Fine Wine Ambassador

CHEERS! Founded in 1981, Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits markets quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. With our headquarters in Stamford, CT, DFWS is the 4th largest wine company with one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios. With our family values and unique culture, DFWS was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in the U.S. in 2022 and 2023.

Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits is currently seeking a Fine Wine Ambassador located in NYC or Washington D.C.

The Fine Wine Brand Ambassador will be the storyteller for the Fine Wine brands in the DFWS portfolio – educating, inspiring and demonstrating Fine Wine sales excellent to the DFWS Sales team, our distributor partners and our customers to be passionate advocates for our Fine Wine brands. Reporting into the VP Incubate Brands, the Fine Wine Brand Ambassador will focus on three key areas: (1) Expert Selling/Storytelling in top markets with top accounts, (2) Distribution Development in key markets, and (3) Fine Wine Selling Coaching.

This is a new role and the Ambassador will serve to increase Fine Wine and individual brand knowledge and engagement within the DFWS and distributor sales force; lead elevated and polished selling presentations and teach our Sales teams and distributors to do the same; drive retail and menu placements through work withs in target markets and leading by example in helping sell our Fine Wine in the most sought after restaurants; demonstrate and educate DFWS sales team and distributor on Fine Wine selling skills.

The Fine Wine Brand Ambassador will be a dynamic, entrepreneurial individual who will be seen as the face of our brands in their assigned markets; to our sales team, distributors, customers and the media. Leads by example with respect to professional Fine Wine selling expertise and knowledge. Is focused on meeting customer needs using our brands as solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Nurture enthusiasm and passion for the assigned DFWS Fine Wine brands by strengthening engagement between individual brands and our Fine Wine target accounts, Distributor, and Local Press. Build trust, loyalty, and confidence in the FW Brands in the marketplace with designated distributors, DFWS colleagues and target customers.
• Grow share of mind for Fine Wine brands with DFWS Sales Team, Distributor Partners and Fine Wine Customers.
• Provide leadership and training in brand selling stories, portfolio knowledge and category expertise to DFWS sales team and distributor partners through in-person and virtual training sessions on individual brands and Fine Wine selling skills/expectations.
• Coordinates and executes work-withs in assigned geographies to drive distribution in target account universe, primarily on-premise and Fine Wine independent retailers.
• Formalize market visits, training, PR, Distributor work withs and account visits based upon size of opportunity aligned with budgets
• Ensures that efforts/visits are aligned around focus geography and target accounts on behalf of portfolio of brands
• Own market relationships in top 75-100 accounts in designated account territory
• Identify opportunities for bespoke programs, deeper brand education, PR and brand awareness.
• Provides regular feedback on trade reception to FW brands and of changing field conditions that effect ability to secure points of distribution or ROS.
• Manages assigned activation budget

Required Qualifications

• A minimum 5 years of Fine Wine and/or Champagne sales experience or as a Fine Wine buyer (on-premise or retail)
• Track record of building Fine Wine brands in high profile restaurants and specialty retail
• Compelling and dynamic storyteller with ability to naturally demonstrate enthusiasm for the FW brands.
• Demonstrated success in building and improving relationships with key trade stakeholders and Wholesalers.
• Exemplary wine knowledge inclusive of type, geography and competitive set
• Highly motivated leader, well organized, and self-starting individual.
• 80% of time (4 days per week) spent in market, 20% in office (1 day per week)
• Proficient in MS Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Strong written and verbal communication skill sets and the ability to clearly and concisely communicate both internally and externally.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Capable of managing multiple projects on tight deadlines and maintaining a high level of quality output.

Preferred Credentials:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Certified Sommelier or WSET 3+ Certification

We Value Diversity

DFWS is committed to inclusion and diversity. We cultivate a work environment that celebrates diversity because differences continue to make the company culture stronger, enhance our connection with the communities we serve and strengthen our competitive advantage. Building an inclusive culture continues to be at the core of all we do.

About Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits

Initially called W.J. Deutsch & Sons Ltd., the company was founded in 1981 by Chairman Bill Deutsch to market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. In 2009, it announced the expansion of the award-winning company to include a Spirits Portfolio. Today the company is renowned for its brand-building prowess and its ability to meet the needs of the modern consumer. Bill's son Peter Deutsch is CEO; thus two generations of the Deutsch family work side by side in their continuous quest to build strong brands and relationships throughout the wine and spirits industry.

The portfolio includes award-winning wines from Australia: [ yellow tail ], [ yellow tail ] Pure Bright; California: Force & Grace, Girard Winery, Joseph Carr, Josh Cellars, Josh Cellars Reserve, Layer Cake, The Calling; France: Cave de Lugny, Fleurs de Prairie, Hob Nob Vineyards, Sauvion et Fils; Italy: Barone Fini, Villa Pozzi; New Zealand: The Crossings; Portugal: Quinta Do Vale Meao; Argentina: Clos de los Siete; and award-winning spirits: Redemption Whiskey, Bib & Tucker Bourbon, Masterson's Rye, Gray Whale Gin, Luksusowa Vodka and Cantera Negra Tequila.

Learn more about Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits at www.deutschfamily.com

Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits is an Equal Opportunity Employer

#LI-Remote