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Wine Executive Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

General Manager - SSI

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Culinary & Beverage Collaboration Partner with Executive Chef on menu engineering, seasonal offerings, and product sourcing. Oversee wine program execution, including cellar management, inventory ...

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Sous Chef

Carmel, IN · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Our Sous Chefs partner with the Executive Chef to provide direction and training to team members by ... Architectural features include custom-designed wine walls, inviting patios and the FIREBAR, which ...

Sous Chef

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Proven success as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager in a high-volume upscale restaurant or high-end resort restaurant * Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine knowledge, and ...

Sous Chef

Indianapolis, IN

$47K - $64K/yr

Proven success as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager in a high-volume upscale restaurant or high-end resort restaurant * Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine knowledge, and ...

Sous Chef

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Job Requirements Proven success as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager in a high-volume upscale restaurant or high-end resort restaurant Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine ...

Sous Chef

Indianapolis, IN

$47K - $64K/yr

Proven success as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager in a high-volume upscale restaurant or high-end resort restaurant * Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine knowledge, and ...

Sous Chef

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Job Requirements Proven success as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager in a high-volume upscale restaurant or high-end resort restaurant Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine ...

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Wine Executive information

What is a wine executive?

Wine Executives are senior professionals who oversee the operations, strategy, and growth of wine businesses, such as wineries, distributors, or retailers. Their responsibilities often include managing business development, marketing, sales, and relationships with key stakeholders. They may also be involved in product development and ensuring quality standards. Wine Executives typically have significant experience in the wine industry and strong leadership skills. Their role is crucial in driving a company's success and maintaining its reputation in the competitive wine market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wine executive?

To thrive as a Wine Executive, you need deep knowledge of wine varieties, industry trends, and sales strategies, often supported by a business degree or sommelier certification. Familiarity with CRM systems, inventory management software, and wine analytics tools is typically required. Outstanding negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These competencies are essential for driving sales, managing client portfolios, and ensuring business growth in a competitive wine market.

What are some common challenges faced by wine executives in managing client relationships and sales targets?

Wine Executives often face the challenge of balancing strong client relationships with the need to meet ambitious sales targets. They must stay informed about market trends, client preferences, and seasonal fluctuations in demand, all while maintaining a high level of product knowledge. Coordinating with marketing, logistics, and production teams is crucial to ensure timely deliveries and successful promotional events. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring both client satisfaction and business growth.

What is the difference between Wine Executive vs Wine Sales Manager?

AspectWine ExecutiveWine Sales Manager
CredentialsTypically requires wine industry experience, certifications like WSET or CMSRequires sales experience, often with certifications in sales or marketing
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing wine programs, high-level decision makingManaging sales teams, client relationships, and sales targets
Industry UsageUsed in wineries, distributors, and wine retail companiesCommon in wine distributors, retail, and hospitality sectors

The main difference is that a Wine Executive focuses on strategic leadership and overall wine program management, while a Wine Sales Manager concentrates on sales operations and client relationships. Both roles require industry knowledge but serve different functions within the wine industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wine jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Wine jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Wine Executive jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Wine Executive job openings:

Infographic showing various Wine Executive job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Director of Wine 5445 S. East St., Indianapolis, IN, 46227

Big Red Liquors

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Big Red Liquors rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description:

Position Summary


The Director of Wine leads Big Red Liquors' wine business by developing a best-in-class assortment that serves both everyday shoppers and wine enthusiasts. This position oversees purchasing, pricing, merchandising, supplier relationships, private label development, education, and promotional strategy while driving sales growth and profitability across all wine categories.

The Director of Wine serves as both a strategic business leader and a trusted authority on wine, helping position Big Red as Indiana's premier wine retailer.


Key Responsibilities


Category Leadership

  • Develop and execute the company's overall wine strategy.
  • Curate assortments across value, premium, luxury, domestic, imported, sparkling, rosé, and dessert wines.
  • Evaluate emerging regions, varietals, and consumer trends.
  • Optimize assortments by store demographics and customer preferences.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

  • Negotiate pricing, allocation opportunities, and supplier programs.
  • Build relationships with wineries, importers, distributors, and brokers.
  • Secure exclusive products and limited allocations.
  • Manage inventory investments and purchasing plans.

Pricing & Promotions

  • Develop competitive retail pricing strategies.
  • Build promotional calendars that maximize profitability.
  • Evaluate promotional performance through sales and margin analysis.
  • Recommend pricing adjustments based on competitive market conditions.

Merchandising & Customer Experience

  • Establish merchandising standards for all wine departments.
  • Design compelling displays, endcaps, feature tables, and seasonal presentations.
  • Oversee shelf organization, signage, and educational materials.
  • Create a shopping experience that encourages exploration and discovery.

Education & Training

  • Lead wine education initiatives for store teams.
  • Develop product knowledge materials and tasting guides.
  • Organize supplier training sessions and customer wine events.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning throughout the organization.

Financial Management

  • Manage sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, and profitability.
  • Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Analyze market trends and customer purchasing behavior.
  • Present regular category performance updates to executive leadership.

Marketing & Brand Development

  • Collaborate with Marketing on seasonal campaigns, email promotions, and in-store events.
  • Support wine clubs, tasting programs, and digital content.
  • Lead development of exclusive and private-label wine programs.

Leadership

  • Mentor wine buyers, merchandising teams, and category managers.
  • Foster collaboration across Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Store Leadership.
  • Champion innovation and continuous improvement.
Requirements:

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, CSW, or equivalent wine certification preferred.
  • 5–10 years of wine buying or category management experience.
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
  • Advanced analytical and financial acumen.
  • Excellent leadership and communication abilities.
  • Passion for wine education and customer engagement.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Wine sales growth
  • Gross margin %
  • Inventory turns
  • GMROI
  • Average bottle retail
  • Premium wine sales growth
  • Promotional ROI
  • In-stock percentage
  • Merchandising compliance
  • Customer event performance
  • Private label sales
  • Customer satisfaction

What Success Looks Like


The Director of Wine builds a differentiated wine program that combines exceptional value with premium selections, outstanding merchandising, knowledgeable staff, and strong supplier partnerships. This leader continuously elevates Big Red Liquors' reputation as Indiana's destination for wine while delivering sustainable sales growth, increased profitability, and an exceptional customer experience.


What Big Red Liquors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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