Area Sales Manager – Illinois

# Area Sales Manager - Illinois Hot Job## Overview Salary Range $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 Salary/year## Description
** Essential Functions and Duties
**** Strategic Alignment*
* • Actively support the company’s strategic goals, values, and Triple Bottom Line initiatives.
• Ensure all market activities align with company objectives, brand standards, and sales priorities.
** Field Sales and Execution*
* • Conduct regular sales calls to on and off premise accounts to sell in initiatives, secure new placements, increase velocity, and execute marketing programs.
• Execute retail samplings, on premise promotions, beer dinners, and consumer-facing activation events.
• Perform account surveys, placement checks, display execution, and point of sale utilization to ensure strong brand representation in the market.
• Conduct brewery visits with key retailers as needed.
• Plan and direct daily activities across the assigned territory to ensure results align with goals.
** Distributor Management and Market Operations*
* • Review distributor orders and weekly inventories, ensuring stock levels align with forecasts and demand.
• Ensure distributor and retail inventories are properly rotated, in code, and merchandised according to brand standards, including monthly warehouse walks for rotation checks.
• Collaborate with distributor management on programming, action plans, sales goals, and quarterly reviews.
• Present and communicate sales plans, priorities, innovation launches, and promotional programs at distributor sales meetings.
• Track program execution, ads, displays, and distribution performance for the assigned area.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of distributor billing, invoicing, and administrative needs.
• Maximize use of co-op dollars and available marketing assets.
• Work regularly with distributor sales reps and managers in trade across on and off premise accounts.
** Sales Strategy, Planning, and Forecasting*
* • Review and approve sales forecasts and evaluate monthly performance results to maintain forecast accuracy.
• Create market and seasonal sales plans and recap programs as required.
• Assist National Account Managers with planning, executing, and reviewing chain programming in the territory.
• Monitor competitive activity, category trends, pricing, and local opportunities to inform strategic decision-making.
• Submit weekly and monthly recaps and reports on time, providing clear insights and market analysis.
** Team Leadership and People Management*
* • Hire, lead, coach, and motivate field sales staff (Sales Reps and Brand Ambassadors) in assigned markets.
• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins, create performance objectives, and deliver annual performance reviews.
• Provide on-the-job training, tools, and development opportunities for team growth.
• Ensure proper scheduling and support for Brand Ambassadors during activations.
• Manage and hold team accountable to expense budgets and company standards.
** Budget, Administration, and Compliance*
* • Manage and operate within assigned expense budgets, ensuring compliance for all direct reports.
• Maintain strong organization, prioritization, and reporting habits across all responsibilities.
• Follow company policies and ensure team compliance with brand, legal, and safety standards.## Qualifications
** Education
* * Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.
** Work Experience
** Minimum four to five years of relevant experience in beverage sales, distributor management, or field sales roles.

Strong working knowledge of the beer or brewing industry required.
** Required Qualifications*
* • Proven ability to build and manage distributor relationships.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing people.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and sales tracking systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including group presentation abilities.
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds.
• Able to work autonomously and within a team.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.
** Preferred Qualifications*
* • Deep familiarity with the territory.
• Prior experience managing salespeople and working with wholesalers.
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