VP of Sales

Company Overview: 

Rhinegeist Brewery is a regional craft brewery based in the historic Over-The-Rhine in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. We have built a strong and dedicated team of employees that believe in the power of beer to bring people together, create fantastic ideas, and build a community. Our unique group of employee-owners believes that it is our responsibility to make inspiring beverages and cultivate memorable experiences. We strive to find high-quality, creative solutions with a fierce spirit of independence as we grow. Rhinegeist welcomes all people and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Summary: 

The Vice President of Sales is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving revenue growth and overseeing all aspects of the sales function within Rhinegeist. This position requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the brewing industry, its market dynamics, and customer preferences.

As the VP of Sales, you will be tasked with developing and implementing comprehensive sales strategies to expand market presence, maximize sales opportunities, and achieve revenue targets. You will lead and inspire a high-performing sales team, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure their success. Building strong relationships with key customers, distributors, and partners will be crucial in maintaining customer satisfaction and driving business growth.

This position requires a visionary leader who can identify emerging market trends, assess competitive threats, and leverage opportunities to enhance the company’s market position. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, production, and finance, will be essential to deliver integrated solutions and superior customer experiences.

The ideal candidate for this role will possess a strong business acumen, exceptional communication and negotiation skills, and a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets. A deep understanding of the brewing industry, including customer segments, distribution channels, and competitive landscape, is critical. Additionally, the VP of Sales should demonstrate analytical thinking, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to travel as required to meet with customers, attend industry events, and support regional sales teams.

Essential Functions:

• Sales Strategy Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy to drive revenue growth and market expansion in the brewing industry. Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to identify sales opportunities and formulate effective strategies.
• Team Leadership: Lead and motivate the sales team, providing clear direction, setting performance targets, and fostering a high-performance culture. Mentor and develop sales professionals, enabling them to achieve their full potential and exceed sales goals. Direct manager for 3 Sales Director positions, Business Analyst, Director of Strategic Partnerships & External Events and Strategic Operations Manager.
• Sales Performance Management: Develop & Manage annual sales revenue plan and execution. Establish sales targets, metrics, and KPIs to monitor team performance. Regularly analyze sales data, evaluate results, and identify areas for improvement. Implement corrective actions and provide guidance to ensure sales objectives are met or exceeded.
• Customer Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, distributors, and partners in the brewing industry. Identify customer needs, anticipate market trends, and proactively address challenges. Ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty through exceptional service and support.
• New Business Development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand the company’s presence in the brewing industry. Cultivate strategic partnerships and alliances that drive revenue growth and enhance the brand’s market position.
• Sales Forecasting and Budgeting: Collaborate with the executive team to develop sales forecasts and budgets. Monitor sales performance against targets, analyze variances, and recommend adjustments as needed to achieve financial objectives.
• Market Research and Competitive Analysis: Stay abreast of industry trends, market developments, and competitor activities. Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging opportunities, assess competitive threats, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with other departments, such as marketing, production, and finance, to ensure alignment and maximize business outcomes. Foster effective communication and teamwork to deliver integrated solutions and superior customer experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• Proven track record of at least 10 years in sales leadership roles, preferably within the brewing or beverage industry.
• Strong Financial literacy and ability to read and speak to a P&L
• Deep understanding of the brewing industry, including market dynamics, customer segments, and distribution channels.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking ability.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with key customers and partners.
• Track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets and driving revenue growth.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in sales data analysis and forecasting.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, attend industry events, and visit regional sales teams.

Please consider applying even if you do not match all the listed qualifications. Additionally, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position.

Benefits at Rhinegeist 

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Employer Paid Basic Life Insurance
• 17 days of PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Paid Short-Term/Long-Term Disability/Additional Life Insurance
• Dependent Care – Flexible Spending Account
• 401k Match Offered
• 8 Company & 2 Personal Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Free Breakroom Snacks
• Beer and Merchandise allowance