Account Development Specialist

THE ROLE: The Account Development Specialist is the sales lead for an assigned portfolio within a targeted account base. The focus is growing share and velocity of an assigned category by selling the right brands in to customers and driving sell-through to consumers with planned and executed brand activations. The role owns relationships with key stakeholders and gatekeepers at supplier accounts, serves as the expert consultant for those accounts, and is active with in-market events and education.

WHAT YOU WILL DO: Drive revenue and market share, spending 80% of working time in market Serve as the expert and resource for the division in developing beverage and marketing strategies and growth plans for an assigned category or large supplier Research trends, category, and portfolio to ensure the division meets established supplier goals Present new products and beverage offerings and conduct monthly business reviews Plan high-end consumer activations within key accounts to elevate category awareness based on customer needs Deliver real-time market insights that inform and accelerate growth Lead, organize, and report field intel and insights for the assigned territory and categories Partner with on-premise and retail sales teams on creative solutions that grow the category Develop and deliver training modules on sales trends to the sales team, customers, and suppliers Set merchandising objectives by account based on brand priority, and define POS needs to the supplier Own the account plan and its execution against brand plans Secure distribution across the account base by selling on brand features and benefits, including beverage menu development Conduct staff education and build the category Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and gatekeepers Participate in supplier and category-specific work-with sales calls Build specialized category knowledge through workshops, professional publications, and industry networks Earn relevant advanced certifications and become the market expert on the assigned category or supplier Keep customer and business information confidential Maintain a safe and clean working environment in compliance with procedures and regulations Drive market share in retail or on-premise accounts Retail: number and placement of facings, cold box share, and additional displays against planogram On-premise: menu placement (featured or within the cocktail list) and customer visibility at the bar Handle beverage alcohol product responsibly and conduct safe, responsible interactions with the publicWHAT YOU BRINGBachelor's degree in a related field and/or equivalent training and work experience 3 to 5 years in sales or industry-related work with category expertise Certification: CSS or WSET Spirits Level 2; or a category-specific certification (Whiskey, Tequila, Sake, or Beer); or Fine Wine accreditation, preferably WSET Level 2 or similar (CSW, Court of Master Sommeliers Level II)Specialized knowledge of the category this role supports Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle Proficiency in MS Office and presentation software Results orientation with strong verbal and written communication, diplomacy, discretion, and customer service skills Ability to multi-task, work independently and in a team, stay detail-oriented, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment Analytical, reporting, judgment, and problem-solving skillsPREFERREDOn-premise or hospitality experience Strong understanding of consumer engagement mechanics Spirits specialty Experience managing a beverage program or bartending/mixology Cocktail costing, inventory, menu creation, P&L analysis, budgeting, batching, and staff training Working knowledge of elevated beverage techniques: frozen cocktails, infusions, smoking, barrel aging, clarifying, foams, and garnishes Wine specialty Previous experience with a wine supplier In-depth understanding of wine styles, regions, grapes, aging potential, and flavor profilesPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSRegularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands to operate a computer and telephone.