Retail Strategy Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Planet Wine is looking for a versatile, strategic, and highly hands‑on marketing professional who can work closely with both the Chief of Sales and the Chief of Operations. We would like the candidate to start mid October.

Planet Wine, Inc is a family owned, and operated wine import business based in California and established in 2007. We are an inspired group of professionals with a passion for great wine and our focus is to provide our clients with the highest quality of wines sourced from a variety of producers around the world.

This person will serve as an essential link between sales leadership, the sales team, the office team, suppliers, and external partners. The role goes beyond brand communication. It requires someone who understands commercial priorities, identifies opportunities, and translates the needs of the sales team into effective strategies, tools, and concrete actions.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Strongly focused on marketing strategy development.
• Able to analyze the performance of a brand, product, or category and recommend concrete actions to increase sales.
• Comfortable working directly with the Chief of Sales and Chief of Operations on commercial priorities, product launches, promotions, chain accounts, and different markets.
• Able to connect strategic ideas with their day‑to‑day execution.
• Organized, autonomous, proactive, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Creative enough to develop a strong brand identity, while also having the commercial mindset needed to understand the needs of sales representatives and customers.
• Able to take ownership of an idea or challenge and manage it through completion independently.
• Comfortable working in an entrepreneurial environment where priorities and responsibilities may evolve quickly.

The Marketing Strategy will work directly with the Chief of Sales and Chief of Operations to:

• Develop the overall marketing strategy for Planet Wine, its key brands, and the Cueillette portfolio.
• Identify market opportunities, trends, and customer segments with growth potential.
• Analyze brand performance and develop action plans to support growth.
• Adapt strategies and sales tools for different channels, including restaurants, bars, independent retailers, chain accounts, distributors, and out-of-state markets.
• Develop seasonal and promotional programs to help the sales team maximize sales opportunities.
• Create, improve, and maintain sales tools, including sell sheets, technical sheets, shelf talkers, presentations, price books, order forms, portfolio books, and promotional materials.
• Ensure that Planet Wine’s brand identity remains consistent across all platforms, content, and materials.
• Work with producers and suppliers on brand positioning, product launches, labels, sales materials, and marketing initiatives.
• Support the sales team during product launches, incentive programs, events, tastings, producer visits, sales meetings, and presentations.
• Maintain and update the company website.
• Manage or oversee content published on Instagram and other social media platforms.
• Analyze the performance of marketing campaigns and initiatives and continuously identify opportunities for improvement.
• Use Encompass to access, manage, and analyze relevant product, customer, inventory, and sales information.
• Welcome and onboard new J‑1 sales hires reps by preparing their starter kits, introducing them to the company and office team, explaining internal communication processes, and showing them how to work with the marketing department to request sales tools and support.

This is not a traditional Social Media Manager or Communications Manager position.

We are primarily looking for someone who can think strategically, understand sales strategy needs, and manage projects, while also being versatile enough to publish content on Instagram, update a website, create a presentation, or quickly finalize a sales tool for the team.

This is a true marketing “Swiss knife” role, with a strong focus on strategy, sales support and execution

• A minimum of three years of experience in marketing, brand management, trade marketing, sales enablement, or business development.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Strong understanding of commercial priorities and the relationship between marketing and sales.
• Bilingual: Fluency in English/French with excellent written and verbal communication skills .
• High level of Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite software platforms with strong spreadsheet skills.
• Familiarity with AI based platforms and usage (ie: Claude, ChatGPT).
• Ability to update and maintain a website and manage key social media platforms.
• Comfortable working with data, analytics tools, and performance tracking.
• Knowledge of the wine industry is strongly preferred.
• Experience in trade marketing, chain accounts, distribution, or the beverage industry is a plus.
• Previous experience using Encompass or a similar distribution and inventory management platform is a plus.

The ideal candidate is curious, energetic, resourceful, and solutions-oriented. They can step back and develop a strategy, but they are equally willing to get involved directly to move a project forward.

They should enjoy working closely with both the sales team and the office team, quickly understand priorities in the field, and turn feedback from sales representatives into effective marketing tools and actions.

This position is particularly well suited to someone who wants to make a meaningful impact, take ownership of important projects, and become a true strategic partner to Planet Wine’s sales and operations leadership.

This is a full time position with full company benefits including, Medical, Dental, Life, 401K with 4% match, paid vacation, sick and holidays.

This position requires 3 days on site (in office) and allows 2 optional work from home days. No relocation provided.

Resumes will only be considered for those who meet all of the above requirements including bilingual in English/French. A cover letter is also mandatory.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer.