At arenaflex, we are a leading player in the wine industry, dedicated to delivering exceptional products and services to our customers. As a Customer Development Manager, you will play a vital role in driving our growth and expansion within the retail channel. If you are a seasoned professional with a passion for sales, marketing, and customer relationships, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
**Job Summary:**
As a Customer Development Manager at arenaflex, you will be responsible for leading and directing a group of strategically important accounts within a defined geography. Your primary focus will be on implementing and executing strategic sales initiatives to increase our brands' growth and exposure within the retail channel. You will work closely with our Consumer & Strategic Insights team to analyze retailer and market-level Syndicated Data, communicate current trends to retail buyers, and develop strategies to drive incremental programming and ad support.
**Key Responsibilities:**
* Lead and direct a group of strategically important accounts within a defined geography
* Implement and execute strategic sales initiatives to increase our brands' growth and exposure within the retail channel
* Lead the account planning and forecast processes for the defined set of accounts with the goal of obtaining business plan and performance objectives
* Manage direct sales calls on retail accounts to develop long-term working relationships with wine buyers and key wholesalers
* Directly responsible for managing and selling all brands within the arenaflex portfolio
* Collaborate with the Consumer & Strategic Insights team to analyze retailer and market-level Syndicated Data and communicate current trends to retail buyers
* Recommend and implement strategies that help drive incremental programming and ad support through the use of marketing initiatives and Syndicated Data insights
* Manage assortment in retail accounts by facilitating the new item process, including distribution of new items, expansion of current items, and underperforming/at-risk items
* Develop and implement shelf recommendations with assistance from internal and wholesaler category management teams on shelf schematics in store, including cold box placements, shelf location, and additional facings
* Proactively communicate business issues and opportunities to arenaflex & Transcendent regional sales teams, including programming wins and losses, along with distribution gains and losses, to assist in the forecasting process
* Collaborate with the Trade Marketing Manager to develop and recommend incremental programs within retail accounts
* Work cross-functionally with Finance and Consumer & Strategic Insights teams to evaluate the effectiveness of trade spend at retail accounts
* Submit required reports and expenses in a timely manner, meeting all prescribed deadlines
* Responsible for managing activities in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations
**Requirements:**
* Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Business Administration, Sales and Marketing, or a related field required
* 5+ years of wine supplier and/or wholesaler experience in selling wine, building brands, and conducting customer calls
* Excellent planning and organizational skills
* Intermediate to advanced skillset with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
* Ability to navigate the Internet/Intranet and use Syndicated Data for effective business development
* In-depth working knowledge of wine and the wine industry
* Strong communicator and negotiator
* Ability to work independently and build relationships
* Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and vehicle required with an acceptable driving record
**Benefits:**
* Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with arenaflex covering nearly the entire cost for employees and a large percentage for dependents
* Life, disability, and flexible spending accounts
* 401(k) with a generous company match
* Discretionary profit sharing
* Paid time off (PTO)
* Paid holidays
* Wine & merchandise discounts
* Tuition reimbursement
* Gym discounts
**Why Join arenaflex?**
At arenaflex, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters growth and development. Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional products and services to our customers, and we are committed to making a positive impact in the wine industry. As a Customer Development Manager, you will have the opportunity to work with a talented team, develop your skills and expertise, and contribute to the success of our company.
**How to Apply:**
If you are a motivated and experienced professional with a passion for sales, marketing, and customer relationships, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience. We look forward to hearing from you!