Off-Premise Wine & Spirits Specialist
About the Job
Company Description
Brown Bag Beverage is a craft-focused beverage distributor based in San Diego, committed to delivering high-quality products and consistent, personalized service. Our portfolio includes wine, spirits, and craft beverages from distinctive producers. We value authentic relationships, strong product knowledge, and education, helping our suppliers grow their brands and our retail partners build successful beverage programs.
Role Description
This full-time, field-based Off-Premise Wine & Spirits Specialist role is based in San Diego, CA. This position focuses on growing wine and spirits sales within an assigned territory of liquor stores, wine shops, grocery stores, and other off-premise retail accounts.
The specialist will develop relationships with retail buyers, identify new business opportunities, and expand placements of Brown Bag Beverage’s wine and spirits portfolio. Success in this role requires proactive prospecting, consistent follow-up, strong product knowledge, and the ability to turn new placements into repeat sales.
Key responsibilities include:
- Manage and grow existing accounts while actively prospecting and opening new off-premise accounts.
- Build relationships with owners, buyers, and retail staff through regular account visits and responsive service.
- Present and sample wines and spirits, communicating brand stories, product attributes, pricing, and retail sales opportunities.
- Secure new placements, expand distribution, and drive reorders across the portfolio.
- Monitor inventory, support appropriate stock levels, and improve shelf placement, displays, and brand visibility.
- Educate retail staff on wine varietals, regions, spirits categories, and product selling points.
- Coordinate in-store tastings and promotions with retail accounts and supplier partners.
- Develop account and territory plans to meet or exceed sales goals.
- Maintain accurate account notes, sales activity, and follow-up tasks using CRM or sales tracking tools.
- Share market insights and collaborate with internal teams to support customer needs.
Qualifications
- Strong wine and spirits knowledge, including wine varietals and regions, spirits categories, and consumer trends.
- Prior sales experience in wine, spirits, beverage distribution, or off-premise retail preferred.
- Proven ability to prospect, build relationships with decision-makers, secure placements, and grow account sales.
- Excellent communication, customer service, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to educate retail buyers and staff and confidently lead product tastings.
- Understanding of retail pricing, margins, merchandising, and promotional planning.
- Strong organization, time management, and follow-through, with the ability to manage a territory independently.
- Proficiency with CRM systems or sales tracking tools.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for regular travel throughout the assigned territory.
- Ability to lift and move cases of wine and spirits as needed.
