Regional Wine Manager - Maine & Vermont

Regional Wine Manager - Maine & Vermont

Join Our Team

M.S. Walker is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Regional Wine Manager to lead growth for our wine portfolio across Maine and Vermont. This highly visible, field-based role is the primary connection among winery and supplier partners, distributors, retailers, restaurants, and consumers. You will translate portfolio strategy into market execution, expand distribution, strengthen key accounts, and create memorable education and tasting experiences.

The successful candidate will combine commercial discipline, wine expertise, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills. If you enjoy building markets, solving problems, and turning supplier priorities into measurable results, we invite you to apply.

Position Details

Reports to: General Manager, New Hampshire

Territory: Maine and Vermont

Schedule: Full-time, field-based; frequent travel and occasional evening or weekend work required

What You'll Do

Lead Distributor Execution

• In coordination with M.S. Walker Brand Management,

• Manage and submit new item setup forms and product onboarding documentation.

• Develop, implement, and communicate pricing programs for all portfolio brands within the Maine and Vermont markets.

• Create, manage, and communicate promotional programming and incentives to distributor partners.

• Maintain strong working relationships with distributor management teams and sales personnel.

• Coordinate and communicate supplier-driven chain account programs and initiatives.

• Conduct regular ride-alongs and work-withs alongside distributor sales representatives to drive execution and account development.

• In cooperation with the M.S. Walker Corporate Team (Customer Service, Inventory, and Brand Management),

• Monitor inventory levels to ensure product availability and minimize out-of-stock situations.

• Resolve distributor and customer service issues, including order errors, mis-shipments, inventory shortages, and urgent account needs.

• Coordinate emergency product transfers, inventory swaps, and special deliveries to support key accounts and business priorities.

Build Supplier Partnerships

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned winery and supplier partners.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships through regular communication and performance updates.
• Coordinate supplier visits and market work-withs, including account calls and market presentations.
• Plan and execute supplier-focused educational events, trainings, and master classes.
• Organize and facilitate General Sales Meetings (GSMs) and distributor training sessions on behalf of supplier partners.
• Communicate market opportunities, competitive activity, and sales performance to suppliers.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop market strategies, promotional opportunities, and growth initiatives.

Grow the Market

• Independently manage and develop on-premise and off-premise accounts throughout Maine and Vermont.
• Conduct wine presentations, tastings, and educational sessions for customers and distributor teams.
• Execute retail tastings, wine dinners, staff training, seminars, and consumer-facing events.
• Represent company brands at trade shows, festivals, industry functions, and market events.
• Develop account-specific proposals and sales presentations to secure new business opportunities.
• Evaluate supplier offerings and market opportunities to create/recommend pricing strategies and sales programs.
• Drive distribution gains, menu placements, feature activity, and portfolio growth.
• Build and maintain relationships with key retailers, restaurants, chain accounts, and industry stakeholders.

Coordinate with Compliance Department

• Product registrations and renewals through applicable regulatory agencies, including:

• Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations (BABLO), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

• Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery (DLL) and related state agencies

• Ensure all products maintain current registrations and compliance status.

• Monitor regulatory requirements and communicate changes to suppliers and distributor partners.

• Maintain accurate compliance documentation and reporting records.

Drive the Business

• From M.S. Walker Creative Services, request, maintain, and utilize point-of-sale materials, including:

• Sell sheets

• Tech sheets

• Wine dinner menus

• Retail tasting materials

• Promotional collateral

• Manage and approve bill-back programs and supplier reimbursement requests.

• Maintain and utilize pricing calendars for all portfolio products.

• Monitor/review supplier pricing updates and depletion reports to proactively communicate changes.

• Manage price sheet updates and notify distributor partners of pricing changes at least 60 days in advance whenever possible.

• Request/review sales reports, forecasts, business plans, and supplier recaps.

• Maintain accurate records of account activity, programming, and market performance.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications:

• Seven or more years of relevant sales experience in wine, spirits, beverage alcohol, consumer packaged goods, or a closely related field.
• Working knowledge of wine regions, varietals, production methods, and industry trends.
• Demonstrated experience managing distributor relationships and supplier partnerships.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Excellent presentation, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Must be skilled at using MS Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as other data driven platforms
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Maine and Vermont, including occasional evening and weekend events.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• WSET, CSW, CMS, or equivalent wine certification.
• Experience working within three-tier beverage alcohol distribution systems.
• Knowledge of state compliance and alcohol beverage regulations.
• Experience planning educational and promotional events.

How Success Will Be Measured

Success in this role will be measured through:

• Achievement of sales and depletion goals
• Distribution gains and account growth
• Effective distributor execution and engagement
• Supplier satisfaction and relationship management
• Successful event planning and market activation
• Profitability and strategic portfolio growth

Benefits:

We offer a Comprehensive Benefits Plan that includes the following:

• Medical & Dental Insurance
• Vision Coverage
• Paid-Time-Off Program
• Fidelity Investments 401k
• Disability, Life, Accident & Illness Insurance Packages
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Free & Discounted Work/Life Resources
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Who we are:

Founded in Boston in 1933, M.S. Walker is a 5th-generation, family-owned wine and spirits importer and distributor, a spirits bottler, and a national supplier. We serve On-Premise and Off-Premise establishments throughout the Northeast, with direct operations in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island and brokerage operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. We represent a budding portfolio of wine and spirits nationwide, including our own brands, and we strive to offer the most prestigious portfolio in the industry. M.S. Walker has built our foundation and future on our people - our employees are truly our greatest asset. Our company boasts a diverse pool of exceptionally special team members who each bring their unique skills and experience to the organization.

Mission Statement:

Since 1933, our mission has been firmly rooted in our core values of family, integrity, respect, honesty, and hard work. We are deeply committed to upholding these principles for our team members, customers and suppliers alike. We seek to build and maintain long-lasting relationships based on trust and reliability. By honoring our heritage and embracing innovation, we aim to continuously improve and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our industry, while responsibly contributing to the communities we serve. Together, we strive to elevate the spirit of hospitality and foster a vibrant and respectful culture in all facets of the organization and beyond.

Pay Range: $95,000 - $125,000