Sales & Distribution Associate - Gathering Place Brewing Co.

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Gathering Place Brewing Co. - Milwaukee, WI

Job Title: Sales & Distribution Associate
Job Type: Full-Time
Wage Type: Salary
Compensation: Base salary + commission (On target performance earnings of $40,000-50,000/year)
Benefits: Health contribution, paid vacation
Start Date: September 2021

About Us
Gathering Place Brewing Co. (GPBC) is an independent production brewery and tap room in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood dedicated to crafting European-inspired beer perfect for gathering with family and friends. Since opening in August 2017 we have developed a strong following and have been nominated for Best Craft Brewery and Best Taproom in Milwaukee by local publications.

The brewery features a 7 bbl brewhouse with four 14 bbl fermenters and one 14 bbl brite tank. Our beer is served in our 125-person tasting room and 120+ local bars and restaurants. Additionally, we have a canning line and distribute packaged beer to 75+ liquor and grocery stores in Southeast Wisconsin, including Sendik’s, Woodman’s, Festival Foods, and all Outpost locations. We are in the process of opening a second taproom in the Bay View neighborhood with a grand opening planned for Fall 2021.

We strive to make GPBC a cornerstone of the community and want people to see our brewery as a place to gather. GPBC donates at least 1% of sales to local non-profit organizations. We believe that the community should grow and prosper as GPBC grows and prospers.

About the Position
The Sales & Distribution Associate position will lead the company’s sales efforts to sell beer in cases and kegs to outside accounts, including bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and grocery stores.

The Sales & Distribution Associate will assist the President in developing a coordinated sales strategy to grow outside sales and add new partner accounts. The associate will communicate with and visit outside accounts to sample beers, take orders, and make deliveries. The current sales territory includes the Milwaukee suburbs as well as Madison and it’s suburbs. The territory extends along the I-43 corridor north to Sheboygan and the I-94 corridor south to Kenosha.

The Sales & Distribution Associate will conduct regular data analysis to inform decision making. This includes reviewing sales amounts, account performance, and other distribution metrics to identify trends and patterns. The associate will regularly share insights with the Gathering Place team to help determine beer production, sales strategy, and other business decisions.

This is a full-time, salaried position that reports directly to the President. The successful candidate will excel working autonomously and in conjunction with others. The Sales & Distribution Associate will be a member of the brewery’s leadership team, along with the President, the Head Brewer, and the Marketing Associate. The person in this role will have significant input in shaping how the position evolves over time.

Responsibilities

• Sell Gathering Place beer in kegs and cans to bars, restaurants, liquor and grocery stores
• Provide excellent customer service to accounts through continuous communication to develop and maintain relationships
• Add new accounts each month to expand our sales and distribution footprint
• Make deliveries to fulfill orders
• Accurately maintain account contact information and permits, invoices, and keg credit records
• Have a firm understanding of accounts, how products are selling, and what products are nearing code dates
• Communicate market conditions and feedback to the Gathering Place team, including information from buyers and customers
• Work with the Marketing Associate to develop resources and promotions that will increase on-premise and off-premise sales
• Understand the brewing production schedule and inventory to provide customers with the most up-to-date information
• Help determine the brewery production schedule, what beers we make, and and how they are packaged (cans vs kegs)
• Help develop ideas for events and ways to engage distribution accounts and customer
• Represent Gathering Place Brewing at off-site events, such as beer festivals, dinners, etc.
• Assist at Gathering Place Brewing events as needed
• Assist in other areas of the business as needed
• Be a resource to accounts and the community about our brewery and beer
• Responsibly serve beer and other beverages, including verifying guest ages and monitoring guests to prevent overserving

Qualifications

• A friendly attitude and ability to build relationships with accounts
• A knowledge of and passion for craft beer and a desire to share this with others
• 2+ years of experience in alcohol sales and distribution or bar/restaurant management
• Be a clear and effective communicator with accounts, coworkers, and supervisor
• Be detail oriented while working efficiently and independently in a fast-paced setting
• Ability to analyze a variety of data and report findings on trends and patterns
• Able to occasionally work nights, weekends, and some holidays
• Current Wisconsin Responsible Beverage Server Training certificate or willingness to obtain one
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and to bend, stoop, and safely lift 55 pounds and move up to 165 pounds
• A valid driver’s license

The ideal candidate will be passionate about craft beer, passionate about the community, and seek ways to connect the two. Our staff wears multiple hats to ensure tasks are completed and the business is successful. We seek an individual who will be a team player and have a similar willingness to pitch in to get the job done. This position is a great way to break into the craft brewing industry and may lead to other and additional responsibilities over time.

Gathering Place Brewing values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity employment. We encourage members of the BIPOC community and those from underrepresented groups to apply.