and margin data to drive decisions. Experience building, managing and revitalizing supplier relationships, including negotiating costs, securing assortment opportunities and driving supplier strategic visions. Effective written and verbal communication skills to build relationships with suppliers and cross-functional partners. Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; knowledge of Microsoft Access or other database tools preferred. Language skills a plus - Spanish, Italian.

We offer

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Generous store discounts
• Health care plans (medical, prescription, dental, vision)
• 401(k), HSA, FSA, Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Disability & life insurance coverage
• Paid parental leave
• College tuition assistance
• Career development & product training
• Consumer classes & More!

Crafted for you

Total Wine & More considers several factors when establishing compensation. Compensation may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, market location, job-related knowledge, skills and/or experience. The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Estimated salaries determined by third parties have not been validated by Total Wine & More.

Total Wine & More is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Total Wine & More makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process.

Total Wine & More is a Drug Free Workplace.

The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications.

Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply.

Worker Type: Regular Pay Range: $101,520.00 - $171,000.00 Annual

The anticipated close date of this posting is 120 days from the posted date indicated above.

Connecting people through joyful experiences!

As America’s largest independent retailer of wine, spirits, beer & more, we’re looking for go-getters who want to spark joy with our customers and communities.

We are excited you’re here and are ready to pop a bottle with your name on it!

As we continue to expand our business and increase the number of Stores and Store Support Centers across the country, we are looking for motivated and talented people to join our team to provide best-in-class service. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are looking for a unique opportunity to develop your career, this may be the place for you!