Shankar Distillers is known for premium Varchas Whiskeys and other spirits. We leverage the heritage that has been used in distilling whiskey and spirits in the US since 1791, and bring our mix of craftsmanship, quality and technology. Shankar Distillers is proud to create products that we serve and enjoy!

We are seeking an experienced Sales & Marketing Representative to join our sales team for the South East Michigan location: 

Primary Function

Sales representative will be responsible for soliciting orders for all brand products listed in the retail book. The rep will sell to local retailers (off-prem) and local restaurants/bars/country clubs (on-prem). They will suggest business-building ideas for the products listed in their book and understand in-store and on-premise merchandising principles to suggest uses of these principles in each of their retail accounts. They are expected to have knowledge of their territory for suppliers, distributors and their retail accounts will obtain the very best possible sales from the products they are responsible for selling.

Major Responsibilities

• Customer Relations: Effectively establish and develop relationships with all customers. Handle customer complaints, work with ADA for distribution questions.
• Business Development: Identify and pursue new opportunities and customers in assigned territory. Answer questions provide sampling if required. Sell in new items, brand extensions, displays, and promotions to both on- and off-premise accounts. Effectively communicate with team members any problems, issues, or opportunities within sales territory.
• Communication: Check company e-mail and voicemail regularly throughout the day and send a proper response.
• Ordering: Work with retailers, restaurants, clubs to coordinate orders through the catalog. Report committed ordering numbers to the team on a weekly basis. Reconcile with reports from ADA.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain acceptable quality ratings, reviews with retailers/restaurants/clubs.
• Monthly Market Plan: Effectively pre-plan upcoming month, monitor and adjust to meet quarterly goals. Update all company goals and display tracking on a daily basis.
• Point of Sale/Displays: Work with retailers/restaurants and others to ensure any marketing materials can be used and are displayed correctly; use creative and current POS.: Promote products clearly and accurately through use of current, fresh POS material; effectively communicate selling message to the consumer.
• Pricing/Promotion: Review competitive pricing each month to see how our brands compare. Work with team to ensure market competitive pricing is in place.
• Professional Development: Expand knowledge of products, selling skills, and industry. Adhere to and uphold all company policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Selling of wine, beer, spirits on/off-premise experience.
• Computer literate.
• Have attained a four-year college or university program certificate; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with retailers, restaurants, clubs.
• Ability to learn and present sight, aroma, taste of bourbon and other whiskies.
• Ability to present compelling reasons to carry brands at establishments
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, profit margins and percentages.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to work and make decisions effectively in an environment in which situations can arise and change quickly.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to receive a Michigan Liquor Control Card, and a valid Michigan driver's license.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to bend and lift product weighing up to 60 lbs. Be able to see product and discern dissimilar colors and numbers. Must be able to communicate effectively with customers, supervisors and co-workers. Ability to stand, walk and move in and out of a vehicle throughout the day.

To learn more about our distillery & our premium Varchas spirits please visit https://www.shankardistillers.com/