Fernson Brewing Company Sales Representative

Minnesota - Full Time

Position Title: Sales Representative

THE MISSION: The Most Thoughtful Beer Experience on Earth

The mission of Fernson Brewing Company is at the core of what we do every day. It explains why we exist and what we do best. It defines our organizational culture and philosophy, and guides our sales efforts.

THE VISION:  Growing brand awareness and sales (distribution footprint and overall volume) in the state of Minnesota. Building strong, long term relationships with our retail buying partners, distribution partners, and consumers. Maintaining the highest level of customer service and quality standards for all Fernson products in the marketplace.

ABOUT YOU:  Selling feels comfortable to you and you’re thoughtful about the way you educate and connect with others. Bonus points if you know how restaurants, bars, and retail stores operate so that you’re able to work with them effectively. Organization and self-motivation are some of your strong points.

ABOUT US:  We are a growing production brewery that was established in 2015 in Sioux Falls, SD. We have  quickly increased our distribution footprint into 4 states: SD, ND, MN, and IA. We live out our  Vision, “The most thoughtful beer experience in the world,” every day in every facet of our  brewery. Our Guiding Values are Communication, Excellence, Creative, Passion, On Brand, and Fun.  

SUMMARY of the position

You will be expected to maintain relations with current accounts and find and grow new accounts. A Fernson Brewing Company sales rep plans, organizes, and controls sales functions from prospecting through account acquisition to achieve growth goals. We expect sales reps to execute sales plans, be responsible for all sales activities within your assigned territory, build strong relationships with our business partners, utilize CRM software and other technology, track sales related expenses, encourage repeat business, build new business, provide brand support through market activities and educational events, liaison with our distribution partner, attend company meetings as requested, and conduct your work week in the most efficient way possible.

PREFERRED CAPABILITIES

• Self-Starter will be based in, and work in,  the state of Minnesota; preferred metro areas include Minneapolis, St. Paul, and any of their surrounding suburbs.

• Ability  to represent Fernson Brewing Company  responsibly and professionally at all times

• Knowledge and appreciation for the craft beer industry and the hospitality industry; knowledge of the three tier system is a plus

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills 

• Strong work ethic when working independently and as part of a team to achieve company-wide goals  

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to work with a variety of personalities, seeking common ground and understanding

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office, comfort with various software programs and databases; experience with a CRM and/or VIP Karma is a plus

• The ability to adapt to a rapidly changing work environment 

• Can be available to work as needed based on  account contacts’ schedules

• Able to work a flexible schedule outside of regular business hours, including some nights and weekends

• Time management and prioritization skills

• Excellent presentation & communication skills

• Ability to travel as required

• A clean driving record is strongly preferred

ACCOUNTABILITIES and RESULTS WE ARE SEEKING

• Embrace and demonstrate alignment with Fernson Brewing Company’s vision, principles, and values    

• Speak with intelligence and passion to the public about Fernson Brewing Company culture and products   

• Maintain self-education on our brands and the craft beer industry in general

• Adhere to state and federal alcohol laws about the sale, merchandise, and promotion of brewery products    

• Consistently meet the monthly sales goals set forth by Fernson Brewing Company

• Participate in overall sales strategy and goal planning for the sale of Fernson Brewing Company products

• Participates in weekly and monthly meetings relevant to the job position (in person and/or virtual)

• Can work independently, but values the strengths of others and thrives with a team

• Inform management of necessary training, equipment needs, or product issues within the job position    

• Maintain self-education on sales skills/strategies

• Prepare and deliver requested/required sales documentation by the provided deadline

• Organize an efficient schedule including a daily route and weekly route of sales calls

• Maintain and seek new opportunities to increase sales and presence in distribution accounts within assigned territory

• Perform a minimum of 40 sales calls/interactions/conversations per week    

• Maximize Point of Sale exposure in our accounts

• Ensure beer is within established freshness dates at each location

• Informs management of any sub-standard representations of the brand

• Set up, execute, and participate in in-store promotions, beer dinners, and special events with key retailers that may occur any day of the week geared towards building sales and distribution

• Keep up-to-date notes on accounts’ information, purchasing habits, goals, and contacts in a CRM program (training provided)

• Ability to use a smartphone to access and effectively use company choice of internal sales software to run reports, place orders, and communicate account needs, as well as the use of company choice of group communication software (training provided)

• Adhere to company-wide safety practices and standards (training provided)

• Completes any other reasonable request by a supervisor in a reasonable time frame

NICE TO HAVE, BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree

• A few years of experience in a selling environment or hospitality setting

• Bonus points for having experience in beverage alcohol or distribution sales

• Knowledge of beer, the craft beer industry, production of beverage alcohol of any kind

PHYSICAL ASPECTS YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER

• Frequent car travel; occasional flights

• Occasional lifting of items ranging from 25-50 lbs

• Tasting of alcoholic beverages for quality control

• Regular visits to bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and other hospitality establishments

• Installation of marketing materials which could require using stools or ladders, lifting, bending, and stretching

• Being present in-person in one place for multiple hours in accordance with branded event guidelines