Market Development Specialist

Description

Position Summary

The Market Development Specialist is a salaried field sales position responsible for supporting the growth and execution of strategic wine portfolios within the market. This role works alongside commissioned sales representatives to assist in territory development, supplier execution, account penetration, and market share growth across both dedicated wine and combo sales divisions. The position serves as an overlay resource designed to help sales teams overcome buyer objections, identify growth opportunities, and build sustainable wine programs within targeted accounts. While the role is not held to the same sales goal structure as commissioned representatives, the Market Development Specialist is expected to drive meaningful market impact through execution, education, account development, and supplier partnership. Special emphasis will be placed on supporting combo sales representatives through wine education, programming support, and consultative selling strategies that improve confidence and execution in the wine category.

Core Responsibilities

· Assist sales representatives in developing and growing their assigned territories through strategic account support and field execution

· Partner with sales teams on key placements, menu opportunities, feature programming, staff trainings, and account development initiatives

· Support supplier priorities by increasing visibility, distribution, and market penetration within targeted accounts

· Help overcome buyer objections through consultative selling, relationship building, and wine knowledge expertise

· Conduct ride-withs and market visits with both dedicated wine and combo sales representatives

· Assist in execution of supplier incentives, market blitzes, distributor priorities, and portfolio focus initiatives

· Identify opportunities for distribution gains, by-the-glass placements, menu features, and program development

· Support educational efforts including staff trainings, tastings, and product presentations

· Collaborate with sales leadership to identify underdeveloped opportunities and strategic growth accounts

· Maintain strong relationships with key on-premise accounts and supplier partners

Preferred Focus Areas

· Territory development and market expansion

· Wine program development

· Supplier execution and priority brand growth

· Consultative selling support

· Wine education and training

· Combo team development and support

Requirements

Qualifications

· 3 + years Buyer Experience

· Tied into Somm Community

· WSET II or Court of Master’s Certified Somm preferred

· 2 + years distributor experience

· Active in the Community

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. In this position, employees will drive several hours per shift. May have to lift up to 50 pounds.

Work Authorization

Must be authorized to work in the USA for any employer.

L&F Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard of race, color, religion, sex sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

Job Requirements

• At least one year of sales experience.
• A solid knowledge and understanding of all brands and packages for sale.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.