Beer Distribution Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT HALF ACRE BEER:

Half Acre Beer has been brewing in Chicago since 2007, growing from a single recipe into one of the city's most recognized craft breweries. Best known for Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, we brew and can our beers at our Bowmanville taproom and production facility, distributing across Chicagoland and beyond. We build our team the same way we build our beer — with care, craft, and a genuine sense of belonging. If you're looking to grow your sales career with a brand that's deeply rooted in its city, we'd love to talk.

JOB SUMMARY:

The District Manager at Half Acre Beer Company is responsible for managing Half Acre Beer Co at Reyes Holdings/Chicago Beverage Systems in Chicago, and the (4) Chicago-based Sales Representatives ensuring the successful planning and execution of our overall sales strategy in Chicagoland. This position reports to the VP of Sales. 

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Distributor Management – 30%

• Helps build and execute on plans to deliver depletion and distribution goals for our largest distributor, Reyes Holdings/Chicago Beverage Systems, as well as the largest territory by % of Half Acre business.
• Build and cultivate positive working relationships with all members of management and sales teams at our distributors in assigned territory; knowledge of each partner’s organization, go to market structure. 

• Coordinate with the VP of Sales to develop and execute goals and objectives. This will include Annual Business Plans and monthly reviews to consistently monitor progress towards goals; Creates and manages an execution calendar.
• Maintains consistent market visitation schedule between all assigned territories, and coordinates ride withs with Reyes Holdings/Chicago Beverage Systems management on at least a bi-monthly cadence.
• Manage marketing budgets for Reyes Holdings/Chicago Beverage Systems distributors to ensure resources are used wisely.
• Manage Inventory and orders as well as POS inventory and orders with assigned distributors.
• Work closely with our Key Account Managers (On & Off) to achieve goals.
• Have knowledge and experience working with pricing, distributor & retailer margins.

People Development – 40%

• Manage our Chicagoland based sales representatives (4)
• Identifies, develops & retains talent;  Prepare future leaders for success through development.
• Train and develop direct sales representatives. This will be a thorough critique and review process. Applying company core competencies as the guide.
• Develop KPI’s that move our business forward to achieve our depletion/distributor goals
• Weekly meetings w/ each team member to monitor results and assist vs KPI’s; Quarterly performance check ins
• Field coaching:  Consistently spend time in market either selling as a team or working on skills to enhance their selling techniques, and give constructive feedback that is tailored to each employee’s needs and opportunities

Business Development 30%

• Seeks to understand the changing needs of the industry - Identify customer demographics and market trends. This will assist in brand development and strategies.
• Work with the Half Acre Portfolio team to develop new brands and packages.
• Develop with the VP of Sales Quarterly focus objectives (company goals, new items, seasonal/specialty allocations, pricing surveys, crew drives)
• Supports Half Acre Principals and Vision… “Chicago’s Leading Brewery,” “Belonging in Beer”
• Perform administrative tasks as assigned (expense reports, monthly work calendar, target lists, market surveys, etc.)
• Participate in relevant trade shows & conferences.
• Provide hospitality at the brewery during buyer visits and company events.
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales objectives in the beverage industry.
• Ability to integrate within a team – develops relationships built on trust and inclusion.
• Ability to develop and interpret spend, performance and financial reports
• Skilled at identifying opportunities and developing solutions
• Results-oriented; self-starter and self-motivator
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with internal and external customers; is clear, consistent, timely and respectful.
• Applies creative problem solving to address business needs and issues
• Observe and have knowledge of all regional laws and regulations pertaining to the distribution, merchandising, and promotion of beer and liquor.
• Acts in accordance with Half Acre’s mission, vision and values
• Superior sales presentation skills
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Illinois BASSET Certification must be completed before start date.
• Must have a willingness to travel for multiple days to outlying distributors
• Ability to work late nights, early mornings, weekends and holidays to support sales activities

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• BA/BS or relevant post-secondary education are preferred
• Excellent Computer skills and is very knowledgeable/experienced with PowerPoint, Excel and Word
• Minimum 5 years adult beverage / consumer good industry experience
• Must know how to analyze data from IRI, Nielsen and VIP System

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 2+ years supervisory experience
• 2+ years direct selling to National/Chain Accounts

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods sitting/driving in a car and working on a computer
• Able to lift and transport loads up to 65 pounds