Brand Manager

Join the Frank Beverage Group Family of Companies! Frank Beverage Group is a family-owned and operated beer, wine and spirits distributor who stands for quality, excellence & a classic yet transformational brand that our customers can count on year after year. We hire exceptional people who will lead & make learning part of their own career journey. From distribution to marketing, from sales to service, inspiration can be found in many of our career positions.

Frank Beverage Group offers a great working environment & benefit programs to full time employees:

• Great work and social environment
• Paid Time-Off
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• 401k Savings Plan
• Company Paid Life, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Benefits
• And more!

We are now hiring a Brand Manager. The Brand Manager is responsible for developing brand strategies with their assigned supplier(s) by promoting brand growth and expansion. This position works to establish and maintain strong relationships with the supplier(s) to achieve company and supplier sales objectives and also works closely with the sales team to implement goals and programs.

Responsibilities:

1. Acts as primary contact for an assigned group of suppliers. Develops relationships with supplier representatives and provides consistent updates on goals and programs.
2. Collaborates with suppliers and sales leadership to develop, cultivate and implement go-to-market strategies.
3. Develops and executes supplier brand programs including establishing pricing strategy and incentives.
4. May (business unit specific) forecast, assist in forecasting, verify, or review forecasts for item sales, key products and/or suppliers.
5. Executes brand standards and marketing plans, creates local brand programs, and evaluates retail pricing and profitability for the company and retail accounts.
6. Works with pricing coordinators to optimize revenue and profit margin.
7. Works with supplier and sales leadership to establish supplier marketing budgets. Allocates funds and monitors budget spend.
8. Establishes, builds and maintains relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including key retailers and suppliers.
9. Secures and expands distribution in assigned territory by setting benchmarks and calling on accounts both independently, and also with sales managers and sales representatives; includes responsibility for monitoring brand plans and execution at retail.
10. Strategically partners with suppliers to enhance the company's long-term brand equities.
11. Works with suppliers to establish priorities and identify opportunities to grow distribution and revenue.
12. Spends up to 20% of time in market with sales and suppliers, acting as brand ambassador, facilitating supplier and sales ride-alongs, coordinating supplier crew drives, establishing relationships with key customers, evaluating sales execution, and work-withs with Brand Management Director.
13. Achieves supplier annual business plan goals and expectations, monthly sales goals, quarterly revenue goals, and distribution and feature/promotion goals.
14. Identifies and monitors brands for code date issues; works with sales managers to create plans to move all products through retail accounts.
15. Maintains knowledge of the brand portfolio and promotions.
16. Conducts brand presentations in sales meetings; actively participates in meetings with sales managers and sales representatives.
17. Develops and manages supplier and internal sales budgets.
18. Orders point-of-sale materials for programs; communicates availability and approves point-of-sales material requests. Coordinates with marketing and sign department to create and execute up-to-date promotional programs.
19. Conducts product training and tastings for retail staff, as needed.
20. Recruits and develops relationships with potential new suppliers.
21. Maintains expert level knowledge of product portfolio and promotions.
22. May participate in contract negotiations with new suppliers and brand extensions with existing suppliers.
23. Analyzes market trends and sales performance to identify growth opportunities.
24. Works on special projects assigned by management.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

1. Attention to detail.
2. Good planning and organizational skills.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
4. Polished sales and presentation skills.
5. Strong informal and formal presentation skills.
6. Proficient in the use and reporting of eoStar, route accounting software program and other industry applications.
7. Ability to direct and manage multiple priorities.
8. Knowledge of business and management principles and leadership techniques.
9. Able to handle change on-the-go.
10. Results driven, energetic and proactive.
11. Ability to coach, train, motivate, influence. Demonstrated ability to develop and lead a team of people.
12. Analytical skills.
13. Ability to handle adversity and pressure.
14. Knowledge of sales techniques and tactics including required steps of a sales call - PROFIT.
15. Professional composure.
16. Adaptability and ability to assist a variety of internal customer groups and varying personality types on a daily basis; ability to work with challenging customers internally & externally.
17. Strong collaboration skills and demonstrated ability to balance the competing needs of various stakeholders.
18. Ability to make decisions in a timely manner with appropriate amount of information available.Deep understanding of pricing and promotions and able to calculate costs and pricing to ensure costs and profitability.
19. Knowledgeable of key state and federal regulations governing alcohol distribution services such as legal drinking age, licensing, use of free goods and outdated product replacement.
20. Knowledge of supplier marketing guidelines and appropriate use of brands in displays and partnerships.
21. Knowledge of supplier quality assurance standards.
22. Maintains expert level knowledge of product portfolio and promotions.
23. Negotiation Skills.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in marketing or related field or equivalent experience is required.
2. 3 years of on- or off-premise experience and previous sales experience within the beverage industry preferred.
3. Experience in the Consumer Product Goods (CPG) industry is preferred.
4. Brand management and or management experience preferred.
5. Industry professional certifications preferred.
6. A valid driver's license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation.
7. Ability to acquire and maintain necessary liquor salespersons permit.
8. May need to work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary.
9. Ability to travel and stay overnight for business meetings and related activities.

Physical Requirements:

1. Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 40 pounds on a regular basis and up to 160 pounds on an occasional basis.
2. Ability to crouch reach and grasp.
3. Ability to sit in car for extended periods.
4. For a full list of physical requirements, see list of essential functions.

We offer a professional, safe and friendly work environment as well as a comprehensive benefits package and competitive pay structure.

Frank Beverage Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer.