Customer Development Manager - Southwest

Work Location:

Phoenix, AZ

The Customer Development Manager drives strategic growth and brand exposure across key retail accounts within a defined territory. The role leads account planning, forecasting, and the execution of sales initiatives to meet business objectives, working independently to deliver results.

• Manage and sell all brands within the Delicato Family Wines (DFW) portfolio to support company sales goals.
• Conduct direct sales calls on retail accounts to develop long-term working relationships with wine buyers and key distributors/wholesalers.
• Communicate business issues and opportunities to DFW & Transcendent regional sales teams to assist in forecasting.
• Manage assortment in retail accounts by facilitating the new item process, including distribution of new items, expansion of current items, and identifying underperforming/at‑risk items.
• Recommend and implement strategies that drive incremental programming and ad support through marketing initiatives and syndicated data insights.
• Partner with Consumer & Strategic Insights team to analyze retailer and market‑level syndicated data and communicate current trends monthly to retail buyers.
• Work effectively and respectfully with colleagues, cross‑functional teams, and external partners to achieve shared goals and drive results.
• Ensure all business operations, policies, and practices adhere to applicable legal and regulatory requirements to minimize risk and maintain ethical standards.
• Prepare and deliver engaging, informative sales presentations as required.
• Conduct wine tastings, fundraisers, trade shows, and other wine events for and with distributors/wholesalers.

* Other duties as assigned*

• Undergraduate degree (BA/BS) or equivalent education and/or experience.
• 3‑5 years in wine or adjacent industry or consumer packaged goods; experience with managing distributor/wholesaler relationships preferred.
• 1‑3 years’ leadership or management experience.

• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and vehicle required with an acceptable driving record.

• Demonstrates a foundational ability to clearly and concisely communicate ideas in both verbal and written forms, actively listen, and effectively present company sales strategies to stakeholders with guidance and support.
• Engages in learning and development opportunities to achieve personal and professional goals. Is receptive to feedback, demonstrates curiosity, and sees value in continuous improvement.
• Applies solid knowledge and independent problem‑solving skills to develop relevant, effective solutions, utilizing a methodical approach, assessing risks, and adapting to ambiguity.
• Is aware of one’s own personal strengths, opportunities, biases and triggers and how they benefit or impede communication and collaboration. Demonstrates empathy for others and seeks mutual understanding.
• Is open, flexible, and receptive to others’ ideas and understands the importance of group satisfaction. Celebrates the wins of others and models enjoyment and satisfaction from their work.
• Understands the fundamental differences between tactical and strategic approaches. Accountable for their role in executing strategic plans. Understands what is meant by seeing “the bigger picture.”
• Demonstrates adaptability and openness in times of change.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite Applications and able to utilize syndicated data resources.

• Requires ability to travel frequently and flexibility in schedule to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• This is a remote position that requires working from home.
• Occasionally may be required to lift and carry cases of wine.
• May need to determine color, taste and smell of wine using eyes, tongue, and nose.
• May be exposed to weather‑related temperature & humidity extremes.

• Acts in a manner reflective of the Company culture of High Moral Standards, Innovation and Continuous Evolution, Trust in Team, Continuous Improvement, and Sustainable Relationships.
• Communicates, interacts, and works effectively with others; receptive to…