What are the responsibilities and job description for the Brand Manager - Regal Division - RNDC IL position at Heritage Wine Cellars?
RNDC is one of the leading independently owned Wine and Spirits distribution and import companies
in the country. We are Illinois’ premier (independently owned) distributor of wine and spirits dedicated to delivering unparalleled service to our customers and suppliers. We are a performance driven company; Our success is the result of an extremely dedicated and hardworking team. We are a company made up of can-do individuals who understand the mission of the company and assure success by their commitment to the goals of our organization. We proudly continue to share our founders driving desire to share our passion with everybody we can touch from any aspect of the business. “With great passion and integrity we strive to exceed the expectations of our customers and suppliers.”
Job Summary
The Brand Manager, a supplier subject matter expert, is responsible for managing all aspects of the business of selected portfolios and supplier communication to result in positive relationships and growth. This position works closely with Operations, Sales Management, and Finance to meet the needs of RNDC Illinois' supplier partners and to ensure the company attains their volume goals and executes set objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for programming including focus within the portfolio, annual calendar, incentives, tools management (POS, sell sheets, marketing support materials etc.) and market work (supplier as well as PM customer contact).
- Work closely with Sales Analysts regarding all pricing, new item set up, incentives, goals and the supplier market work calendar
- Key management of all portfolio financial management in terms of pricing, gross margins and supplier account receivables
- Partner with Purchasing on forecasting, inventory and ETA/OOS.
- Operate as a team member with all of Sales Management teams including goals, supplier Initiatives, key communications, GSM program tools, updates, education, trends and market conditions (sources include IRI/Nielsen, U.S. industry, local/customer, etc.).
- Maintain a relevant inventory of point of sale (POS) materials by working with suppliers to determine types and quantities of POS that should be ordered, when necessary. Additionally, assist in the design of any custom POS and work closely with sales management to dispose of aged POS.
- Modify annual plans as necessary by continually evaluating opportunities.
- Maintain and grow gross profits for the company by negotiating price supports, validating internal depletion allowances, and managing budgets for the year.
- Where applicable, administer and validate pricing for publications and communicate current and available pricing to the sales force.
- Ensure achievement of the supplier plan by translating the plan into sales goals, by helping to define target accounts and communicating goals to sales management.
- Participate in planning and preparation of the General Sales Meetings by translating the brands’ features and benefits into sell sheets, concept sells and other selling materials. Also, attend and present brand initiatives and marketing strategies.
- Coordinate supplier meetings, ride-withs, winery visits, blitzes and target account spend activity. Share data as needed with suppliers by communicating with all sales management as well as managing workflow and calendars.
- Coordinate with our Supplier Marketing Departments to create and distribute supplier specific newsletters and videos, by collecting and recapping best practices and program results.
- Develop and participate in the delivery of supplier business reviews and monthly supplier communication meetings by preparing content and working with senior management to codify information.
- As appropriate, manage supplier allocated products by working with necessary departments to administer the set-up and release of these allocations to approved accounts.
- Help guide supplier decision-making by employing strong comprehension of competitive landscape and market dynamics.
- Maintain market and sales understanding by conducting sales work-withs on a regular basis as prescribed by management.
- Maintain professional and industry knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.
- Maintain customer confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
- Oversee negotiation with suppliers and communicate the outcome to the Sales Department
- Work with the supplier partnerships on Key Initiatives and Program Tools.
Minimum Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/experience.
- 5 years in sales/marketing or industry related experience. Preference given to those with supplier/portfolio management experience.
Competencies, Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of the Wine & Spirits industry and supplier management.
- Knowledge of what marketing & selling programs/tools are most effective for a sales team.
- Ability to effectively communicate with suppliers to garner proper market support.
- Strong presentation skills in various meeting sizes are critical.
- Strong Microsoft Excel computer skills (formulas, calculations, VLOOKUP, formatting, etc.) along with advanced Word and PowerPoint capabilities required.
- Ability to work well independently yet in the context of team environment.
- Possession of excellent listening skills, open mindedness, and the patience to focus on continuous improvement.
- Ability to demonstrate high levels of organization, multi-tasking, and prioritization of duties to attain deadlines.
- Ability to master our operating systems as it pertains to specific job responsibilities.
- Must maintain stable performance under pressure or opposition (such as time pressure or job ambiguity) and handle stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, good driving record and reliable transportation.
- Ability to negotiate effectively
- Budgeting, forecasting, and accounting skills required.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
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. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to drive; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to occasionally lift and carry cases up to 40 pounds. The employee is required to stand; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
- Full-Time, Exempt
- Monday through Friday, occasional evenings and weekends
Travel
- Must be able to travel as required
The salary range generally starts at 75,000 and ends at 125,000 with the potential for monthly auto allowance. After meeting eligibility requirements, employees will be eligible for medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance benefits as well as participation in the company’s 401 (k) program with an employer match. The salary is an estimate based on an applicant’s skills and experience. This compensation information is a good faith estimate and provided in accordance with Illinois' state law. Similar positions located outside of this jurisdiction may not necessarily receive the same compensation. We anticipate accepting applications through April 25, 2025.
We are an Equal Opportunity employer.
