Brand Marketing (Branding), Distribution Channel, Follow Through, Metrics, National Sales, Organizational Skills, Performance Analysis, Relationship Management, Retail, Revenue Growth, Sales, Sales Management, Willing to Travel
An established specialty wine importer is seeking a National Sales Manager to lead sales across the New England and Northeast region. This is a hands?on, market?driven role focused on managing distributor relationships, executing thoughtful brand building, and growing revenue across a proven portfolio with deep market penetration.
This position replaces a long?tenured, highly successful salesperson and is not a turnaround or rebuild. The territory is established, relationships are real, and success comes from disciplined execution, planning, and follow?through.
Territory Coverage
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Maine
- Vermont
- New Jersey
- Parts of Pennsylvania
Candidates must live within the Northeast / New England region.
Role Responsibilities
- Manage and grow distributor relationships throughout the territory
- Spend significant time in market conducting ride?withs, sales meetings, and key account visits
- Work directly with distributors and select direct?to?retail (DTR) accounts
- Drive revenue across a large, diverse portfolio while maintaining clear focus on core brands
- Plan territory activity in advance and execute consistently
- Build brands thoughtfully over time rather than chasing short?term placements
- Represent producers professionally and knowledgeably in the market
- Track performance with a simple, clear metric: sales productivity in dollars
Performance Expectations
- Long?term annual sales target of $1,000,000+
- Monthly run rate of approximately $83,000
- Approximately 9?month ramp?up period
- Core brands should represent 60%+ of total revenue
- Growth is expected over time, not immediately
Travel Requirements
- Approximately 100–120 days per year on the road
- Primarily car?based travel (not a fly?in / fly?out role)
- Overnight travel is a regular part of the job
Ideal Candidate Profile
- 3–5 years of supplier or importer sales experience
- 7–10 years total experience in the wine trade
- Background with small to mid?sized specialty importers preferred
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- High energy, curiosity, and self?motivation
- Comfortable working autonomously with accountability
- Enjoys long?term brand development and disciplined execution
- Low?energy, high?maintenance profiles are not a fit
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary: $80,000
- Bonus: Up to $50,000 based on sales productivity
- Monthly expenses: $2,500 ($30,000 annually)
- Health insurance fully paid
- Dental insurance optional (employee?paid)
- 10 days paid vacation
- Standard paid holidays
- Potential annual wine trip (at ownership’s discretion)