Now Hiring - Mad River Distillers - Western New York Sales Representative in Buffalo, NY

Full description of the position

Western New York Sales Representative Mad River Distillers is a Vermont-based craft distillery producing award- winning whiskey and rum from scratch using grains grown in the Northeast Grainshed and primarily from New York State. Every spirit is mashed, fermented, distilled, and aged in-house at our Warren, VT, distillery. The result is a bold, authentic portfolio that reflects Northeast agriculture, traditional craftsmanship, and a strong sense of place. We are seeking a Western New York Sales Representative to own and grow our presence across the region. This is a full-time, field-based, exempt position for a motivated, organized, and self-directed sales professional who wants responsibility, autonomy, and a visible role as the face of a respected craft spirits brand. The Opportunity This role is best suited for someone who enjoys running their own territory like a small business, takes pride in disciplined planning, and understands that sustained growth comes from consistency, relationships, and follow- through. You will be responsible not only for selling, but for building the Mad River brand in-market--educating accounts, supporting distributor partners, managing priorities, and representing the company with professionalism and personality. Why This Role Is Different This is not a "route sales" position. You will be trusted to plan your time, manage your territory, and represent the company thoughtfully and professionally. For the right person, this role offers meaningful autonomy, visibility, and an opportunity to grow. What You 'll Do Territory Ownership & Planning * Own the Upstate New York territory end-to-end, including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, the Finger Lakes, and surrounding markets * Develop and execute an annual and quarterly territory plan in collaboration with your manager * Plan weekly and monthly schedules that balance new account development, existing account support, distributor work-withs, and brand activation. The role is 90% field based and 10% administrative. * Prioritize time and resources to maximize depletions, sustainable growth, and long-term account success Sales & Account Development * Open and develop new on- and off-premise accounts (bars, restaurants, liquor stores) * Maintain strong relationships with existing accounts to encourage sell-through and reorders * Secure menu placements, cocktail features, and back-bar visibility in key on-premise accounts * Ensure proper brand presentation, pricing, and shelf placement in retail locations * Identify high-ROI opportunities including tastings, staff trainings, and pairing dinners Brand Representation * Serve as the primary ambassador and public-facing representative of Mad River Distillers in Upstate New York * Lead tastings, staff trainings, consumer events, and trade events with confidence and credibility * Represent the brand at distributor meetings, trade shows, and industry events * Communicate Mad River's story, production values, and product differences clearly and authentically Distributor & Internal Collaboration * Work closely with distributor sales teams to educate them on the product line and drive orders * Participate in distributor ride-withs and market work-withs as needed * Maintain regular, timely communication with management via phone, email, and text Reporting & Administration * Accurately log all account activity in KARMA in real time (visits, email/text communications, placements, cocktails, events, etc.) * Track sales activity, depletions, and market trends using VIP software, spreadsheets, and email * Manage travel and entertainment expenses responsibly and submit timely reports through Expensify * Support special brand projects and initiatives as assigned Performance Goals (Upstate NY) * 225+ active accounts by end of Year 1 * 3 -5 tastings or staff trainings per month * 40 account visits per week What We 're Looking For * Proven experience in beverage alcohol sales (spirits strongly preferred) * Strong understanding of on- and off-premise account dynamics * Excellent time-management, organizational, and prioritization skills * Ability to work independently while staying aligned with company goals * Comfortable being both professional and personable in front of buyers, bartenders, and retail staff * Willingness to be accountable for results and proactive in solving challenges * Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to lift 40 lbs Compensation: * Base salary * Bonus structure- up to 15% of base salary, paid in quarterly installments dependent on pre-determined metrics. * Transportation Stipend * Health Care Stipend * Expense Account Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $75,000.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) matching * Expense account * Paid time off * Travel reimbursement Application Question(s): * What appeals to you about working for a craft spirits brand? Experience: * Field sales: 3 years (Required) Work Location: On the road