MONTANA/IDAHO CIDER SALES MANAGER

Company Summary

As a company, Western Cider aspires to create an institution of great cider, good times and a life worth living in this far-flung region of the American West. With an orchard of 5,000 cider apple trees, award-winning ciders, iconic branding, and community engagement - Western Cider has become an industry leader in Montana and the Northwest. 

We are currently a small group committed to fostering a positive workplace focused on the making and selling of quality cider for the enjoyment of all. 

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong knowledge of the beverage industry that is able to travel for sales and events across Montana and Idaho. The ideal candidate should have great communication and organizational skills, have the ability to work independently and build strong relationships. 

Primary responsibilities are to expand our brands at on and off premise accounts, increase product placements, open new accounts, promote and conduct cider tastings and to be a brand ambassador for Western Cider at events around Montana and Idaho. We are looking for a long-term employee who seeks to grow with Western Cider. 


Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years of cider, beer or wine sales experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or Business Administration or related field preferred

  • Proven sales track record 

  • Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and CRM platforms

  • Strong organizational skills

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills

  • Events planning experience

  • Good public speaker

  • Goal oriented & self sufficient

  • Clean driving record

  • Able to travel at least two to three days per week and work weekend events when necessary

Primary Responsibilities

Account Relations

  • Maintain consistent market presence across Montana and Idaho

  • Create and maintain relationships with on and off-premise accounts, grow sales in existing accounts and work closely with distributors

  • Submit new product forms to chain retailers

  • Educate distributor reps about our product and pricing information

  • Ensure correct shelf pricing

  • Supply accounts with POS materials

  • Communicate upcoming seasonal releases

  • Coordinate limited release distribution and other special requests with key accounts 

New Accounts

  • Identify strong potential accounts

  • Approach new accounts with product information and samples

  • Keep detailed notes on contact information and status of each potential new account

  • Follow through on sales opportunities with management, distributors and their sales representatives 

  • Ability to close sales opportunities

Sales & Account Management

  • Setup and maintain CRM for relevant territories

  • Track and analyze territory sales numbers to direct and guide activities and efforts

  • Responsible for weekly sales recaps 

  • Track inventory and minimize out of stocks and/or product shortages

  • Keep organized notes and files on all accounts and contacts

Brand Ambassador

  • Be a good representative of Western Cider through professional and positive interactions with customers, other cideries or breweries, distributors and accounts 

  • Continuing cider education for accounts, distributors and consumers alike

Event Management 

  • Responsible for all outside events, cider and brewery festivals and promotions

  • Find and schedule staff for events when possible or necessary

  • Organize and lead cider tastings and trainings for on premise accounts 

  • Set up and staff consumer events and promotions

  • Coordinate with event hosts

  • Educate the public on Western Cider

  • Set up and take down attractive booth displays

  • Attend industry events to represent Western Cider and network within the industry

Marketing

  • Work closely with marketing staff on needs for driving sales including POS displays and retail advertising material

  • Identify marketing and advertising opportunities in each market and communicate needs to ownership

  • Find potential sponsorship, partnership, and collaborative opportunities for events and new product

Industry Trends

  • Follow cider industry trends and opportunities across the Northwest and specifically Montana

  • Gather market information and customer feedback

  • Inform management of industry changes

General Responsibilities 

  • Work directly with ownership to achieve company goals

  • Attend Western Cider tastings and staff cider education trainings

Job Type: Full Time

Compensation

  • $50,000 - $90,000

  • Employer Subsidized Health Insurance

  • Paid Time Off

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Phone

  • IRA Match

  • Ongoing Paid Professional Development 

  • Free Cider and Employee Discounts

To apply:

Send a cover letter, resume and three references to matt@westerncider.com with “Sales Manager” in the subject line. Thanks!