Sales Manager

Build a career working with a local, independently owned, mission driven company that invests in their people. This position involves working closely with our forward-thinking Portfolio Directors and an experienced and dynamic sales team in creating thoughtful beverage opportunities for customers and fostering a cooperative and creative culture within the company.

You are someone who values creativity, curiosity, and innovation who wants the freedom to bring those qualities to your work. You see an opportunity not simply to lead a sales team, but to creatively contribute to what comes next, and continuing to shape New France and the broader beverage community that we're a part of.

This is a highly collaborative, field-facing role where you'll combine data, market insights, and relationship management to influence decisions and deliver measurable business results.

This position provides leadership towards the achievement of optimal profitability and growth in line with company vision and values, as well as establishing plans and strategies to expand the customer base in the Minnesota market.

You will review analytical data and implement change strategies when necessary and be responsible for developing and maintaining positive relationships with our partners from suppliers to accounts and all the links in between. The Sales Manager will own the responsibility for success of the sales team measured by the achievement of goals set collaboratively by yourself, the Portfolio Directors and CEO.

Sales team management:
Own responsibility for the performance and development of the Sales Representatives

• Supervise, mentor and develop sales representatives with a personalized management style
• Coordinate training and education of our team including weekly sales meetings
• Problem solve with sales team when issues arise
• Clearly communicate expectations and uphold standards
• Maintain a high performing team, conduct annual performance reviews and address opportunities in a timely manner

Account relationships:
Develop, maintain and maximize productive relationships with restaurant and retail accounts

• Gather and share relevant market intelligence for improved decision making in all areas of the company
• Assist with sales territories when sales team members are out of market
• Analyze sales territories and implement positive changes to maximize growth and opportunity where needed
• Consistently and reliably make key account calls and presentations with Sales Representatives
• Proactively identify and track new account openings, assign rep coverage and coordinate collaboration with Portfolio Directors for strong opening support

Supplier Relationships:
Collaborate to build brand foundation and awareness in market

• Collaborate with Portfolio Directors and Marketing Manager to develop new product launch plans and execute with the Sales Team
• Orchestrate and ensure effective and targeted account calls for supplier market visits
• Work with Portfolio Directors to create incentive programs. Track and manage those programs to reach set goals
• Reinforce communication and lead market awareness of supplier events including trade and trunk shows

Company Growth:
Consistently drive attainment of company sales goal objectives

• Assist leadership team in developing strategic sales plans based on big picture (financial and supplier) needs and manage sales team to achieve company goals
• Generate and analyze weekly and monthly sales reporting to identify growth areas and trends that ensure the company remains relevant to the market and our suppliers
• Design and provide recommendations for systems and strategies to support the sales team in reaching goals. Execute and manage those systems when implemented
• Lead in hiring Sales Representatives in collaboration with the Leadership Team based on agreed upon criteria
• Provide timely feedback to Leadership Team regarding performance and Sales Team needs
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures and business ethics codes and ensure they are communicated and implemented within the Sales Team

• 3 years experience in beverage alcohol sales management
• High standard of integrity, commitment, and work ethic
• Strong understanding of the MN restaurant and retail landscape
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite
• Strong analytical and business planning skills
• Passion for the industry with the ability to continuously learn new brands and represent them effectively
• Ability and willingness to work non-traditional hours including nights and weekends
• Ability to lift and carry 35 pounds
• Valid drivers license

• Background or experience in the restaurant/bar industry
• Strong presentation skills, including the ability to speak before large audiences both internally and externally
• Health insurance stipend
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

* starting pay will be based on relevant work experience

• A leading, independent, locally owned Twin Cities fine wine and spirits distributor. New France was founded in 1993 to…