Group Manager

Overview

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Group Manager to inspire and lead our South-Central sales team. This executive-level role drives sales growth, distributor performance, market execution, brand development, and team leadership across key markets, including Texas and surrounding states. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in the three-tier system, strong experience in distributor management, and a proven history of delivering sustainable growth in highly competitive wine and spirits markets.

Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position include the following (other duties may be assigned as needed):

• Develop and execute annual and long-term strategic plans for the South-Central group, achieving revenue, depletion, profit, and market share targets aligned with national objectives.
• Shape the company’s short-, mid-, and long‑term strategy as a key member of the Executive Team.
• Lead, coach, and mentor a multi-level sales team comprised of 3 Area Managers, 2 Region Managers, 1 District Manager, 2 State Managers, and 3 Category Specialists; this role also has direct responsibility for the Texas market.
• Serve as the senior relationship lead with key distributor partners; negotiate annual business plans, pricing, incentives, and promotional programs, lead regular business reviews, and drive topline growth.
• Establish KPIs, drive accountability, and cultivate a high-performance, results-oriented culture.
• Oversee forecasting, budgeting, pricing strategies, inventory and margin performance, portfolio development, and overall market performance while ensuring regulatory compliance across states and markets.
• Ensure best-in-class execution across on- and off-premise channels, partner with Trade Marketing on brand activations, trade initiatives, and key account development.
• Track regional market trends, competitive threats, and opportunities for portfolio expansion; define and implement strategic sales plans to drive growth, profitability, and market share.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, Marketing, National Account, and Brand Marketing teams to optimize performance and ensure alignment across business initiatives.
• Ensure all business operations, policies, and practices adhere to applicable legal and regulatory requirements to minimize risk and uphold ethical standards.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, tastings, trade shows, and networking events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive sales experience in the beverage alcohol industry, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing multi-state teams and multiple geographies.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and extensive industry experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-state distributor networks and building strong, performance-driven distributor partnerships.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic growth plans in a highly competitive, fast-paced environment while fostering a collaborative leadership culture.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, executive-level negotiation, and communication skills, with a strong track record of closing complex, high-value agreements.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including experience working with syndicated data (Nielsen, VIP, iDig, IRI) and applying insights to beverage alcohol categories.
• Deep knowledge of the global wine market, including key varietals, regions, pricing tiers, and market trends; CSW, WSET, or similar credentials preferred.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) and CRM/reporting tools.
• Valid driver’s license required; must meet legal age requirements for the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to comfortably lift and carry up to fifty pounds.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Must be able to travel within the territory up to 30-50% of the time.

Kobrand Corporation offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. The determination of what a specific employee in this job classification is paid depends on several factors, including but not limited to prior employment history/job-related skills and qualifications, length of service, and geographic location. This job classification is bonus-eligible, with bonus potential subject to applicable bonus plan terms.