Brown Distributing Company is a leading beverage distributor throughout the state of Virginia. Since 1919, Brown Distributing has grown into a beverage distribution business with combined sales of over 3 million cases annually and serving in excess of 3,000 retailers with nearly 200 employees. Brown Distributing offers their employees competitive compensation, complete benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, company paid life insurance and a 401K employer match.

This role focuses on the successful launch and management of a new ready-to-drink “RTD” coffee brand within the Richmond market. The candidate will collaborate closely with Brown Distributing, sales teams, suppliers, and third-party sampling and promotion teams to maximize sales and brand visibility. Previous sales experience is required!

Compensation:

• Will commensurate with experience.
• Company vehicle provided.
• Phone allowance provided.

Schedule:

Up to 50 hours per week (to include weekends)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct product sampling at events, retail locations, and trade shows to engage consumers and promote brand awareness.
• Actively interact with consumers, highlighting the product’s benefits, driving immediate sampling, and gathering real-time feedback.
• Create and execute innovative strategies to enhance product visibility in key target areas.
• Build strong relationships with customers by educating them on the product’s unique features and encouraging feedback to drive future improvements.
• Must be available up to 50 hours per week, including nights and weekends, to support events, market activations, and promotional activities as needed.
• Serve as the primary contact for all sales inquiries in the assigned market, ensuring exceptional service and follow-up.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute product sampling events, managing scheduling and logistics for a seamless experience.
• Stay informed on product offerings, market trends, and competitor products.
• Provide training for new team members on product features and the sales process as needed.
• Collect and report customer and retail partner feedback on product performance, taste, and customer preferences.
• Offer insights to enhance future product launches and promotional strategies.
• Manage marketing efforts for all consumer-facing communication, including posters, displays, and sampling initiatives.
• Serve as the primary contact for all the local and national chain buyers.
• Collaborate with internal team to develop PFP strategies and incentive goals.

Key Competencies:

1. Customer Service
   • Manages difficult situations and effectively resolves customer concerns.
   • Responds promptly to customer and employee needs.
   • Solicits feedback to continuously improve service quality.
   • Meets commitments and follows through on service requests.
2. Interpersonal Skills
   • Focuses on resolving conflicts, not placing blame.
   • Listens attentively to others without interrupting.
   • Maintains emotional control in challenging situations.
   • Remains open to others' ideas and is willing to try new approaches.
3. Verbal Communication
   • Speaks clearly and persuasively, adjusting communication style for positive or negative situations.
   • Actively listens and seeks clarification when needed.
   • Responds effectively to questions, providing clear and concise answers.
   • Demonstrates strong presentation skills in group settings.
   • Participates proactively in meetings and discussions.
4. Decision-Making and Accountability
   • Identifies and evaluates alternatives before making decisions.
   • Uses a combination of analysis, experience, and sound judgment to make fair, consistent decisions.
   • Takes accountability for actions and outcomes, ensuring responsible decision-making.
5. Commitment to Continuous Improvement
   • Continuously seeks greater efficiency and effectiveness in programs and processes.
   • Remains results-driven and adapts to evolving work conditions.
   • Accepts and applies constructive feedback to improve performance.
   • Demonstrates flexibility in adapting to changing work responsibilities.
6. Ethical Conduct
   • Upholds high standards of ethical behavior and integrity.
   • Exhibits honesty and refrains any unethical conduct.
   • Models professionalism and ethical decision-making in all aspects of work.
7. Initiative and Accountability
   • Displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment to completing tasks efficiently.
   • Works independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong time management.
   • Shows attention to detail and consistently meets deadlines.
   • Takes responsibility for assigned tasks and follows through until completion.

Qualifications:

• At least 2 years experience in the beverage industry (alcohol or non-alcohol) or comparable beverage Marketing & Sales positions.

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

All final applicants will be required to comply and pass all drug, background, and driving checks