Spirits District Manager-Des Moines Metro

Johnson Brothers; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Bi-weekly pay

Salary position with incentives

Mileage reimbursement

401(k) program

Job summary

Johnson Brothers, a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer based in Des Moines, IA, seeks a District Sales Manager to lead On and Off Premise Spirits Sales Consultants. You will drive sales execution, manage supplier relationships, and ensure operational excellence across the region.

The role emphasizes leadership, people development, business planning, and collaboration with internal teams to maximize brand exposure and account growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 2+ years of sales experience, preferred in the wine or spirits industry.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and/or prior management experience a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with all functional areas and organizational levels.
• Strong organizational, problem solving and negotiation skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. of product.
• Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Must pass criminal background check and MVR.

Responsibilities

• Create and communicate a clear vision for the team and inspire commitment to results.
• Lead change initiatives and foster a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Make sound judgments daily, identifying patterns and solutions in complex situations.
• Manage and develop Sales Consultants to ensure successful execution and service to accounts.
• Provide ongoing field training and coaching to team members, including onboarding and operational systems (e.g., PowerBI, Pocket Advantage, Workday).
• Conduct bi-annual performance reviews and establish accountability standards.
• Recruit, interview, and onboard new talent as needed.
• Cultivate an open, positive team environment and address concerns professionally.
• Develop a list of improvement or growth goals for each Sales Consultant and monitor progress.
• Review sales versus goal progress regularly and address issues immediately.
• Review account sales data to identify trends and reassign underperforming accounts when necessary.
• Direct Sales Consultants to recognize new account openings and opportunities in their areas quickly to create a competitive advantage.
• Enforce the use of an organized master route schedule by the team to ensure frequent and consistent account relationship.
• Spend approximately 80% of time in the market with Sales Consultants and Merchandisers.
• Set monthly sales goals and assist team members in achieving them.
• Ensure execution on new brand depletions, retail placements, and sell-through.
• Build strong relationships with key suppliers and ensure alignment on goals.
• Manage portfolio priorities to maximize exposure and focus for critical suppliers.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to create a winning atmosphere.

Skills

Leadership

Sales Management

Interpersonal Skills

MS Office

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

PowerBI

Workday

Pocket Advantage

Job description

Looking for a rewarding career?

Johnson Brothers is a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, delivering exceptional service since 1953. We proudly represent the world’s top beverage brands and are committed to excellence, innovation, and growth. Johnson Brothers offers exciting opportunities in a variety of areas. Join our passionate team and help shape the future of the liquor industry!

We are searching for a high-energy and motivated District Sales Manager to lead and develop a team of On and Off Premise Spirits Sales Consultants. This role is responsible for driving sales execution, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring operational excellence across the designated region. Leadership, people development, business planning, and supplier management are key elements of this position.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Create and communicate a clear vision for the team and inspire commitment to achieve results.
• Lead change initiatives and foster a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Make sound judgments daily, identifying patterns and solutions in complex situations.

People Management & Development

• Manage and develop Sales Consultants to ensure successful execution and service to accounts.
• Provide ongoing field training and coaching to team members, including onboarding and operational systems (e.g., PowerBI, Pocket Advantage, Workday).
• Conduct bi-annual performance reviews and establish accountability standards.
• Recruit, interview, and onboard new talent as needed.
• Cultivate an open, positive team environment and address concerns professionally.

Business Planning & Monitoring

• Develop a list of improvement or growth goals for each Sales Consultant and monitor progress.
• Review sales versus goal progress regularly and address issues immediately.
• Review account sales data to identify trends and reassign underperforming accounts when necessary.
• Direct Sales Consultants to recognize new account openings and opportunities in their areas quickly to create a competitive advantage.
• Enforce the use of an organized master route schedule by the team to ensure frequent and consistent account relationship.

Sales Planning, Execution & Monitoring

• Spend approximately 80% of time in the market with Sales Consultants and Merchandisers.
• Set monthly sales goals and assist team members in achieving them.
• Ensure execution on new brand depletions, retail placements, and sell-through.

Supplier Management

• Build strong relationships with key suppliers and ensure alignment on goals.
• Manage portfolio priorities to maximize exposure and focus for critical suppliers.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to create a winning atmosphere.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 2+ years of sales experience, preferred in the wine or spirits industry.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and/or prior management experience a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with all functional areas and organizational levels.
• Strong organizational, problem solving and negotiation skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. of product.
• Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Must pass criminal background check and MVR.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Bi-weekly pay
• Salary position with eligibility for incentives
• Mileage reimbursement
• 401(k) program

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time