Wine and Spirits Educator - Kent, WA
Columbia Distributing
Woodmont Beach, WA
JOB DETAILS
JOB TYPE
Full-time, Employee
SKILLS
Coaching, Communication Skills, Customer Relations, Hand Tools, Insurance, Interpersonal Skills, On Site Support, Onboarding, Organizational Skills, Pallet Jack, Partner Sales, People Management, Physical Demands, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Revenue Growth, Sales, Sales Tools, Scalable System Development, Storytelling, Talent Management, Time Management, Training Program, Training/Teaching, Vendor/Supplier Planning, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills, eLearning
LOCATION
Woodmont Beach, WA
POSTED
30+ days ago
3h
Wine and Spirits Educator
#25-1149
Kent, Washington, United States
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Working Locations
Kent, Washington, United States
Pay Range
$90,000.00 - $100,000.00/ per year + 15% target incentives
Job Details
Summary
The Wine & Spirits Educator is a newly created role designed to elevate internal knowledge, confidence, and selling capability across our organization. This individual will serve as a strategic link between supplier priorities and front-line execution--translating brand stories into compelling, actionable learning experiences.
From onboarding and classroom training to market work-withs, trade events, and curated educational dinners, this role helps bring our brands to life in every setting. By blending product expertise with engaging storytelling and hands-on support, the Wine & Spirits Educator will play a critical role in developing talent, driving sales, and strengthening our culture of excellence.
Primary Responsibilities
Internal Education & Onboarding
Design and deliver onboarding programs tailored to wine and spirits knowledge for new hires
Develop and facilitate ongoing internal training sessions to elevate category confidence and sales acumen
Collaborate with Learning and Development to build training modules, e-learning content and certification tracks
Field Support & Coaching
Conduct market rides and work-withs to provide in-the-moment education and performance feedback
Partner with sales leaders to identify knowledge gaps and create customized learning solutions
Supplier & Trade Engagement
o Serve as a key liaison for supplier educational initiatives, trade activations, and launch events
Support educational dinners, tastings, and trade shows with engaging and informative presentations
Help translate supplier brand stories into compelling sales tools and field messaging
Program Development and Tracking
Assist in building scalable learning experiences, from live workshops to digital learning
Track participation and impact of training programs and recommend improvement
Key Competencies
High level of knowledge and selling experience in wine and spirits categories
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Effective organizational and time management skills
Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers
People Management
None
Work Environment
This job operates in our accounts, mostly indoors with occasional outdoor work.
Physical Demands
Lift, carry, push, pull up to 55 lbs.
Use arms, wrists, hands, grasp
Must be proficient in the use of industry tools including hand truck, six-wheeler, manual pallet jack, box cutter, etc.
Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle
Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position, days/hours of work vary, and may include weekends.
Travel
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.
Required Education and Experience
High School diploma or GED required
High level of wine and spirits knowledge required
5+ years in the beverage industry, preferably in sales, brand or education
Comfortable presenting to large and small groups; excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Highly organized and self-motivated with a passion for education and storytelling
Willingness to travel for market visits, trade events, and regional trainings
Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree preferred
Strong foundational knowledge of Wine and Spirits; certifications like WSET, CSW or CMS preferred
Previous beverage industry sales experience
Compensation
Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and specific location.
Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Employees are also eligible for 80 hours of vacation every year and 7-8 days of paid holidays throughout the calendar year (depending on location).
Hired applicants may be eligible for incentives/bonuses/annual bonuses.
Classification: Outside Sales Exempt
Reports to: VP of Wine & Spirits
Benefits
Paid Vacation and Sick Days Holiday Pay Competitive Health Insurance Plans 401(k) with company matching Short-Term Disability and More Benefits may not be available for positions covered under active CBA, seasonal, or part-time.
AAP/EEO Statement
Columbia Distributing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Please contact the Human Resources Dept. at (425)251-9300 or email recruiting@coldist.com if you have questions regarding reasonable accommodations.
Columbia Distributing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
About the Company
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