Market Activation Manager

Strategic Group; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Strategic Group is seeking a Market Activation Manager to drive in-market growth for a new wine brand in Boston, MA. You will manage key accounts across on- and off-premise channels, build brand visibility, strengthen distributor alignment, and execute activation strategies that boost trial and sales.

The role requires strong local market knowledge, category expertise, and the ability to balance sales, marketing, and regulatory compliance in the beverage alcohol industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 3 years in winery marketing, sales, or distributor sales.
• Bachelor’s Degree + 3 years in Spirits, Brand Sales, Hospitality, Culinary, Mixology or related fields.
• High School Diploma + 7 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage key on- and off-premise account relationships.
• Execute brand activations, tastings, and trade initiatives.
• Partner with distributor sales teams to drive placements and visibility.
• Maintain knowledge of competitive landscape and category trends.
• Support POS placements and brand storytelling initiatives.
• Manage territory reporting, KPI tracking, and budget accountability.
• Ensure compliance with state and local beverage alcohol laws.
• Serve as the local brand expert within the Boston market.

Skills

Market knowledge

Distributor relationships

Time management

Remote work capable

Programming opportunities

Fast-paced environment

Beverage regulatory compliance

Budget management

Lifting 50 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s Degree + 3 years marketing/sales or distributor sales experience

Bachelor’s Degree + 3 years in Spirits/Brand Sales/Hospitality or related fields

High School Diploma + 7 years related experience

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Strategic Group is a full-scale marketing agency specializing in experiential programming and sales support initiatives. For more than two decades, we’ve built a reputation for creating meaningful connections between brands, retail customers, and hard-to-reach consumers through innovative, insightdriven activations.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Market Activation Manager serves as the in-market growth driver for Gallo’s new innovation wine brand in Boston, MA, managing key accounts across both on- and off-premise channels. This role is responsible for building brand visibility, strengthening distributor alignment, developing key account relationships, and executing activation strategies that drive trial and sales performance.

The ideal candidate possesses strong local market knowledge, category expertise, experience navigating distributor partnerships, and the ability to balance sales, marketing, and compliance within the beverage alcohol industry.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The Market Activation Manager is responsible for strategic oversight, market growth, and relationship building. Core responsibilities include:

• Develop and manage key on- and off-premise account relationships.
• Execute brand activations, tastings, and trade initiatives.
• Partner closely with distributor sales teams to drive placements and visibility.
• Maintain knowledge of competitive landscape and category trends.
• Support POS placements and brand storytelling initiatives.
• Manage territory reporting, KPI tracking, and budget accountability.
• Ensure compliance with state and local beverage alcohol laws.
• Serve as the local brand expert within the Boston market.

REQUIREMENTS

Exhibits Intrapreneurship and Ownership Behaviors:

• Intrapreneurship involves thinking boldly, learning from mistakes, showing initiative, and encouraging innovation within an established company.
• Ownership reflects setting high expectations, driving candid discussion, and holding oneself and others accountable for results.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 3 years of Gallo winery marketing, sales, or distributor sales experience OR Bachelor’s Degree plus 3 years of relevant Spirits, Brand Sales, Hospitality, Culinary, Mixology, Supplier/Wholesaler, Agency Ambassador, or Tasting Room experience OR High School Diploma plus 7 years of relevant experience in the above fields.
• Strong understanding of the local market, key accounts, and trade dynamics within the beverage alcohol industry.
• Experience managing distributor relationships.
• Strong time management skills, and ability to manage a budget effectively.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work efficiently remotely.
• Creative abilities to develop programming opportunities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, dynamic environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of adult beverage practices and regulatory compliance.
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and a reliable vehicle. Must pass an MVR check and obtain any required state driver’s license within 30 days of hire.
• Must be 21 years of age or older and able to obtain any required local or state liquor license.
• Proficiency in the entire Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook)
• Demonstrated passion and curiosity for wine/spirits, with a strong depth of product knowledge.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to lift at least 50lbs and stand for long periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more recognized wine/spirits certifications (e.g., WSET Level 1 & 2, Sommelier, or equivalent).
• Analytical and strategic planning capabilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with operational discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to write reports, correspondence, and press releases, and to present to varied audiences with ease.
• Analytical ability to interpret data, calculate figures and percentages, and solve practical problems with minimal standardization.
• Existing distributor, on premise, or retail account relationships are a plus.
• Experience representing premium wine or spirits brands.
• Established network in the Boston beverage industry.
• Strong presentation and relationship‑building skills.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP AND EVALUATION

Reports directly to and is evaluated by SG’s Regional Manager of Emerging Brands. The above description is intended to Market Activation Manager. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements, nor should it be construed as creating a contract of employment, which is terminable by the employee or Strategic Group at any time for any reason.