Sales Representative

Position: Sales Representative

Location: Saskatoon, SK or Regina, SK (candidate must be based within this general region)

Status: Full Time

About Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants

Authentic is a national wine & spirits agency that represents some of the most iconic brands in the world including Champagne Louis Roederer, Masi, Victoria Distillers Empress Gin, Vina Cono Sur, Pascual Toso, Fantini, Hine and other world-renowned brands. We are excited to have an opportunity come up to join our BC outside sales team.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Sales Manager, MB / SK, this position’s mandate is to increase the sales and market share of the Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants portfolio of brands within the parameters set and in line with expectations of the company. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining strong partner relationships with retail stores and restaurants within the territory.

Regular travel throughout the SK market is essential, so the ideal candidate should be confident with highway travel in all seasons, and 2 or 3-day road trips as needed, mainly within Saskatchewan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Retail

• Drive sales of the Authentic Wine & Spirits portfolio
• Strive to exceed assigned quarterly and annual sales objectives and KPI’s
• Increase territory distribution, focus on core brands
• Maximize opportunities across all channels amplifying brand sales in top selling stores, focus on fridge and shelf placements
• Organize trade days for supplier and manager visits in accordance with AWSM best practices
• Pitch quarterly programming and work with retail chain store mangers to execute programs

Restaurants: 

• Maintain and develop existing relationships - strong cold-calling abilities are critical.
• Look for new opportunities for cocktail features and BTG pours — the ideal candidate will have their ‘finger on the pulse’ of the SK hospitality industry.
• Assist Licensee accounts with beverage menu planning and development. 
• Occasionally be able to assist accounts with sourcing of AWSM products in retail accounts. 
  
• Work with key buyers, FOB managers, and sommeliers through product educational trainings and tasting, event organization, and winemaker dinners

Administrative & Other Responsibilities: 

• Record and manage daily activities through CHG XRM system ensuring accurate records
• Maintain accurate and current account data base through XRM
• Work to maximize budgets available and manage expenses within company guidelines
• Set 6-week route plan to maximize efficient coverage of territory
• Participate in trade shows, supplier dinners and events as required
• This position requires flexible hours and will sometimes require nights and weekends with trade shows, supplier dinners, events outside of regular workdays

Job Qualifications:

• Experience: The ideal candidate has a passion for wine and spirits, has completed a minimum of WSET level 2 and has worked in the restaurant or retail wine industry. College or university degree in business/sales/marketing preferred. Knowledge in the liquor sales industry preferred as well as minimum 3 years of outside sales experience.
• Skills: Driven team player with strong interpersonal skills. Strength in sales with excellent written and verbal communication. Skilled presenter with ability to adapt to audiences.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of the liquor industry and successful completion of wine and spirit courses is desirable (e.g.: WSET, Italian Wine Scholar) and will be required to obtain if hired.
• Territory coverage: Saskatchewan / Regina territory. 
• Physical: Must be physically fit and be able to lift and carry 50+ pounds and be able to handle heavy POS material.
• Other: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and must meet the company’s automobile insurance requirements. Must have and maintain a valid passport. Serving It Right certification required.

Base salary commensurate with experience plus quarterly and annual incentive bonuses and health benefits. Business related expenses are also covered. Well-maintained and reliable vehicle is necessary, car allowance and gas card will be provided.

If you are enthusiastic about the alcohol industry, possess sales expertise, and are motivated by achieving sales targets, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this today!

The above information is representative of the work performed in this position; however it is not all-inclusive.  The omission of a specific duty or responsibility does not exclude it from the position if the work is similar or related to the essential duties and responsibilities.  This job description will be reviewed annually during the performance evaluation process.

Authentic is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.