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