District Manager, Small Format

Company

Johnson Brothers Liquor Company

Houston, TX

Sales

Looking for a rewarding career? Johnson Brothers is a leading family‑owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, delivering exceptional service since 1953. We proudly represent the world’s top beverage brands and are committed to excellence, innovation, and growth. Johnson Brothers offers exciting opportunities in a variety of areas. Join our passionate team and help shape the future of the liquor industry!

We are searching for a high‑energy and motivated District Sales Manager to lead and develop a team of Sales Consultants. This role is responsible for driving sales execution, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring operational excellence across the designated region. Leadership, people development, business planning, and supplier management are key elements of this position.

• Manage team to ensure successful execution and service to independent accounts
• Market work should consist of 80% of the week. Managers should spend approximately 1 day per week in the office, but the rest of the week should be in the market with Retail Specialists and Merchandisers
• Complete all new hire paperwork and onboarding including training Retail Specialists and Merchandisers on Netsuite and internal operations
• Train and develop Retail Specialists in the field weekly (or more often upon hiring) to provide on‑the‑job sales training
• Route market Merchandisers on a daily basis to ensure efficient deliveries and merchandising based on market needs.
• Provide monthly sales goals to Retail Specialists. Managers must keep Retail Specialists up to date on progress and help them to achieve the goals
• Address any account issues/complaints to find an equitable resolution and restore the relationship
• Review account sales data frequently to identify trends and reassign underperforming accounts as necessary
• Enter orders, maintain accounts, and assist with retail deliveries for Retail Specialists when they are unable to
• Merchandise accounts/deliver orders as needed
• Complete formal performance reviews for all Retail Specialists on a bi‑annual basis (more often if necessary)
• Ensure full compliance on chain schematics, planners and planograms
• Work with Operations Teams to ensure efficient route schedules based on chain receiving times
• Create and foster an open and positive work/team environment. Address any and all concerns of Retail Specialists in a professional and timely manner
• Review sales orders and pricing to ensure correct pricing and margins are being maintained
• Ensure execution on new brand depletions
• Manage execution on retail placements and approved items sell‑through
• Liaison between Chain Account Managers and Retail Specialist team
• Recruiting for new talent (this includes creating sales routes, reviewing resumes and conducting interviews)
• Must be able to travel within established geographic areas, as necessary
• Must have reliable transportation, hold a valid driver’s license and meet company driving record & automobile insurance requirements
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of sales experience.
• 3+ years in the spirits or wine industry.
• 2+ years of managerial experience with a sales team.
• Experience working in a startup environment.
• Proven track record of success.
• Must have a steadfast work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and resilient
• Must be proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Strong understanding of cost/pricing methodology.
• Must have the ability to manage individuals to exceed goals and perform to defined metrics.
• Act in a professional manner at all times (ie. dress appropriately, speak professionally, and write professionally)
• Respond to all manager/partner emails, phone calls, and information requests in a timely manner
• Accounts receivable collection management
• Lift and carry a 40+ pound case of wine.
• Work flexible hours which include early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends. Willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Must be self‑motivated and able to work…