Contract Sales Representative

General Description: 

The Sales Representative, Nashville, is a 1099, field-based role responsible for driving distribution, visibility, and brand activation for Sake ONO through new account placements and ongoing account development. This position focuses on prospecting, pitching, and securing new accounts while ensuring best-in-class execution across both on- and off-premise channels throughout the Nashville market. The role reports to the Regional Director, Southeast, and requires a minimum commitment of 25 hours per week with at least 20 account visits per week. This is a highly autonomous, field-based role ideal for a motivated sales professional with strong local market knowledge and a passion for building premium beverage brands. 

Mission/Objectives: 

Our mission is to enhance Sake ONO’s brand visibility and drive sustainable sales growth by developing and executing strategic, market-driven initiatives. This role partners closely with sales, brand, and field marketing teams to deliver innovative, high-impact programs that align with Sake ONO’s overall brand strategy. Through thoughtful collaboration and disciplined execution, the Sales Representative helps strengthen our market presence and position Sake ONO as a leader across both retail and on-premise channels.

Our Culture: 

At Sake ONO, we are passionate brand builders striving to invigorate the Sake category with innovative, premium experiences. Our agile, performance-focused team values respect, excellence, and accountability, treating the business as our own. Celebrating diverse backgrounds, we foster creative thinking and unified communication. We balance confidence with humility, embracing challenges and staying curious. As ambitious challengers, we aim to rethink luxury branding, out-thinking and out-pacing big brands with fresh insights. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the industry, constantly pushing boundaries and learning from success and failure. 

Key Responsibilities:

Account Targeting & Relationship Development

• Identify, target, and secure new account placements to expand Sake ONO distribution.
• Develop and maintain strong, direct relationships with key decision-makers.
• Identify opportunities to increase brand visibility through displays, shelf placements, menu listings, drink features, and special events.
• Actively manage assigned accounts to drive usage and repeat orders.

Program Development & Execution

• Develop and execute in-account programming, including displays, promotions, menu placements, back-bar positioning, and featured cocktails.
• Conduct staff training and create engagement programs to keep Sake ONO top of mind.
• Ensure proper execution of brand standards and follow up on placements and programs.
• Provide brand education to both trade partners and consumers.

Distributor Coordination

• Partner with local distributor teams and management to maximize efficiency and avoid redundancy.
• Collaborate on account strategy, execution, and follow-up.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate needs based on sales activity and forecasts.

Reporting & Performance Tracking

• Submit weekly reports to the Sales Director detailing account visits, progress, opportunities, and needs.
• Maintain ongoing reporting related to account opportunities, programming, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Brand Building & Market Intelligence

• Monitor competitive supplier activity and market trends within assigned accounts.
• Share insights to inform future programming and brand strategy.

Distributor & Sales Team Partnership

• Support execution of the annual operating plan, including financial, volume, and distribution objectives.
• Work alongside distributor sales representatives to drive awareness, trial, display, and promotion.
• Organize and participate in distributor work-withs and GSMs (General Sales Meetings).

Internal Management & Compliance

• Manage assigned budgets, including incentives, travel & entertainment, and approved expenses.
• Ensure all sales practices comply with applicable state and federal alcohol regulations and all company policies.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of the alcohol beverage industry, including market dynamics and regulations.
• Proven sales, prospecting, and negotiation skills.
• Experience with programming and brand activation in on- and off-premise accounts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• An analytical mindset with comfort using data to measure success.
• Creative, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in sales or hospitality management, preferably within the alcohol or beverage industry.
• Existing trade relationships in the Nashville market are preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with distributor partners and internal sales teams.
• Ability to work independently in a remote, field-based role.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.

Compensation & Incentives:

• Base Compensation: $5,000 per month
• Incentive Compensation: Eligible to earn up to 20% of monthly base pay based on individual performance targets. Targets to be reviewed at the start of engagement.
• Incentive Structure: New Account Placement: $50, Menu Placement (BTG/BTB): $50, Cocktail Feature: $100
• Business Expenses: Company card issued for approved Travel & Entertainment (T&E) expenses.Monthly spend limit: $1,000 (set and reviewed with supervisor).
• Approved Expenses Include: Gas and parking, Bar spend and meals associated with Sake ONO accounts, Account programming, and Presentation and POS materials.