What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sales Representative-Chicago position at Big Grove Brewery?
Summary/Objective
It is up to our esteemed sales team to help broaden our availability in retail locations across the Chicagoland area. The objective of this role is to sell Big Grove products to new and existing customers through knowledge of our brand and offerings and the building of strong client relationships. We are excited to bring Big Grove to the good people of Illinois and this role will help us achieve this!
Core Values
Big Grove only hires and retains people who exhibit our core values. Our Core Values are:
Set the Tone
Thirst for Improvement
We Care
Practice Candor
Passion Driven
Please see attached culture deck explaining these core values. The goal of our culture deck is to show you who we are as a company, and then you can decide if you personally align with us and are excited to begin a career here.
Competencies
Self Starter/ High level of independence and ownership
Exceptional communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills
Ability to ask for the sale and close sales
Result driven/High achieving
Detail oriented/Thorough
Accountable
Be a high performing Big Grove team member with ability to look at business as a whole, communicate with all people, collaborate with all departments, work to solve organizational problems, and accomplish goals. Contribute to and exemplify BGB values, vision, standards, and culture.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In coordination with the Director of Sales, develop a comprehensive sales strategy for the Chicagoland area and surrounding market aligning with overall company goals and objectives. The goal is to grow our brand rapidly in Illinois and Chicago area.
Build and maintain strong relationships with both on and off-premise accounts to include chain and independent, bars, restaurants, grocery, liquor and other potential sales outlets. Secure prominent placement of our products in conjunction with distributor partners. Conduct regular visits to accounts.
Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences to identify opportunities for growth and product placement.
Build and maintain relationships with area distributors. Provide ongoing support including inventory management, order processing and education.
Manage the allocated sales budget effectively to maximize return on investment and achieve sales goals.
Track sales performance metrics and adjust strategies as needed to meet or exceed sales goals.
Utilize CRM software to manage relationships with customers and build reports to track progress and find opportunities within the market.
Educate and train sales teams, retailers, and distributors about our products and their unique selling points. Become a subject matter expert on Big Grove and our product offerings.
Plan and execute promotional events, tastings, festivals and other marketing campaigns to engage consumers and boost sales.
Ensure all sales activities adhere to local, state, and federal regulations related to the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Work Environment
This is a remote based field position in the Chicago area. Expectation is that a majority of working hours are spent in the market.
Temperature Variability: Attending festivals or events during all seasons can result in varied weather. Working in extreme heat or cold conditions may be required.
Loud Noise Levels: The atmosphere is lively and dynamic, often involving background noise, music and high guest activity; especially during peak dining hours, evenings, weekends and special events.
Fast-Paced Setting: Production deadlines and distribution timeline efficiency standards demand a high level of focus, speed and organization.
Physical Demands
This position is primarily field-based and requires frequent travel by car and regular physical activity in retail and on-premise environments.
Driving/Travel: Frequent driving between accounts and company locations. Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a vehicle and safely enter/exit the vehicle multiple times per day.
Standing/Walking: Regular standing and walking in bars, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, warehouses, and event venues; may include navigating tight storage areas, stairs, ramps, and uneven surfaces.
Lifting/Carrying: Ability to lift, carry, and move product and materials (e.g., cases of beverage, kegs, POS materials) as needed. Typical lifting may be up to 25–50 lbs; occasional heavier items may require team lifting and/or equipment.
Pushing/Pulling: Ability to push/pull carts, rolling displays, etc; move product in backrooms, coolers, and storage areas.
Reaching/Bending/Kneeling: Frequent bending, reaching, crouching, kneeling, and twisting to stock shelves, rotate product, build displays, check inventory, and place POS materials.
Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands for handling product, assembling displays, opening cases, and using mobile devices/tablets for ordering and reporting.
Vision/Hearing/Communication: Ability to read labels, pricing, and merchandising standards; communicate effectively in busy, loud environments (bars/restaurants/events) and over the phone.
Work Environment Exposure: May be exposed to varying temperatures (walk-in coolers/freezers, loading docks), weather conditions while traveling, and moderate noise levels in on-premise accounts.
Schedule Demands: May include early mornings, evenings, and weekends for account visits, promotions, tastings, and events; stamina to maintain activity throughout the workday.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position and hours of work/ days may vary from week to week. 40 hours per week are expected. Evening and weekends are a requirement for samplings and festivals.
Travel
Travel is an expectation for this position. A valid driver’s license and insurance are required for this role. Travel to taprooms or other markets will occasionally be required including overnight stays.
Preferred Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required
Work experience with alcoholic beverage suppliers, distributors, or retailers preferred
2-4 years proven sales experience required
Strong knowledge of craft beer, brewing processes, and industry trends.
Strong understanding of the Chicago market, its dynamics and key players. Only candidates based in or within a short commute of the market will be considered.
Proficient in sales management software and other software.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Must be at least 21 years of age
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.