State Manager - Wine and Spirits

Job description:

State Manager Ohio

Location:

Columbus, OH / Field based across Ohio

Industry: Premium Wine & Spirits

Reporting to:
Regional Sales Manager

Salary: $90-110k + 25% bonus + car allowance + expenses

Our client is a dynamic, familyrun wine and spirits company with an eclectic portfolio of premium brands. With distinctive labels and an international footprint, they collaborate with global partners to activate and distribute products across on and off‑premise channels.

We are seeking a commercially focused individual contributor and sales leader to drive growth across Ohio.

Candidates must reside in or near Columbus, Ohio.

Collaborate with the Regional Sales Manager to develop and execute the annual sales plan and manage the sales budget. Manage the full brand portfolio within the state; monitor depletions and inventory by SKU to prevent outofstocks and plan for growth. Build and manage productive relationships with wholesaler personnel and key customers. Plan and implement sales programmes across all markets; ensure pricing structures and shelf prices are executed to standard.

Ensure POS and other marketing assets are deployed correctly in‑field; contribute to programme‑specific POS development. Call on and activate key accounts under the direction of the Regional Sales Manager; implement creative consumer activation programmes. Survey the market regularly to ensure distribution, pricing, POS, displays, menus and advertising are executed to standard. Travel as needed to observe business conditions, meet key buyers and distributor teams, and work alongside Company sales personnel.

Participate in Company and wholesaler planning and sales meetings. Undertake other duties as assigned.

Competitive base salary with performance‑based bonus. Car allowance and business expenses (travel, accommodation and home‑office essentials). Comprehensive benefits package. Extensive field exposure and career progression opportunities within a premium global portfolio.

Minimum 5 years experience in the beverage alcohol industry. Strong knowledge of wholesaler operations, creating share of mind and driving quota rotation. Proven ability to plan and execute pricing, programming and promotional activation across on‑ and off‑premise. Strong key account negotiation skills with a track record of activating and growing distribution. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills to champion the Company’s brands.

Existing relationships with wholesaler management in Ohio are a plus. Entrepreneurial, self‑starting mindset, objective‑oriented and comfortable with minimal supervision. Excellent planning, organisational and presentation skills; financially responsible with budget management capability. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint). Valid driver’s licence and ability to travel 45 days per week across Ohio.

This is a high‑impact, mid‑to‑senior level leadership role for a commercial sales professional ready to represent a globally recognised portfolio of premium brands. If you bring deep beverage industry expertise, team leadership experience and a robust Ohio network, we’d love to hear from you.