Territory Manager – [Lansing/Ann Arbor, Michigan]

Location: Field
Territory: Lansing/Ann Arbor, Michigan
Schedule: Monday–Friday
Compensation: $45,000–$60,000 base uncapped variable compensation

Mission Statement — Downeast Cider

“If we create value for customers, we create value for ourselves in fulfilling work and robust compensation. This requires a world-class brand and a world-class team.”

Mission Statement — Territory Manager

As a Territory Manager, you are the face of Downeast in the market. Your mission is to grow sales, expand distribution, and elevate our visibility across both on- and off-premise accounts in your territory. You build meaningful wholesaler and customer relationships, execute with consistency, and bring our cider portfolio to life through excellent in-market work. You are the frontline force moving Downeast toward becoming the #1 hard cider in America.

Who You Are

You are someone who:

• Is energized by selling, relationship-building, and winning in the field
• Brings passion and enthusiasm for craft cider and the Downeast brand
• Communicates clearly, confidently, and professionally
• Is organized, disciplined, and able to manage a high-volume account list
• Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Takes ownership of results, follows through, and consistently executes
• Builds trust with wholesalers and account partners
• Enjoys being out in the market 80–90% of the time
• Welcomes feedback, acts on it quickly, and views coaching as a competitive advantage

Key Responsibilities

Sell, Sell, Sell

• Execute against monthly and quarterly sales goals
   
• Increase Downeast’s presence in existing accounts and introduce new products
   
• Prospect, pitch, and close new accounts across on- and off-premise channels
   
• Seek out and secure merchandising, display, and promotional opportunities
   
• Ensure product freshness and uphold Downeast’s quality standards
   

Flex Your People Skills

• Spend the majority of your time visiting new and existing accounts
   
• Build strong relationships with account decision-makers
   
• Balance communication with multiple wholesaler reps
   
• Leverage wholesaler ride-alongs and partnerships to increase sales and maintain visibility
   

Keep Track of It All

• Record all account activity and visit notes in a VIP KARMA
   
• Maintain accurate data in VIP and Karma
   
• Input contact information and visit recaps after each sales call
   
• Create and send weekly recaps of account work to wholesalers
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Passion for craft cider and the beverage industry
   
• Experience providing excellent customer service
   
• Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills
   
• Comfortable multitasking and adapting throughout the day
   
• At least 21 years old (federal & state alcohol regulations)
   
• Must reside within the territory
   

Bonus Points

• Outside sales experience
   
• Experience in alcohol / beer / wine / spirits
   
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle
   
• Comfortable using CRM software
   
• Proficient in Google Suite
   
• Don’t check every box? We value grit, hustle, and passion. If this role speaks to you, apply with a one-page cover letter explaining why you, no “to whom it may concern” required.
   

What We Offer

• Unlimited PTO
   
• Paid holidays
   
• Variable compensation This role includes uncapped quarterly variable compensation with a 20% target and 40% stretch benchmark; actual earnings may exceed benchmarks based on performance
   
• 401(k) with 4% company match
   
• Health & dental insurance
   
• Company-paid short-term disability
   
• Mileage and expense reimbursement
   
• Monthly phone stipend (up to $100/month)
   
• Sales training/retreats
   
• Regular team contests with additional financial incentives
   
• Eligibility for our annual Elite Slinger’s Club trip (last year: Puerto Rico)
   
• Company-wide holiday party
   
• Cider allowance (hope your fridge is big)
   

about downeast cider:

we first started fermenting batches of cider up at bates college in 2011.  we have a few more teammates now.  you can now buy our cider in tens of thousands of retailers, not just a couple of bars in central maine.  it takes us 15 minutes to make a pallet of cider, not the 12 hours it took in the early days.  we’re diversifying beyond cider.  but our aim remains the same:

we aspire to be an enduring company. if we create value for our customers, we create value for ourselves through fulfilling work and robust compensation.  to do this requires a work class brand, and a work class team.  

we define our culture by seven principles.  you can read more about those principles here.

we like to hire the way we like our cider, unfiltered. with the understanding that we can learn and grow from each other’s differences, we are proud to hire regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or anything else that makes us who we are.