National Sales Director

Seattle Cider Company has an opening for a National Sales Director (NSD) to join our team in the Seattle area. The NSD is responsible for both distributor management and key account management, delivering the company’s revenue, volume and distribution goals. The NSD will determine pricing strategy and annual sales budget. The NSD is a member of the executive leadership team and manages a team of sales professionals.

Founded in 2013, Seattle Cider Company (SCC) has been a trailblazer in the craft cider industry, reimagining the future of cider with unparalleled quality and creativity. Over the years, we’ve become known for crafting award-winning, distinctively drier ciders, while fostering innovation, building strong community connections, and committing to environmental responsibility. By sourcing local Washington apples, collaborating with local partners, and leading with a vision of sustainability, we strive to build a lasting legacy. At SCC we not only prioritize excellence in cider-making but also champion a culture of growth, respect, and shared success. Join us as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of cider.

Seattle Cider charges all employees with the responsibility to fully participate in all company policy and program initiatives for Product Legality, Product Safety, Product Quality and Product Defense; each employee, no matter their position or job function, serves a key role in contributing to safe, quality product.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Distributor Management

• Manage the relationship and annual strategic planning process with the distributors’ management teams.
• Develop distributor pricing and program strategies that deliver the market goals and maximize the Company’s revenue.
• Manage a number of complex markets and organize time and resources efficiently.
• Establish a consistent distributor communication cadence with all management levels.
• Monitor distributor inventory levels to maintain supply continuity for sustainable sales growth.
• Show fiscal responsibility, staying within predetermined budget limits.
• Work with internal sales & production team to determine pricing strategy, shipping logistics, forecasting, etc.
• Ensure new market and new product launches are rolled-out properly and with diligence to ensure sales goals at met.

Key Account Management

• Identify, build and retain relationships with key retail chains.
• Identify, build and defend key on-premise and venue accounts.
• Work with National Accounts Manager to develop key retail chain presentations.

Administrative Management

• Develop annual Sales department budget and quarterly forecasts in conjunction with the General Manager and Financial Controller.
• Working knowledge of syndicated data reporting: Nielsen, IRI.
• Work with Human Resources to recruit and hire sales team members.
• Conduct Annual Performance Reviews and provide regular feedback to team.
• Conduct regular 1:1 and all team meetings with sales team.
• Collaborate with the leadership team, Marketing and Brand Development teams.

Sales Team Management

• Inform distributor sales teams and train internal sales team on brand objectives, proper story-telling and account management procedures for our brands in national and regional accounts.
• Provide support and training to the sales team to expand their professional sales knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Create territorial goals and individual sales goals to incentivize, motivate and hold sales staff accountable for volume and distribution growth.
• Perform all duties as required in all territories to support the brands, to include ride-alongs, working events, and meeting with sales reps and craft cider specialists to further educate them on our brands.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Ability to travel within the Seattle/Tacoma market at least one (1) day per week and out of state at least four (4) days per month.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and travel by car, plane and other forms of public transportation (including overnight stays).
• Must be 21 years of age or older with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Must be able to lift and carry 27 lbs. on a regular basis and up to 60 lbs. on occasion.

SKILLS

• Self-starter with the motivation to drive business within budgeted resources.
• Strong analytic skills and ability to utilize data to identify new sales opportunities and evaluate results.
• Excellent presentation skills, high energy level, professionalism, trustworthiness and perseverance.
• Strong listening and oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional sales skills including closing skills, motivating others, prospecting skills, sales planning, selling to customer needs, market knowledge, meeting sales goals.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 10 years’ alcohol beverage sales experience is required.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience as a National Sales Director, or similar role is required.
• Previous success growing an alcohol beverage brand.

Please note: The successful candidate must pass a background check and drug screen.