Brand Manager - New York and New Jersey

M.S. Walker as hiring for a new Brand Manager for our New York and New Jersey markets! The role of Brand Manager at M.S. Walker (New York and New Jersey) includes, but is not limited to, portfolio management for specific wine and spirits suppliers. The successful candidate’s mission is to develop and execute strategies to grow portfolios in the New York and New Jersey markets efficiently and profitably.  Fostering meaningful relationships with our partners and team members while ensuring mutually agreed upon objectives are met is paramount to the role.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the definition of each supplier’s go-to-market strategy, pricing, and work within stated portfolio profitability.
• Support representatives directly and through educational effort to our customers. Act as an expert and build relationships with top accounts throughout New York and New Jersey. Formal and informal wine and spirit education to M.S. Walker sales team and customers.
• Craft authentic and unique producer-specific content to promote sales internally and externally.
• Build incentive programs to sales team clearly stating goals along with anticipated sales and distribution expectations.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of supplier's products through visits with suppliers; in-house, in the field, and trips to their properties. Sustain and enhance supplier relations through frequent and direct dialogue.
• Coordinate supplier-specific events and market visits.  To include direct market work in the field with producers.
• Stay up to date regarding category analytics.  Share knowledge and assist sales with data driven approach. Proficiency in industry trends with particular attention to developments that affect supplier partners and their categories.
• Channel current press reviews, new vintage release, market data, new package designs, and technical information for sales support materials, POS, and general resource purposes.
• Oversee portfolio sales forecasts while maintaining inventory control, closely monitor fast growing items.  Manage stated turn levels to maintain sales growth and healthy inventory levels.
• Communicate regularly to Senior Management, Purchasing, Receiving, Sales and Administration, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Marketing, Corporate Offices and Suppliers. Take a leadership role in business and review meetings and share successes or improvement needed on short, near, and long-term depletion and placement objectives.
• Ensure state compliance is met. Respect internal policies for your portfolio.  Collaborate with corporate compliance and administrative team.

Salary:

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $120,000 base salary + bonus program.

• 5+ years of Portfolio / Brand / Supplier management or relevant Sales / Marketing management
• 3+ years Wine and Spirits experience
• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Goal oriented; strong work ethic; positive/”can do” attitude; team player
• Excellent organization, follow-up, communication skills, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point, Zoom, Teams

We offer a Comprehensive Benefits Plan that includes the following:

• Medical & Dental Insurance
• Vision Coverage
• Paid-Time-Off Program
• Fidelity Investments 401k
• Disability, Life, Accident & Illness Insurance Packages
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Free & Discounted Work/Life Resources
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• On-Demand Professional & Leadership Development Through M.S. Walker University

Who we are:

Founded in Boston in 1933, M.S. Walker is a 5th-generation, family-owned wine and spirits importer and distributor, a spirits bottler, and a national supplier. We serve On-Premise and Off-Premise establishments throughout the Northeast, with direct operations in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island and brokerage operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. We represent a budding portfolio of wine and spirits nationwide, including our own brands, and we strive to offer the most prestigious portfolio in the industry. M.S. Walker has built our foundation and future on our people – our employees are truly our greatest asset. Our company boasts a diverse pool of exceptionally special team members who each bring their unique skills and experience to the organization.

Mission Statement:

Since 1933, our mission has been firmly rooted in our core values of family, integrity, respect, honesty, and hard work. We are deeply committed to upholding these principles for our team members, customers and suppliers alike. We seek to build and maintain long-lasting relationships based on trust and reliability. By honoring our heritage and embracing innovation, we aim to continuously improve and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our industry, while responsibly contributing to the communities we serve. Together, we strive to elevate the spirit of hospitality and foster a vibrant and respectful culture in all facets of the organization and beyond.