Sr Area Sales Manager

Creature Comforts Brewing Company; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Creature Comforts Brewing Company seeks a Sr Area Sales Manager to oversee in-market distribution, manage retailer and distributor relationships, and drive growth across on- and off-premises channels. The role emphasizes strategic execution, program management, and consumer engagement through events and education.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in business/marketing and at least three years in sales leadership within the beverage sector, with strong relationship-building and travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 3+ years in sales, preferably beverage industry.
• Leadership experience or managing people preferred.
• Strong knowledge of on-premises and off-premises sales channels.
• Proven ability to build and manage customer relationships.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet customers and attend events.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid Driver’s License for the performance area.

Responsibilities

• Maintain freshness standards in the market by monitoring inventory and rotating stock.
• Execute in-market programs and promotional activities to drive brand visibility and sales.
• Develop merchandising strategies to maximize shelf space and product placement.
• Manage relationships with retailers and distributors; visit key accounts regularly.
• Drive distribution growth in on-premises and off-premises channels; identify new opportunities.
• Educate consumers about product features and usage; plan tastings and events.
• Represent the company at trade shows and industry events to promote the brand.

Skills

Sales experience

Leadership

Travel readiness

Relationship management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Remote

Job Family: Manager

Reports To: Sr Director of Sales

Exemption: Exempt

Position Purpose:

The Sr Area Sales Manager will be responsible for maintaining freshness standards in the market, executing in-market programs, managing retail and distributor relationships, driving on and off-premises distribution, and engaging with consumers through education and events. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

Maintaining Freshness Standards:

• Ensure product freshness in the market by monitoring inventory levels and rotating stock.
• Work closely with retailers and distributors to adhere to established freshness guidelines.
• Implement strategies to minimize product wastage and ensure timely product replenishment.

In-Market Program Execution and Merchandising:

• Execute in-market programs and promotional activities to drive brand visibility and sales.
• Develop and implement effective merchandising strategies to maximize product placement and shelf space.
• Collaborate with marketing and merchandising teams to ensure consistent and impactful brand representation.

Retail and Distributor Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail partners and distributors.
• Conduct regular visits to key accounts to ensure customer satisfaction and address any issues.
• Negotiate contracts and terms of business with retailers and distributors to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

On and Off-Premises Distribution Gains/Management:

• Drive distribution growth in both on-premises (bars, restaurants) and off-premises (retail stores) channels.
• Identify and pursue new distribution opportunities to expand market presence.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance in different channels and adjust strategies accordingly.

Consumer Education and Engagement/Events:

• Educate consumers about product features, benefits, and usage through various channels.
• Plan and execute consumer engagement events such as tastings, promotions, and festivals.
• Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and other relevant functions to promote the brand.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years in sales, preferably in the beverage industry.
• Experience in a leadership role or managing people, preferred
• Strong knowledge of on-premises and off-premise sales channels.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing customer relationships.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers and attend events.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Valid Driver’s License for the state where work is performed and clean driving record

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Extensive car travel
• Lifting and moving cases (~35 lbs.) and kegs (~165 lbs.) of product
• Demonstrate their ability to climb, kneel, crawl, twist, squat and reach overhead. The position requires frequent, constant standing and walking.

Disclaimer

The job description provided here is intended to outline the general nature and key responsibilities of this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks, duties, and responsibilities that the employee may be required to perform. The employee may be asked to perform other duties as required. Furthermore, the duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time, with or without notice, based on the needs of the organization.