sales representative
Ohio Sales Director
We connect the right wine to the right people.
Here at Vanguard Wines, we believe in the hard work and collaborative efforts it takes to share each wine and spirits' experience with our customers. We value our relationships with each person we come in contact with — especially those on our team. Whether we're prospecting a new account or revisiting an existing one, we approach our responsibility with a sense of eagerness and passion for what we do.
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And most importantly, we're a company where you know you can count on your team for support.
Why work here?
Working for a small company sure does have its perks. With less than 50 employees, we value a close-knit, family atmosphere, even with those who are working outside of our headquarters — our teamwork stretches across the three states we operate in: Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. We can proudly promise a career full of collaboration, passion, and continual development. ​
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Here at Vanguard Wines, we stand tall in what sets us apart.
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High-quality portfolio of independently-owned wines: Our fine wine portfolio exemplifies farmer-producer quality from the vineyard to the bottle. Each case is stored and delivered under strict temperature control to bring out the very best in the glass.
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Unparalleled expertise and collaboration: We prioritize wine education through frequent visits to global wine regions, building authentic relationships with producers, and maintaining genuine curiosity. We enjoy sharing trends and learnings to help create memorable experiences with our team and our partners.
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Add value: During our wine selection process, we take the time and consideration to hand-select each and every wine we take on. It's only right that we give the same energy to our team, to help prepare each member not only for success, but for personal and professional growth.
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The Sales Director Role
Vanguard Wines is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and determined Sales Director with a passion for imported fine wines and artisanal spirits to lead our Ohio Sales team. Our ideal team member will value our culture and believe in our process of creating a sense of urgency by building an energetic and engaging team culture. This person should be wine-curious, have a history of managing and leading, and should be able to come prepared to hit the ground running with a team of varying ability and expertise.
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This job may be a particularly great opportunity for a job seeker in the food & beverage industry, bar managers, or distributor sales representatives looking to elevate their career and expand their industry experience. We are looking for a passionate industry professional who is ready to grow with the company.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Adhere to the Company's values, philosophies, and processes
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Provide context for building routes, daily account planning, inventory tracking, sampling, etc.
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Coach, mentor, and motivate a team of 8-10 Sales Representatives of varying experience
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Train new and existing team members to the Vanguard Wines process
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Step in quickly to course correct a deviation from the Vanguard Wines process
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Coach to pivot when necessary
Implement company strategy
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Set team’s monthly budgets to be achievable
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Hold team accountable to the Company Strategic Plan
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Own monthly Sales Team meetings
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Work with the Brand Manager to coordinate rides with/market work
Maintain close contact with the Sales team
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Conduct daily huddles/afternoon touch-bases
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Lead weekly team accountability meetings
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Frequently check in with Sales Representatives
Train new reps and provide continuous learning for existing team
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Facilitate immersive training and onboarding program
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Refine and improve sales presentations
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Determine current situational assessment by meeting Sales Representatives where they are and implement a plan accordingly to develop individuals to the Vanguard Way
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Develop training curriculum
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Be customer-facing
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Coverage of open territories/vacation routes
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Visit accounts 2-3 days per week
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Develop relationships with top accounts
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Be available to assist with consumer tastings
What you'll have
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You have experience leading small teams to success
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You have industry experience in inside or outside sales, merchandising, etc. and are looking to leverage and further your career and network
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You have an outgoing personality
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You can meet a supervisee where they are and adjust your leadership style to their individual needs for individual tasks
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You are well-versed in Google applications
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You have experience in NetSuite or other Oracle-based ERP systems
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You have strong time-management and people skills, flexibility, and the ability to multitask
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You are entrepreneurially-minded and see yourself as being an owner of your role
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You love the challenge and hunt of prospecting new business
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You consider yourself to be a self-starter who works with precision and urgency
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You will be a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) (Preferred)
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You will be willing to travel (75%) (Required)
What you'll receive
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Medical, dental, vision insurance benefits
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401(k) program with company match
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Excellent health, vision, and dental benefits
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Opportunity to travel to wine regions
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Opportunity to work in an exciting industry
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Eligibility for our Employee Referral Program
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Competitive pay
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Close collaboration in a fun, friendly environment with people who are actually excited to show up and get the job done
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Company socials
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Employee discounts
Why is this role important to our work?
As the Ohio Sales Director for Vanguard Wines, you have the opportunity to a positive leader for a leading Midwest distributor. Your enthusiasm and eagerness to share quality fine wines and artisanal spirits will significantly impact our overall goal as a company: to connect the right wine to the right person.
Apply Here
Required: If you do not send your Resume/CV, you will not be considered.
Jessica Schwarz, SHRM-CP
HR & Admin Lead