Regional Manager - British Columbia

DRC Imports is seeking a Regional Sales Manager - British Columbia to add to our growing team. We seek an experienced, commercially driven individual to lead key account development, provincial programming, supplier execution, and border market development across the province. Covering the region of British Columbia and extended adjacent outside province support/ oversight.

This role will have direct responsibility for key BC accounts, the BCL commercial relationship, priority LSC and on-premise customers, and development of annual BC sales plan. The position will also provide coaching and mentorship to the BC field team, helping ensure consistent execution, market coverage and commercial development across the province.

You will have the opportunity to work with an exceptional portfolio of wines estates and distilleries; award winning, industry leading and memorable. We offer a supportive, collaborative structure and are committed to the continued growth of our team members. This is a full-time, permanent position with a typical split of 70% field work and 30% home office. The role requires regular evening and weekend work for events, festivals and supplier visits. 

This role will report directly to the Sales Director - Canada, and support all efforts, including additional strategic initiatives as assigned.

Requirements for this position:

• Minimum 7 Years sales experience in the beverage alcohol sector
• Strong knowledge of the British Columbia adult beverage market
• Has a proven track record of managing key retail and on-premise accounts
• Has a proven rack record of setting achievable yet challenging goals and reaching or surpassing set targets
• Ownership and development of key BC customer relationships
• Management of the BCL commercial relationship, including listings, programming, identifying and executing commercial opportunities
• Development of priority LRS accounts and regional retail groups
• Development of key on-premise accounts, hospitality groups and influential partners
• Development and execution of the annual BC sales plan
• Planning and execution of provincial programming across retail and on-premise channels
• Can identify customer needs and answer objections in a consultative manner
• Strong follow up, negotiation and closing skills
• Experienced and efficient regarding “Return on Investment (ROI)”
• Ability to analyze sales date, identify market opportunities, and provide commercially relevant recommendations
• Coaching and mentorship of the BC field sales team
• Self motivated and organized without prompt.  Works well in both team environments and on their own
• Able to foster relationships with teammates, suppliers, store managers, buyers and key staff across the BC region
• Lead the field strategic performance of the territory as a key driver of business growth
• Lead key retail and on-premise relationships, influencing portfolio strategy, prioritization and long-term growth
• Clear and concise communication skills in both written and verbal format
• Comfortability with public speaking to educate both trade and consumers on our brands
• Able to facilitate and execute training sessions for trade partners and consumer audiences
• Developing and maintaining an efficient route plan within the territory
• Maintaining and increasing product distribution by working with existing accounts and driving new business where applicable
• Able to maximize presence in both retail and on-premise accounts
• Building long-term relationships with contacts at restaurants to achieve listings and features of products by the glass, by the bottle and back bars 
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong working understanding of social media platforms and how they fit into modern business strategies
• Administratively strong and accountable in reporting
• Proficient at software programs such Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Power Point, Word and Outlook, as well as Google (G-Suite)
• Literate in statistics and data. Proficiency in Connect Logistics or other sales data tools.
• Must be comfortable moving/lifting 50 lbs on a regular basis, as well as standing for long periods of time
• Existing, proven relationships within the industry 
• Full market focus, proven ability for planning, presentations and account achievement
• Market and data driven input on the company product offering
• Oversight on event participation and preparation
• Collaboration with TMs to ensure consistent support and coverage within the region and provide guidance and experience where applicable
• Must be comfortable with regular travel throughout British Columbia and occasional travel across Western Canada/ Canada as required.
• Must have full‐time access to a reliable vehicle and a valid and unimpeded British Columbia Driver’s License
• Valid and unimpeded passport 
• Valid Serve It Right
• WSET Level 2 or equivalent is minimum. Level 3 or beyond is preferred, but not required.

Assets for this position:

• Post secondary education or equivalent work experience
• Second language 
• Serve It Right Certification 
• Experience managing an expense accounts
• Experience building annual sales plans, budgets and forecasts
• Experience reporting on Return on Investment and commercial performance
• Experience coaching and mentoring field sales teams
• Experience managing provincial or regional key accounts
• Experience supporting supplier market visits and strategic programming
• Strong understanding of BC LRS, BCL and on-premise landscape
• Interested in learning new concepts and putting them into practice to grow personally and professionally \
• Interested in broader Western Canadian commercial leadership
• Comfortable adapting to changing market conditions and growing organization

With over a combined 30 years of experience in Western Canada, DRC Imports is a privately owned and operated agency, emphasizing the values of integrity, authenticity and teamwork. We offer a comprehensive medical benefits package, vehicle and office allowances, reimburse for work approved expenses including out of town territory coverage. We value commitment and longevity. Therefore, our remuneration package is salary-based with access to performance bonus. The salary range for this position will commensurate with experience.