Account Development Specialist

THE ROLE: The Account Development Specialist is the sales lead for an assigned portfolio within a targeted account base. The focus is growing share and velocity of an assigned category by selling the right brands in to customers and driving sell-through to consumers with planned and executed brand activations. The role owns relationships with key stakeholders and gatekeepers at supplier accounts, serves as the expert consultant for those accounts, and is active with in-market events and education.

WHAT YOU WILL DO: Drive revenue and market share, spending 80% of working time in marketServe as the expert and resource for the division in developing beverage and marketing strategies and growth plans for an assigned category or large supplierResearch trends, category, and portfolio to ensure the division meets established supplier goalsPresent new products and beverage offerings and conduct monthly business reviewsPlan high-end consumer activations within key accounts to elevate category awareness based on customer needsDeliver real-time market insights that inform and accelerate growthLead, organize, and report field intel and insights for the assigned territory and categoriesPartner with on-premise and retail sales teams on creative solutions that grow the categoryDevelop and deliver training modules on sales trends to the sales team, customers, and suppliersSet merchandising objectives by account based on brand priority, and define POS needs to the supplierOwn the account plan and its execution against brand plansSecure distribution across the account base by selling on brand features and benefits, including beverage menu developmentConduct staff education and build the categoryBuild strong relationships with key stakeholders and gatekeepersParticipate in supplier and category-specific work-with sales callsBuild specialized category knowledge through workshops, professional publications, and industry networksEarn relevant advanced certifications and become the market expert on the assigned category or supplierKeep customer and business information confidentialMaintain a safe and clean working environment in compliance with procedures and regulationsDrive market share in retail or on-premise accountsRetail: number and placement of facings, cold box share, and additional displays against planogramOn-premise: menu placement (featured or within the cocktail list) and customer visibility at the barHandle beverage alcohol product responsibly and conduct safe, responsible interactions with the publicWHAT YOU BRINGBachelor's degree in a related field and/or equivalent training and work experience3 to 5 years in sales or industry-related work with category expertiseCertification: CSS or WSET Spirits Level 2; or a category-specific certification (Whiskey, Tequila, Sake, or Beer); or Fine Wine accreditation, preferably WSET Level 2 or similar (CSW, Court of Master Sommeliers Level II) Specialized knowledge of the category this role supportsValid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicleProficiency in MS Office and presentation softwareResults orientation with strong verbal and written communication, diplomacy, discretion, and customer service skillsAbility to multi-task, work independently and in a team, stay detail-oriented, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environmentAnalytical, reporting, judgment, and problem-solving skillsPREFERREDOn-premise or hospitality experienceStrong understanding of consumer engagement mechanicsSpirits specialtyExperience managing a beverage program or bartending/mixologyCocktail costing, inventory, menu creation, P&L analysis, budgeting, batching, and staff trainingWorking knowledge of elevated beverage techniques: frozen cocktails, infusions, smoking, barrel aging, clarifying, foams, and garnishesWine specialtyPrevious experience with a wine supplierIn-depth understanding of wine styles, regions, grapes, aging potential, and flavor profilesPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSRegularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands to operate a computer and telephone.