Virginia Wine Trade Relations Specialist

Ringwood Boyd Marketing is seeking a Trade Relations Specialist to join the efforts of the Virginia Wine Marketing Office. The position will execute strategic initiatives to increase distribution of Virginia Wine and engage trade partners. 

Ringwood Boyd Marketing is based in Richmond, Virginia, and manages the Virginia Wine brand on behalf of the Virginia Wine Board. Discover more at virginiawine.org. This role requires a candidate that can effectively work in a hybrid setting with the flexibility to travel when necessary. Candidates do not have to reside in Richmond but should be within 2.5 hours of the area.

Responsibilities

• Market Analysis & Distribution Strategy
• Create a strategic distribution plan and identify key markets for industry expansion through trade sales
• Highlight trends and opportunities in markets including Virginia, Washington DC, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, etc.
• Identify top regional/national events for a Virginia presence
• Monitor effectiveness of trade programming and track feedback to identify areas for improvement
• Partner Engagement
• Cultivate strong relationships with distributors, retailers and restaurateurs to expand Virginia Wine's presence
• Create and maintain updated lists of restaurants, independent wine shops, grocery store buyers, etc. for website listings and outreach
• Develop marketing programs for on and off-premise accounts
• Garner participation in campaigns like Wine Month, Governor's Cup, etc.
• Train distributors, retailers, and buyers on Virginia wines and educate wineries on best practices for distribution
• Create, source and manage promotional materials
• Industry Education
• Winery education on distribution opportunities and sales in the 3-tier system
• Create opportunities for wineries to interact with distributors
• Promotion of the Virginia Wine Distribution Company to buyers

• Brand Promotion
• Collaborate on marketing campaigns and promotional activities to boost brand awareness and consumer demand

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, or a related field
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational abilities
• Entrepreneurial work ethic with the capability to create and manage a dynamic workload
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Proven self-sufficiency and ability to excel in both hybrid office and remote working environments
• Passion for wine, demonstrated through knowledge and enthusiasm.
• Previous experience in the alcohol industry is preferred.
• Strong project management skills
• Exceptional relationship-building capabilities

Benefits

• Health care plan
• Retirement plan contribution
• Paid time off
• Flexibility to work from home