Multicultural Account Manager

Empire Merchants North; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plan options (medical, dental,

401K

PTO / vacation accrual

Flexible Spending Account

Industry certifications (WSET)

Job summary

Empire Merchants North, Upstate New York's premier wine and spirits distributor, seeks a Multicultural Account Manager to drive Moet Hennessy brands in our Freedom Division. This role is primarily Buffalo-based with occasional Rochester work, focusing on account planning, relationship management, and brand execution.

The position requires 2+ years in sales, wine knowledge, strong communication, and solid MS Office skills. WSET 2 is a plus; travel within NYS is expected as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or equivalent training/experience.
• Need to hold a Solicitor’s Permit; valid driver’s license preferred.
• WSET 2 certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maximize sales and marketing of supplier brands to target accounts.
• Maintain and grow Buffalo and Rochester key accounts; present plans and products.
• Create custom POS with in-house graphics team.
• Train and inform account staff on brands and trends.
• Support events and promotions to boost brand visibility.

Skills

Wine & spirits knowledge

Relationship building

MS Office proficiency

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Multi-tasking

Education

High School diploma

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Solicitor’s Permit

WSET 2

Tools

MS Office

Presentation software

Job description

Empire Merchants North is the premier wine and spirits distributor in Upstate New York with roots going back to the end of Prohibition. With more than 600 dedicated employees and state-of-the-art facilities, Empire Merchants North has become synonymous with both service and quality and has earned the loyalty of more than 9,000 area restaurants, bars, hotels, nightclubs, and retail outlets. Empire Merchants North acts as a marketing agent for the brands that we represent and is proud to employ the most knowledgeable and well-equipped sales force in Upstate New York.

Empire Merchants North is seeking a motivated, relationship-focused Multicultural Account Manager to represent Moet Hennessy in our Freedom Division. This role is primarily based in the Buffalo market, with select accounts in Rochester.

Essential Position Results

• Responsible for maximizing the sales and marketing of supplier brands to a targeted account base through effective planning, selling, merchandising and communication that permits achievement of company and supplier objectives.
• Maintains on and off premise key accounts in the Buffalo and Rochester markets, by effectively communicating marketing plans, maintaining relationships with buyers and staff, presenting new products, merchandising, activations, and conducting business reviews as prescribed by management.
• Produces custom point of sale by working with in house graphic department.
• Determines specific needs of individual accounts by analyzing accounts and surveying for opportunities.
• Establishes merchandising objectives relative to brand priority for each account by understanding company priorities and defining POS needs to the supplier.
• Supports sales representatives as training and information resource by presenting and sharing account trends and brand knowledge.
• Prepares and delivers professional sales presentations to customers by balancing the company’s priorities and customers’ needs to include selling new products, shelf placements, displays, and advertising support (digital and print where applicable).
• Obtains appropriate distribution of supplier brands throughout account base by presenting and selling based on the brands’ features and benefits.
• Understands company pricing and product programming information monthly by reviewing and maintaining accurate and up to date records.
• Understand competitive pricing and product programming by reviewing pricing schedules and surveying accounts.
• Ensures maximum brand visibility within accounts by maintaining account standards as determined by management and using effective and current point of sale materials when appropriate.
• Educates account staff on priority brands by administering instructional staff training seminars.
• Assists event marketing manager by helping to organize and execute events and brand promotions to maximize brand visibility.
• Completes all necessary training programs by attending, participating, and passing all required tests as defined by management. (e.g., SALES SKILLS FUNDAMENTALS, FOCUS MARKETING, SFA).
• Maintains professional relationships with all suppliers by participating in effective supplier work with sales calls.
• Maintains professional and industry knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks.
• Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Travel Requirements

• Some occasional overnight Travel less within NYS to cover assigned accounts and supplier sponsored meetings and trips.

Compensation & Benefits

Empire Merchants North offers a competitive compensation package including:

• Salary: $70,000 - $80,000, annual bonus potential
• Paid Holidays, Health Plan options (medical, dental, disability coverage, life insurance, and other voluntary plans), 401K, PTO, vacation accrual, Flexible Spending Account, industry certifications (WSET), and more.
• The company will evaluate a specific candidate's education, skills and experience when making an offer.

Qualifications

Education, Certifications, and/or licenses:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or equivalent training and work experience.
• Ability to hold a Solicitor’s Permit required.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle preferred.
• WSET 2

Experience

A minimum of two years’ experience in sales or industry-related experience is required.

Knowledge/Skills

• A sound understanding of wine and spirits is required.
• Strong computer, customer service, and interpersonal skills required.
• Results oriented professional with excellent verbal/written communication skills; uses diplomacy and discretion.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently and/or within a team, pay attention to detail and meet deadlines.
• Proficient PC skills using MS Office and other various computer programs including presentation software.
• Familiarity with assigned territory is a plus.

Empire Merchants North is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, affirms in policy and practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote, in all job classifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Empire Merchants North will not discriminate against persons because of their disability, including disabled veterans, and will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees and applicants with disabilities. If you are interested in applying and require special assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact our Human Resources department at 800-724-3960.

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