SUMMARY
The primary focus of the California State Director will be working with CLINE’S wholesaler partner in: California. CLINE is going through a generational transformation, and needs a candidate who can be an effective leader, and strategically mange our distributor partners at the VP/GM level, as well as the local account level both on and off-premise. Successful candidates will be high-energy, high-credibility personalities who love to close deals, love working in the wine industry and are proven, trusted relationship builders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Proactively manage distributor network at all levels, including, but not limited to: GMs, Channel VPs, TDMs, pricing and purchasing directors, as well as finance and operations managers.
  • Interface with distributor partners to manage and communicate goals, incentive programs, and implement pricing and support levels.
• Effectively communicate, with field sales team priorities and objectives, and develop continuous individual and team improvement.
• Working independently and with wholesalers’ key account managers and sales representatives “on the street,” driving volume and brand standard execution with each market’s chains and independents in both on and off-premise.
• Develop and execute on-premise regional accounts market by market.
• Collaborate with Cline’s Western Regional Chain Manager to strategically increase distribution, and program support with retail chain accounts.
• Establish frequent cadence with TDM to ensure inventory levels are in alignment with Cline’s market objectives.
• Candidates must be able to produce compelling and creative presentations to help educate our partners on our brands, marketing initiatives, new items, etc.
• A documented track record of success building relationships with key independent and national chain retailers and restaurants is essential.
• Achieve annual depletion, profit & brand standards.
• Communicate with and assist in course correcting our business trends with senior leaders within our distributors. Preference will be given to candidates with existing top-level relationships within SGWS California, team.
• Participate in trade and consumer tastings for our key accounts in the markets
• Conduct all duties in a professional, effective and efficient manner that meets the standards set forth in CLINES’S employment agreement
• Assist to evaluate and execute company pricing parameters from FOB to retail, ensuring we are aligned with wines within our competitive set
• Travel and Expense Reports – must be submitted twice per month on the CLINE Cellars Expense Report and within your allotted T&E budget
• Provide senior management with requested reports including on-going accomplishment recaps, targeted account updates, work-with schedules, etc

QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Supplier Representative preferred or minimum 5 years large wine distributor management experience.
• Have established selling relationships with key chain and independent buyers and distributors in the region.
• Have experience in the On-Premise channel, including key hotel, catering and convention accounts – as well as the ability to present to the highest level of chef and sommelier-managed restaurant wine programs.
• Have a proven track record of achieving sales goals and growing distribution for ultra-premium wine brands like CLINE Family Cellars.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Have excellent presentation, public speaking and computer skills.
• Are proficient in VIP/iDig, Outlook, Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver license and proof of valid automobile insurance.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, bend, twist and squat on occasion.
• Drive for two to three hours at a time.

All applicants must have a valid driver license and proof of valid automobile insurance, and be able to successfully pass Cline Family Cellars’ pre-employment background screening process.

This is a salaried full-time position, with a competitive compensation package that will include an annual bonus opportunity, automobile allowance, company phone and technology plan, matching 401k program upon qualification, and eligibility for company health and wellness benefits upon qualification.

Salary Range: $100,000 – $125,000/year (Depending on Experience)

Cline Family Cellars provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider, or agree to, payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.