Washington State Manager

Bring your passion and experience to the Schilling-verse! Schilling Cider strives to create a fun and productive workplace for our employees. We foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, with many areas of potential growth, no matter where you start.

We are seeking a high-performing Washington State Manager! This role covers the entire state of WA, with 80% of focus and time spent in the greater Seattle area. The ideal candidate has a passion for cider, enjoys fermentations, is positive, highly motivated, and has the drive to learn and grow within a rapidly expanding industry!

This WA State Manager is responsible for leading the amazing Schilling sales team within WA and helping achieve the annual sales goals as the #1 Cider company in WA! This role will also execute within key off-and on-premise accounts by growing sales and market share through product distribution, display execution, and promotion. A priority for this role is to build a great rapport with our distributor partners and establish Schilling Cider as a best-in-class supplier. This role will be focused on growing Schilling’s presence, volume, revenue, and points of distribution within Washington. The ideal candidate is passionate, experienced, positive, and highly motivated!

TRADE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and execute the Schilling sales plan to grow the Washington market 
• Work closely with PNW Regional Sales Director to build & execute Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly Plans to achieve annual market goals 
• Daily support of the Schilling Sales team 
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key distributor partners and retailers 
• Increase distribution while educating retailers, restaurateurs, and consumers on the Schilling Cider portfolio 
• Call on existing account base to gain new distribution, execute promotional activity, and increase market share 
• Develop new business to increase volume/distribution/share within Washington 
• Identify retail opportunities and sell/execute against those opportunities 
• Ensure proper merchandising of product and point-of-sale materials according to brand standards 
• Inventory management, development, and communication 
• Lead regular team meetings and work with team members in the trade for support and assistance 
• Coordinate events and promotions to deliver greater brand awareness and stimulate sales 
• Execute monthly Chain Account opportunities – closing authorization gaps, gaining displays, merchandising shelves/backstock, POS support, implementing company programming 
• Clear and effective communication with distributor partners regarding retail opportunities and authorizations 
• Provide essential feedback to the Chain Account and Marketing teams about retail successes and challenges 
• Accomplish sales goals in alignment with our CIDER Selling Process 
• Coordinate and conduct General Sales Meetings with all wholesaler channel teams 

SALES ADMINISTRATION 

• Compile and submit reports on assigned area and general market information to management team and wholesaler 
• Keep business calendar up to date and scheduled 60 days out 
• Regularly scheduled meeting with Distributor Brand Managers and Sales leaders 
• Utilize sales tools (KARMA, VIP, Nielsen, IRI, etc.) effectively 
• Monthly recaps to distributors to include goal tracking, inventory, sales review, and upcoming activity 
• Communicate chain activity, new item launches, and incentive opportunities 
• Pivot various aspects of distributor management based on business needs 
• Maintain responsible budget practices for assigned territory 
• Coordinate with wholesaler on commitment closure opportunities 

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of beverage alcohol sales experience, preferably within beer, cider, wine, spirits, or non-alcoholic beverage categories
• Minimum 2+ years of direct people leadership and team management experience
• Proven experience working with beverage distributors, including distributor management, programming, and execution
• Strong understanding of chain retail, independent retail, and on-premise sales channels
• Demonstrated ability to analyze sales data, identify opportunities, and execute against sales goals
• Experience conducting market work, ride-alongs, and field coaching with sales teams
• Must be 21+ years of age 
• Currently reside in or commuting distance to the Greater Seattle Area 
• Passion for cider and the beverage industry 
• Valid Driver’s License, good driving record, and a reliable automobile 
• Comfort with mobile technology and MS suite 
• Ability to occasionally work nights and weekends 
• Lead by example and take initiative; be outgoing and approachable 
• Be self-driven and self-motivated 
• Work independently and as part of the team 
• Be an energetic, organized, and motivated problem solver 
• Exemplify the company’s values while representing our brands 
• Ask for help when needed 

IDEAL CANDIDATES 

• Lead by example and take initiative 
• Possess a true entrepreneurial spirit 
• Can work independently and as part of a team 
• Are energetic, outgoing, organized, and motivated problem solvers 
• Are passionate about craft cider and have deep knowledge of the local craft market 
• Have experience leading teams 
• Have strong sales, communication, and presentation skills 
• Willing to travel multiple times per year 
• Have previous sales experience in the alcohol beverage industry 
• Has a desire to create a long-term career path within Schilling Cider 

Benefits

• Starting salary of $75k - $85k annually, + bonus OTE, depending on experience and qualifications
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Annual hobby stipend
• Cider, of course!
• Fun working environment in a growing industry

About Schilling Cider

Schilling Cider was founded in a garage in 2012. And while that glycol chiller that we run today couldn't even fit in that garage, the same spirit for making bold, flavor-forward ciders and always figuring out how to do it better lives on today. Schilling Cider is the second-largest cider producer in the U.S, thanks to the team of people who work across the company. The growth has been enabled with the installation of a high-speed canning line of 1,200 cpm. While it's no longer in the garage, the same culture and drive are there in what we do today and what we're laying the groundwork for tomorrow.

Schilling Cider exists to craft world-class beverages to elevate life's everyday moments. Our values guide the work we do every day and help us create an engaging, fun, and rewarding workplace.

**Schilling Cider is an Equal Opportunity Employer**

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.