Sr. Sales Activation Manager

W J DEUTSCH & SONS LTD

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About The Position

INCHEERS! Founded in 1981, Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits markets quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. With our headquarters in Stamford, CT, DFWS is the 4th largest wine company with one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios. With our family values and unique culture, DFWS was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in the U.S. in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits is currently seeking a Senior Sales Activation Manager, Indiana who possesses the qualifications below. As a Sales Activation Manager, you'll ensure our brands are the MVP—most visible product—in the trade. Join a culture where excellence is expected, drive is celebrated, and your potential is amplified. We are looking for Activation Experts who thrive on challenges, lead with purpose and are eager to make a lasting impact with our brands. Your job will be to ensure our products are selling through to the consumer through elite-level activation in trade.

Requirements

• Education: College degree preferred or equivalent experience
• Experience: A beverage industry professional with a minimum of 5 years’ field sales experience in alcohol-beverage or CPG (consumer packaged goods) industries
• Technical Savvy: Computer literate and functional in Microsoft Office
• Objective oriented: focused, and assertive individual who needs little direction or supervision
• A team player: able to work in an intense, fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills: to develop key customer and staff relationships
• Strong communication skills: ability to make compelling presentations
• Mobility: A valid driver's license and ability to travel within an assigned territory is required
• Schedule: Flexibility to work non-traditional hours when required, including evenings and weekends
• Location: Live in or near Indianapolis, IN
• Compliance: Required to obtain a solicitor’s permit where necessary

Responsibilities

• Elite Activation Execution & Market Results Ensure DFWS brands are the MVP (Most Visible Product) in the trade through consistent best-in-class execution
• Lead priority on- and off-premise activation initiatives to drive consumer trial, brand affinity, and rate of sale
• Execute with discipline across activations, merchandising, displays, and marketing programs to convert distribution into sales
• Own activation outcomes in assigned accounts and ensure consistent execution of DFWS brand standards
• Relationship Building Build and maintain strong professional relationships with distributor partners and key account gatekeepers
• Strengthen brand loyalty through high-impact customer engagement and field presence
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Brand, and Commercial teams to align execution priorities and market initiatives
• Leadership & People Development Lead by example through in-market execution and high accountability
• Act as a peer leader and field multiplier by modeling best practices, supporting onboarding, and helping raise execution standards across the team
• Training & Influence Demonstrate market savvy by tracking competitive activity, consumer trends, and account opportunities
• Support expansion into new account opportunities by elevating execution in priority locations
• Strengthen readiness for Regional Manager scope through increasing ownership of planning, execution priorities, and market communication
• Assist in monitoring distributor performance and execution versus goals and priorities
• Support depletion tracking, event reporting, and program execution updates that influence market decision-making
• Develop working knowledge of inventory drivers and distributor communication routines to ensure programs are supported in-market

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Career development opportunities
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, PTO
• 401 (k) match
• Product allowance to enjoy DFWS products
• Tuition Reimbursement and a Post Secondary education scholarship program for employees’ children
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level