Area Sales Manager

Summary

Join Downeast Cider, the #1 hard cider in the Northeast, as an Area Sales Manager and increase sales and visibility of our products with on-premise and off-premise retail partners in Western Upstate New York. You will build strong relationships with wholesaler partners, manage accounts to optimize product availability and brand visibility, drive sales through relationship-building and merchandising, and analyze sales data to identify opportunities. This role requires 2-3 years of experience managing wholesalers, superior customer service skills, excellent communication, strong organizational and time management abilities, and a valid driver's license. Downeast Cider offers a comprehensive onboarding program, ongoing sales training, and a defined path to promotion. The company is committed to developing its people and provides a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Requirements

• 2-3 years of experience in managing wholesalers
• Experience providing superior customer service
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Self starter who is motivated with strong organizational and time management skills
• Able to adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple responsibilities effectively
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle
• 21 years of age or older to comply with federal and state regulations
• Must reside in the same area as the covered territory
• Comfortable with 1-2 overnights a month/4-5 overnights a quarter

Responsibilities

• Build strong connections with our wholesaler partners and help guide our marketing plan for the year
• Manage a daily route of on- and off-premise accounts, ensuring product availability, shelf placement, and brand visibility are optimized according to Downeast standards
• Drive volume, placements, and promotions through relationship-building, education, and merchandising excellence
• Analyze sales data to identify opportunities and adjust tactics accordingly
• Disciplined with time balancing the wholesaler management responsibilities while still servicing accounts on a daily basis

Preferred Qualifications

• Outside sales experience
• Experience working in the alcohol / liquor / beer / wine industry
• Comfortable using a CRM software
• Proficient in Google Suite

Benefits

• Unlimited paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Variable compensation up to 40% of your base salary with quarterly bonus payouts
• 401k with 4% company match
• Health & dental insurance
• Company-provided short term disability
• Mileage and expense reimbursement
• Monthly phone stipend
• Quarterly sales team training/retreats
• Regular team contests with additional financial incentives
• Earn your ticket to our annual “Elite Slinger’s Club” - this year we went to Mexico!
• Company-wide celebrations, including a summer offsite and holiday party
• Cider allowance (how big is your fridge?)