Chicago Sales Representative

Bring your passion and experience to the Schilling-verse! Schilling Cider strives to create a fun and productive workplace for our employees. We foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, with many avenues of potential growth, no matter where you start.

We are looking to add a Chicagoland Area Sales Representative (AKA Beverage Champion!) to our growing Sales team. The ideal candidate has a passion for cider, enjoys fermentations, is positive, highly motivated, and has the drive to learn and grow within a rapidly expanding industry! The Chicagoland Area Sales Rep is responsible for executing within off and on-premise accounts by growing sales and market share through product distribution, display execution, and promotion. This role will be focused on the retail execution of Schilling Cider brands, with approximately 85% of their time in the field. The area for this role covers a portion of the Chicago Metro area.

Schilling Cider has always strived to create a fun and productive workplace that every employee can be proud of. We foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, with many avenues of potential growth, no matter where you start. Bring your craft beverage passion and experience to Schilling Cider!

** Schilling Cider is an Equal Opportunity Employer **

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

Primary Responsibilities

Field Execution:

• Develop and execute the Schilling sales plan to grow the greater Chicago Metro market
• Work closely with Senior Director of Sales Midwest & Mid-Atlantic to build & execute Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly Plans to achieve annual market goals
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key retailers
• Represent Schilling Cider at festivals, dinners, tastings, and events within territory
• Increase distribution while educating retailers, restaurateurs, and consumers on the Schilling Cider portfolio
• Call on existing account base to gain new distribution, execute promotional activity, and increase market share
• Develop new business to increase volume/distribution/share within assigned area
• Identify retail opportunities and sell/execute against those opportunities
• Ensure proper merchandising of product and point-of-sale materials according to brand standards
• Generate sales by maintaining/increasing shelf facings and positioning
• Coordinate events and promotions to deliver greater brand awareness and stimulate sales
• Execute monthly Chain Account opportunities – closing authorization gaps, gaining displays, merchandising shelves/backstock, POS support, implementing company programming
• Clear and effective communication with distributor partners regarding retail opportunities and authorizations
• Provide essential feedback to Chain Account and Marketing teams about retail successes and challenges
• Accomplish sales goals in alignment with our CIDER Selling Process
• Coordinate and conduct General Sales Meetings with all wholesaler channel teams

Sales Administration:

• Compile and submit reports on assigned area and general market information to management team and wholesaler
• Keep business calendar up to date and scheduled 60 days out
• Utilize sales tools (KARMA, VIP, Nielsen, IRI, etc.) effectively
• Recap weekly KARMA accomplishments to wholesaler
• Communicate chain activity, new item launches, and incentive opportunities
• Pivot various aspects of distributor management based on business needs
• Coordinate with wholesaler on commitment closure opportunities

Ideal Candidates:

• Lead by example and take initiative
• Possess a true entrepreneurial spirit
• Can work independently and as a part of a team
• Are an energetic, outgoing, organized, and motivated problem solver
• Are passionate about craft cider and have deep knowledge of the local craft market
• Have strong sales, communication, and presentation skills
• Willing to travel multiple times per year
• Have previous sales experience in the alcohol beverage industry
• Has a desire to create a long-term career path within Schilling Cider

Requirements

• Must be 21+ years of age
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with a booster shot completed
• Currently reside in or commuting distance to the Chicago Metro area
• Passion for cider and the beverage industry
• Valid Driver’s License with a good driving record
• Comfort with mobile technology and MS suite
• Ability to handle and maneuver 30lb cases and team lift kegs
• Ability to occasionally work nights and weekends
• Lead by example and take initiative; be outgoing and approachable
• Be self-driven and self-motivated
• Work independently and as part of the team
• Be an energetic, organized, and motivated problem solver
• Exemplify the company’s values while representing our brands
• Be active in conversations around company culture and an agent of change, positively contributing to the workplace experience.
• Ask for help when needed

Benefits

• Starting salary of $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 annually, + bonus OTE, depending on experience and qualifications
• Medical/ dental/ vision
• Company-provided electric vehicle
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Annual hobby stipend
• Cider, of course!
• Fun working environment in a growing industry

About Schilling Cider

Schilling Cider was founded in a garage in 2012. And while the glycol chiller that we run today couldn't even fit in that garage, the same spirit for making bold, flavor forward ciders and always figuring out how to do it better lives on today. Schilling Cider is the second largest cider producer in the US thanks to the team of people who work across the company. That growth has been enabled with the installation of a high-speed canning line capable of 1,200cpm. We're looking to add team members to help care for our equipment and improve processes. While it is no longer in a garage, the same culture and drive are there in what we do today and what we're laying the groundwork for tomorrow.

Schilling Cider exists to Craft world-class beverages to elevate life’s everyday moments. Our values guide the work we do every day and help us create an engaging, fun, and rewarding workplace.