Area Sales Manager Chicago

About the Role

The role is part of a fast-growing company that values innovation, creativity, and teamwork. Garage Beer is committed to making a mark in the beverage industry, and this position is crucial to achieving that goal. You will be working in a dynamic environment that encourages experimentation, learning, and fun.

As an Area Sales Manager, you will be the face of Garage Beer in your designated territory, responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with distributors, customers, and other stakeholders. Your ability to communicate effectively, think strategically, and drive results will be essential to your success in this role.

What You Will Do

• Develop and execute annual business plans with distributors to achieve volume objectives
• Collaborate with distributors to develop and implement sales strategies
• Analyze market trends, customer preferences, and competitor activity to identify opportunities for growth
• Manage and maintain accurate records of sales performance, customer interactions, and market data
• Conduct regular market visits to monitor sales performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide coaching and support to distributors
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including distributors, customers, and internal teams
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including new customers, products, and markets
• Provide feedback and insights to internal teams to inform product development, marketing strategies, and sales planning
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, competitor activity, and market developments to maintain a competitive edge

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience, with 3+ years in beverage, beer, distributor, supplier, or CPG sales
• Proven track record of driving sales growth and achieving volume objectives
• Strong understanding of the beverage industry, including market trends, customer preferences, and competitor activity
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork
• Technical capabilities, including proficiency in data analysis, sales planning, and market research tools
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and drive results
• Ability to travel regularly, primarily within the designated territory, with occasional trips to company events and industry conferences

Nice to Have

• Prior people leadership experience, with a proven track record of motivating and developing high-performing teams
• Direct experience in the beer or alcohol category, with a deep understanding of the industry's unique challenges and opportunities
• Competitive, team-focused approach, with a drive to win and a passion for achieving results
• Experience with building new markets and processes, with a willingness to experiment and try new approaches
• Stay curious, with a natural inclination to promote a culture of learning and ongoing improvement

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation package, with a base salary range and incentive opportunities designed to reward performance
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Remote work stipend, with a monthly allowance to support your home office and travel expenses
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, mentorship, and career advancement
• Fun and dynamic work environment, with a company culture that values creativity, innovation, and teamwork
• Access to the latest technology and tools, including sales planning, data analysis, and market research software
• Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance, including bonuses, awards, and public recognition

• Develop a strong understanding of the beverage industry, including market trends, customer preferences, and competitor activity, to stand out in your application and interviews.
• Showcase your technical capabilities, including proficiency in data analysis, sales planning, and market research tools, to demonstrate your ability to drive sales growth and achieve volume objectives.
• Highlight your experience with building and maintaining strong relationships with distributors, customers, and other stakeholders, to demonstrate your ability to collaborate and drive results.
• Be prepared to provide specific examples of your sales achievements and strategies, to demonstrate your ability to think strategically and drive results.
• Research the company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with Garage Beer's mission and vision.
• Practice your negotiation skills, to be prepared for salary discussions and to ensure you are fairly compensated for your skills and experience.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to sales growth, customer-based selling, and distributor relations, to demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company's expectations.