Market Activation Manager - Waterbird

Strategic Group is a full-scale marketing agency specializing in experiential programming and sales support initiatives. The Market Activation Manager will lead launch efforts for a new line of canned cocktails, develop relationships with key accounts, and execute impactful marketing strategies to drive brand visibility and consumer engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Build and develop a key account list across a defined territory of 'must win' accounts, driving off premise growth, focusing on targeting quality distribution
• Demonstrate an understand of supplier brand strategies (marketing, promotion, and consumer engagement)
• Execute brand standards at industry leading levels
• Apply skills to educate, inspire, and achieve shelf placements, staff education, POS visibility, cooler placements, and trade enthusiasm
• Focus on securing brand features, programming, and visibility within the account universe
• Communicate market conditions to the client regularly in an articulate efficient manner
• Maintain awareness of best practices, trends, and competitive brands
• Track, measure, record, and provide valuable insights on all sales support initiatives
• Ensure practices are compliant with all local, state, and federal regulatory statutes
• Work closely with local distributors partners to ensure all goals are met within the defined time frame
• Occasionally assist the Gallo Innovation brand teams, in executing select brand events within the market
• Identify brand opportunities via non-traditional marketing initiatives
• Execute in-store tastings where legal
• Develop engaging sampling initiatives that generate excitement and affinity for the brand
• Schedule programing in target accounts at the optimal time for target consumer engagement
• Manage budget and associated activation costs
• Leverage programming and consumer demand to inspire trade
• Execute impactful sampling activations within the account universe, recording sales, tracking conversions, and recap accordingly

Requirements:

• 1-3 years of beverage industry related experience; preferably in beer
• B.A. or B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field
• Ability to drive and maintain a valid driver's license, and have a reliable vehicle
• Proficiency in the entire Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook)
• Comprehensive understanding of the brewing process, basic production, product/food pairing techniques, and service
• Strong time management skills, and ability to manage a budget effectively
• Self-motivated with the ability to work efficiently remotely
• Creative abilities to develop programming opportunities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, dynamic environment
• Comprehensive understanding of adult beverage practices and regulatory compliance
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends as needed
• Must be able to lift at least 50lbs and stand for long periods of time
• Strong leadership, motivation, excellent and persuasive communication skills (written and verbal)
• Experience taking prompt action to accomplish objectives and achieve goals beyond what is required; ability to be proactive
• Skilled at commanding presence, presenting ideas effectively to individuals and groups at all levels
• Experience setting high standards of performance for self and others; experience implementing standards of excellence with measurable goals
• Existing distributor, on premise, or retail account relationships are a plus
• Extensive knowledge of alcohol beverage industry, with preferred expertise in the beer category
• Knowledge & ability to use industry related software such as Canva, Karma/VIP, etc., a huge plus