Sales Activation Manager

Description

CHEERS! Founded in 1981, Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits markets quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. With our headquarters in Stamford, CT, DFWS is the 4th largest wine company with one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios. With our family values and unique culture, DFWS was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in the U.S. in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits is currently seeking a Sales Activation Manager who possesses the qualifications below.

As a Sales Activation Manager, you'll ensure our brands are the MVP—most visible product—in the trade.  Join a culture where excellence is expected, drive is celebrated, and your potential is amplified.  We are looking for Activation Experts who thrive on challenges, lead with purpose and are eager to make a lasting impact with our brands.  Your job will be to ensure our products are selling through to the consumer through elite-level activation in trade.  This role is based in Northern New Jersey.

Responsibilities:

• Build Strong Relationships: Develop, foster and maintain professional relationships with key account gatekeepers and distributor partners.  Skilled at capturing attention, building rapport, and fostering brand loyalty.
• Foster Loyalty: Create consumer desire to purchase our brands through execution of elite-level market activation events
• Rate of Sale:  Improve DFWS brands through activation tactics
• Educate and Influence: Lead the education and training efforts in on premise accounts and with distributor sales teams, providing confidence in our brands to ensure they are consistently top-of-mind
• Execute Marketing Programs: Implement innovative marketing strategies, merchandising, and display initiatives to transform distribution into sales
• Enhance Market Presence: Build visibility and trial to boost brand affinity and sales in the market
• Drive Success: Deliver excellence in the execution of brand standards in the on and off premise channels, to drive rate-of-sale on our brands in all assigned accounts
• Results-Oriented: Proactive ambassador who owns the activation, execution and achievement of all market goals
• Relationship Builder: Skilled at capturing attention, building rapport and fostering brand loyalty
• Market Savvy: Knowledgeable about market trends and competitive activities
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to turn strategies into game-winning plays through creative thinking
• Budget Management: Ensure strategic allocation and oversight to support sales initiatives and compliance efforts

Qualifications:

• Education: College degree preferred or equivalent experience
• Experience: A beverage industry professional with a minimum of 5 years’ field sales experience in alcohol-beverage or CPG (consumer packaged goods) industries
• Technical Savvy: Computer literate and functional in Microsoft Office
• Objective oriented: focused, and assertive individual who needs little direction or supervision
• A team player: able to work in an intense, fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills: to develop key customer and staff relationships

• Strong communication skills: ability to make compelling presentations

• Mobility: A valid driver's license and ability to travel within an assigned territory is required 
• Schedule: Flexibility to work non-traditional hours when required, including evenings and weekends
• Location: Live in or near the territory 

• Compliance: Required to obtain a solicitor’s permit where necessary

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Career development opportunities
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, PTO
• 401 (k) match
• Product allowance to enjoy DFWS products
• Tuition Reimbursement and a Post Secondary education scholarship program for employees’ children
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

We Value Diversity

At DFWS, we believe that our differences are our strengths. We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our team members, our customers, and our communities. We strive to create a work environment that fosters inclusion, respect, and collaboration. We are constantly learning and growing from our diverse perspectives and experiences. Inclusion and diversity are not just goals for us, but the core of all we do. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates as we foster a culture of inclusion that provides fair and equal opportunities for all.

About Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits

Initially called W.J. Deutsch & Sons Ltd., the company was founded in 1981 by Chairman Bill Deutsch to market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. In 2009, it announced the expansion of the award-winning company to include a Spirits Portfolio. Today the company is renowned for its brand-building prowess and its ability to meet the needs of the modern consumer. Bill's son Peter Deutsch is CEO; thus two generations of the Deutsch family work side by side in their continuous quest to build strong brands and relationships throughout the wine and spirits industry.

The portfolio includes award-winning wines from Australia: [ yellow tail ], [ yellow tail ] Pure Bright; California: Force & Grace, Honest Thief, Josh Cellars, Josh Cellars Reserve, The Calling; France: Beau Joie, Cave de Lugny, Fleurs de Prairie, Hob Nob Vineyards, Sauvion et Fils; Italy: Barone Fini, Villa Pozzi; New Zealand: The Crossings; Portugal: Quinta Do Vale Meao; Argentina: Clos de los Siete; and award-winning spirits: Redemption Whiskey, Bib & Tucker Bourbon, Masterson's Rye, Gray Whale Gin, Luksusowa Vodka and Cantera Negra Tequila.

Learn more about Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits at www.deutschfamily.com

Qualifications