The Category Developer for an assigned spirits and on-premise portfolio serves as a sales lead focused on increasing category share and velocity. The role supports brand growth through planning, execution of activations, account partnership, and ongoing education and market insight.
Role Overview
This position acts as a key resource for supplier account stakeholders and supports the division or group in building beverage and marketing strategies for growth. The Category Developer also leads education efforts and helps drive in-market events designed to strengthen category awareness.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver sales and marketing goals for assigned categories and brands.
- Develop beverage and marketing strategies and plans for growth, serving as an expert resource for the division or group.
- Research trends, category, and portfolio information to help align company and supplier goals.
- Present new products and beverage offerings and conduct monthly business reviews.
- Plan high-end consumer activations within key accounts based on customer needs.
- Provide real-time market insights to inform and accelerate growth opportunities.
- Lead, organize, report, and gather intelligence and insights for the assigned territory and categories.
- Collaborate with on-premise and retail sales teams to create solutions that drive growth across the assigned territory.
- Develop and deliver training modules for the sales team, customers, and suppliers covering sales trends.
- Identify specific areas where the category can grow (for example, territories and accounts).
- Set merchandising objectives for each account by understanding company priorities and defining point-of-sale needs for the supplier.
- Maintain ownership of account planning and execution aligned to brand plans.
- Secure appropriate category distribution across the account base by presenting and selling based on brand features and benefits.
- Conduct staff education and support category building.
- Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and gatekeepers of assigned accounts.
- Participate in supplier and category-specific work-with sales calls.
- Attend educational workshops and review professional publications to build and maintain industry knowledge.
- Protect operations and customer confidence by keeping information confidential.
- Maintain a safe and clean working environment by following procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the jobholder’s supervisor.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or equivalent training and work experience.
- Minimum of 3 years of sales or industry-related experience.
- Deep knowledge of the category or responsibility area supported by this role.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
- Proficiency with PC tools, including MS Office and presentation software.
- Results-oriented approach with verbal and written communication skills, utilizing diplomacy, discretion, and customer service skills.
- Ability to multitask, work independently and within a team, pay attention to detail, and meet deadlines.
- Analytic and reporting skills.
- Sound judgment and problem-solving ability.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5 years of experience in the industry or related category expertise, such as CSS Certification, WSET Spirits Level 2, or category-specific certifications (Whiskey or Tequila).
- On-premise or hospitality experience.
- Strong understanding of consumer engagement mechanics.
Tools and Technologies
- MS Office
- Presentation software
Benefits
- Health care benefits (eligible)
- Life insurance
- Time off benefits
- Participation in the Company’s 401(k) plan
- Bonus program eligibility
Compensation
Salary range: $56,280 - $76,200 per year.
Compensation package: Range: $56,280 - $76,200 + $6,000 car allowance.
Salary offered is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data and ranges, as well as applicant skills and prior relevant experience.
Physical and Work Requirements
- While performing duties, regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone.
- Required to operate a motor vehicle and possess a driver’s license.
Competencies
- Accountable for results that impact the department.
- Selects the best option from defined procedures or solutions using common sense and experience of similar situations.
