Channel Development Manager Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Suntory Global Spirits is a world leader in premium spirits with $5.5 billion in annual revenues and an ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company. We have a strong vision and strategy, an incredible brand portfolio grounded in quality and craftsmanship, an unwavering commitment to sustainability and top talent across the organization. We are focused on driving value across key priorities including American whiskey, Japanese Spirits, Scotch, Tequila and Ready-to-Drink. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings, which is world renowned for delivering quality and excellence across a range of products and categories.
Mission of the Role

Join one of the world’s largest premium spirits suppliers and take responsibility for managing a critical piece of our business, the Minneapolis, MN On-Premise market. 

You’ll have the opportunity to partner with dedicated distributor marketing and sales teams and work closely with key on-premise accounts to build our business together by driving best-in-class execution.

• Build winning teams and partnerships
• Think Strategically as an owner
• Promote and inspire engagement and a development culture
• Deliver impactful results

Market/Channel Execution

• Ensure end-to-end execution of commercial responsibilities, driving NSV, DGP, market share growth, and KPI attainment in the assigned territory or channel of business. 
• Invest time in your account universe to gain a broad view of the market, assess distributor execution, and understand what the competition is doing from a pricing and programming standpoint and adapt accordingly.
• Responsible for local programming strategy, execution, and resource management.
• Successfully execute all on-premise events and samplings, leveraging division or company-sponsored tracking and execution recaps as provided.
• Manage budget for self and team (i.e. OPEX, Brand Investment Funds, T&E).

Distributor Management

• Set goals and objectives with distributors that align with the state to achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual performance targets.
• Direct distributors/partners to growth levers.
• Hold distributor principals accountable for financial performance objectives and KPI delivery.
• Coach and monitor distributor sales force and inspire teams to achieve performance objectives.

Business Planning 

• Drive planning discussions with local leadership to gain buy-in and alignment on key priorities and address business needs.
• Actively manage the presentation and execution of category plans, brand plans, POS, promotions, and new item introductions ensuring compliance with brand standards.

Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers to facilitate collaborative business partnerships with national, regional, and independent accounts.
• Ensure accountability and deliver feedback on non-compliance in ways that keep the distributor partner engaged and excited about representing Suntory Global Spirits to their customers.
• Work closely with marketing managers to bring to life in-market activations.
• Directly inspire, influence, and manage consumer-facing team members in the market, driving execution and accountability against key initiatives, goals, and KPIs; ensuring distribution, displays, and shelf goals are achieved and Go Spot Check (GSC) missions are being completed. Do this by working in collaboration with the distributor to identify gaps and build corresponding solutions.

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• Five (5) plus years of work-related experience in spirits/wine supplier industry or other consumer goods companies
• Stakeholder management experience with the ability to influence and develop strong partnerships across the business
• Thorough knowledge of distribution, promotion, and selling techniques, alongside strong analytical capabilities, is strongly recommended
• Deep knowledge and experience of On-Premise Channel and understanding the levers to pull to drive growth
• Proven history of successful team management is beneficial
• Experience working with a distributor is beneficial
• Exceptional planning and self-management skills
• MS Office Suite skills
• Budget development and management experience
• Licensed driver of motor vehicles
• The ability for intermittent travel
• Lifting/lowering, pushing, carrying, or pulling up to 45 lbs.
• Sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and typing using a computer

Salary Range - The salary range for this role, based in Minnesota  is $85-90k, along with an annual bonus, 401K match, profit sharing, and medical and wellness benefits. The salary range is commensurate with the candidate’s location, experience, and skillset. The range will vary if outside of this location.