Branch Manager

Position Summary

The Branch Manager is responsible for the leadership and supervision of a regional division including sales, operations and facilities and the accomplishment of forecasted sales goals and objectives. Works directly with sales managers, representatives and retailers to grow sales, and expand product placement in on- or off-premise channels in assigned territories.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Secures and expands distribution in assigned trade channel by setting benchmarks and calling on accounts both independently and with Area Sales Managers and/or sales representatives; Makes field sales calls on key top customer accounts to ensure close-working relationships with managers and buyers.
• Coaches, trains, develops and motivates sales leaders and teams to achieve monthly priorities, quarterly revenue goals, and distribution and feature/promotion goals.
• Reviews monthly on- or off-premise priorities and objectives to identify opportunities, underperforming accounts or potential loss of sales within an account.
• Collaborates with brand managers to create local brand programs; executes brand sales and promotional plans.
• Participates in key supplier planning meetings; works with supplier representatives and directs attainment of achieving supplier goals.
• Interacts with our key suppliers regarding sales incentives, distribution goals and sales standards.
• Provides consistent and regular communication with external and internal stakeholders including sales leaders, sales teams, suppliers, and other internal departments.
• Monitors and works within assigned sales and internal budgets.
• Collaborates with VP, Sales & Marketing and brand team to establish and monitor annual forecasts and budgets.
• Understands competitive landscape and products, competitive sets, go-to market strengths, pricing, and overall knowledge of competitive environment and industry trends.
• Executes product pricing direction working with Areas Sales Managers and sales teams. Monitors competitive pricing in the trade and escalates to stakeholders.
• Reviews and communicates monthly promotions including incentives and merchandising with sales teams.
• Manages and allocates point-of-sales materials to be utilized in merchandising programs.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of sales compensation plans and communicates plans with Area Sales Managers and sales teams.
• Develops and participates in special events and promotions targeted toward various market segments.
• Follows up on all customer complaints in close coordination with the VP Sales to ensure problems are solved and to prevent reoccurrence.
• Provides on-the-job training in selling skills, product rotation, merchandising, customer service, personal appearance, and other common affiliated skills.
• Implements incentive programs in coordination with the VP Sales and brand management
• Works on special projects assigned by management.
• Maintains professional and industry knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviews industry and professional publications; establishes personal networks and participates in industry events.
• Identifies opportunities for sales process improvement and facilitates an organization of continuous process improvement.
• Sells, budgets, negotiates, and oversees the execution of special events & draft sales.
• Assists Chain Manager with headquarter accounts calls.
• Assess the execution of chain stores following a features advertisement to ensure displays and appropriate POS are properly positioned, as needed.
• Oversees category management department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• • Attention to detail
  • Good planning and organizational skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Polished presentation skills
  • Advanced computer knowledge & skills
  • Proficient in the use and reporting of eoStar, route accounting software program, and other industry applications
  • Ability to direct and manage multiple priorities
  • Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques
  • Able to handle complexity and change on-the-go
  • Results driven, energetic and proactive
  • Ability to coach, train, motivate, influence.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams of people
  • Analytical skills and strategic vision
  • Ability to handle adversity and pressure
  • Knowledge of sales methodologies, techniques and tactics
  • Professional composure
  • Strong collaborations skills, demonstrated ability to balance the competing needs of various stakeholders
  • Ability to make decisions timely with appropriate amount of information available
  • Negotiation Skills
  • Maintains expert level knowledge of product portfolio and promotions
  • Knowledge of supplier quality assurance standards
  • Knowledge of supplier marketing guidelines and appropriate use of brands in displays and partnerships
  • Familiarity with key state and federal regulations governing alcohol distribution services such as legal drinking age, licensing, use of free goods and outdated product replacement.
  Knowledgeable about assigned market; 1 years' experience working in assigned market (preferred)

Qualifications

• • Bachelor's degree in marketing or related field or equivalent experience is required
  • On- and Off-Premise sales experience is required
  • Experience in the Consumer Product Goods (CPG) industry is required
  • Two years of sales management experience preferred
  • Five years of relevant sales experience preferred
  • Industry professional certifications preferred
  • Understanding of category management preferred
  • Knowledge of operations and facilities management is preferred.
  • A valid driver's license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation
  • Ability to acquire and maintain necessary liquor sales persons permit
  • Ability to travel and stay overnight for business meetings and related activities
  • May need to work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 40 pounds on a regular basis
• Ability to crouch reach and grasp
• Ability to sit in car for extended periods.