State Manager - Wine & Spirits

Cooperidge Consulting Firm; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company matching

Paid time off including vacation and sick leave

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

A beverage consulting firm is seeking a State Manager - Wine & Spirits in Columbus, Ohio. This role involves leading operations for a global brand, managing relationships with wholesalers, and executing strategic sales plans. Ideal candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in the Beverage Alcohol industry and reside in Ohio. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) or more years of experience in the Beverage Alcohol industry is REQUIRED.
• Candidates must reside in or near Columbus, Ohio.
• Existing relationships with Ohio wholesaler management are highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain high-level relationships with wholesaler personnel.
• Manage the full state brand portfolio; monitor inventory to prevent out-of-stocks.
• Collaborate with Regional Sales Manager to develop annual sales plans.
• Implement creative consumer activation programs in the field.
• Survey the Ohio market to verify brand requirements are met.
• Directly call on key accounts to secure new distribution.
• Planning & reporting: participate in high-level planning meetings and provide field insights for POS and programming.

Skills

Commercial Acumen

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Operational Excellence

Relationship Management

Microsoft Office

Education

Minimum 5 years in Beverage Alcohol industry

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Cooperidge Consulting Firm is seeking a State Manager - Wine & Spirits for a dynamic, family-run global brand owner to lead operations across the Ohio market.

This is a high-visibility, commercially focused role designed for an entrepreneurial sales leader who excels as an individual contributor. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the brand portfolio in Ohio, from managing wholesaler "share of mind" to executing complex pricing structures across on- and off-premise channels. The State Manager acts as the face of five distinctive premium labels, ensuring that annual sales plans are translated into field-level reality through aggressive key account activation and meticulous inventory oversight.

Job Responsibilities

• Wholesaler Management: Build and maintain high-level relationships with wholesaler personnel to drive quota rotation and ensure our portfolio remains a top priority
• Portfolio Strategy: Manage the full state brand portfolio; monitor depletions and SKU-level inventory to proactively prevent out-of-stocks and plan for volume growth
• Sales Execution: Collaborate with the Regional Sales Manager to develop annual sales plans and manage the state-wide commercial budget
• Field Activation: Implement creative consumer activation programs and ensure the correct deployment of Point-of-Sale (POS) and marketing assets in the field
• Market Auditing: Survey the Ohio market regularly to verify that distribution, pricing, shelf standards, menus, and advertising meet global brand requirements
• Key Account Negotiation: Directly call on and activate strategic key accounts, utilizing expert negotiation skills to secure new distribution and menu placements
• Planning & Reporting: Participate in high-level company and wholesaler planning meetings, providing field-level insights to shape future POS and programming development

Education & Experience

• Minimum of five (5) or more years of experience in the Beverage Alcohol industry is REQUIRED
• Mandatory Residency: Candidates must reside in or near Columbus, Ohio
• Proven track record in planning and executing pricing, programming, and promotions
• Existing relationships with Ohio wholesaler management are highly preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Commercial Acumen: Strong knowledge of wholesaler operations and how to drive "share of mind" within a distributor's network
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Self-starting, objective-oriented professional comfortable with minimal supervision
• Operational Excellence: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with a strong handle on budget management
• Mobility: Valid driver's license and the ability to travel 4-5 days per week across the Ohio territory

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans
• Life insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement