Regional Craft Spirits Specialist

M.S. Walker has an immediate opening for a Regional Craft Spirits Specialist NY/NJ for the MS Walker Brand’s Gin Lane 1751 portfolio of traditional Victorian Style and London Distilled Gin Portfolio. Join our efforts and be part of the founding team that takes this brand to the next level! Gin Lane 1751 was launched in 2017 and has received numerous awards, great press and overwhelmingly positive feedback from both consumers and buyers. Handcrafted in London, England by one of the industry’s most reputable gin distillers, this small-batch, high-quality gin keeps it legit, authentic and innovative with a full range of super premium gins. Steeped in history are the classic London Dry and Old Tom style gins as well as a collection of one-of-a-kind, seasonal ‘Victorian Garden’ flavors.

Information regarding the brands represented can be found at:

https://ginlane1751.com/

http://www.mswalker.com/national-brands/

https://www.mswalker.com/nationalspirits/gin-lane-1751/

Also, on Instagram at:

@mswalkerbrands

@ginlane1751

Responsibilities:

Sales / Trade Engagement / Education

• Daily interactions with key decision makers
• Cultivate and curate Gin Lane 1751 “partner” accounts
• Make new retail and on-premise volume placements
• Selling in and merchandising retail displays in existing and new retailers
• Activate brand cocktail strategy at retail and on trade
• Achieve competitive brand adjacencies at retail for existing and new placements
• Achieve in service volume cocktail placements in the on-premise channel
• Merchandise current and new placements with the most up to date point of sale materials
• Follow up to train staff on DNA, provenance, features and benefits of the brand
• Follow up to conduct consumer events, seminars and tastings in key accounts
• Serve as regional facing product knowledge expert for Gin Lane 1751; with a passion for storytelling and effectively communicating the brand's features, benefits, heritage and personality
• Educate trade, and distributor/broker partners on benefits of the Gin Lane 1751
• Contribute to social media content that documents the brand’s impact in the regional community
• Support and work with sales teams at distributor in the market, at meetings and events
• Create and manage agenda for MSWB Brand team and brand owner/dignitary market work, events etc.

Events

• Support retail, on-trade and consumer shows as required; attend the brand's booth at fests and other events in core markets
• Minimum of 4 in-store tastings a month between Thursday afternoon and Sunday afternoon

Reporting

• Provide monthly recaps of all activities
• Track KPIs, sales, and reach goals regularly
• Report markets trends and competitor activity

Salary:

The salary has a range of $60-65k based upon experience

Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to be successful in this role:

• Entrepreneurial mindset with high energy and enthusiasm
• Deadline-oriented, motivated, and a self-starter who can work on a small team, as well as, independently
• Excellent time management, problem-solving, organizational, communication, presentation, and selling skills
• Strong relationships in both the independent off and on-premise channels
• Deep knowledge of spirits and cocktail development (experience as a bartender creating craft cocktails)
• Natural and charismatic storyteller who has a passion for sharing their cocktailing tales with others
• Credibility with the on-trade is essential; be part of that community with existing network, bartender groups, presence and respect within the community of gatekeepers
• Ability to interface with the distributor personnel
• Strong and active social media presence
• MS Office and G-Suite proficiency
• Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application
• 1-3 years of professional experience in alcohol beverage sales
• Reliable transportation
• Able to regularly work evenings and weekends
• Must live in the New York City area, and have the ability to travel throughout the NY/NJ territory

Benefits

Who We Are:

Founded in Boston in 1933, M.S. Walker, Inc. is a 5th-generation, family-owned wine and spirits importer and distributor, a spirits bottler, and a national supplier called MS Walker Brands. We serve On-Premise and Off-Premise establishments throughout the Northeast, with direct wholesale distribution operations in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island and brokerage operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. We represent an excellent portfolio of wine and spirits nationwide, including our own brands. M.S. Walker has built our foundation and future on our people – our employees are truly our greatest asset. Our company boasts a diverse pool of exceptionally special team members who each bring their unique skills and experience to the organization.

Mission Statement:

Since 1933, our mission has been firmly rooted in our core values of family, integrity, respect, honesty, and hard work. We are deeply committed to upholding these principles for our team members, customers and suppliers alike. We seek to build and maintain long-lasting relationships based on trust and reliability. By honoring our heritage and embracing innovation, we aim to continuously improve and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our industry, while responsibly contributing to the communities we serve. Together, we strive to elevate the spirit of hospitality and foster a vibrant and respectful culture in all facets of the organization and beyond.