Chain Sales Representative

Chain Sales Representatives solicit orders for all products they represent in their territory to off-premise accounts. They also sell these customers business-building ideas to expand the presence of our products. To do that Sales Reps are responsible for understanding in-store merchandising principles. They are expected to manage their territory in such a way that the suppliers, the distributor and their accounts will obtain the very best possible sales from the products they are responsible for selling. 

Major Responsibilities:
Customer Relations:  Maintain a territory of accounts. Effectively establishing and developing rapport with all customers. Handle customer complaints, delinquent payments, and similar activities. Serving as a point of contact for all assigned accounts.
Business Development: Sell in new items, brand extensions, ad features, displays and promotions to off-premise accounts. Present fact-based, profit-centered presentations and overcome objections. Answer questions and present proof for sales proposals.
Ordering: Use our route accounting system, eoStar, to complete inventory and create orders. Ensuring that orders are on time, accurate, complete and do not result in stock outs.
Point of Sale:  Promote products clearly and accurately through use of current, fresh POS material; effectively communicate selling message to consumer.
Account Maintenance: Leave account shelves and back rooms orderly and organized; maintain proper inventory levels. This involves lifting cases weighing up to 50 lbs repeatedly at different accounts.
Quality Assurance:  Maintain acceptable quality ratings. Utilize dot rotation and “move” policy correctly.  Stay within unsalable pick-up budget while properly managing damaged product.
Distribution:  Follow and maintain quality distribution per company standards with product properly faced up and clean.
Monthly Market Plan:  Effectively pre-plan upcoming month, monitor and adjust to meet quarterly goals.  Update all company goals and display tracking on a daily basis.
Displays: Place and maintain appropriate number, position, and size of displays; including product mix according to standards; use creative and current POS. Working with and directing Merchandisers to maintain proper displays. Occasionally conducting display resets at customer locations at the direction of sales managers and store management.
Communication: Effectively communicate with Team Leader and drivers any problems, issues, or opportunities within sales territory. Check company e-mail and voicemail regularly throughout the day and send proper and timely response.
Teamwork: Participate in weekly sales meetings to discuss new product launches, customer relations, and issues. Acting as an effective contributor to the team.
Professional Development:  Expand knowledge of products, selling skills, and industry.  Adhere to and uphold all company policies and procedures.


Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive Pay.  Chain Sales receive a set salary plus bonuses!
• Monthly, Tri-Annual, and Annual Bonuses. 
• Mileage and Cell Reimbursement. 
• Great Health Benefits.
  • Medical - Three low premium plans for you to choose from:
    • A completely free plan for you and your entire family with a generous company HSA contribution.
    • A low-cost plan with an HSA contribution.
    • A low deductible plan with an FSA option. 
  • Low-cost Dental plan 
  • Low-cost Vision plan
• Other Ancillary Benefits.
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Company Paid Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Paid Parental Leave
• Product Discounts.  We offer generous employee discounts on product purchases.

Meet with us if you have:

• A Valid Driver’s License and Adequate Auto Insurance.  Sales drive store to store to carry out the duties of the job.
• Stable work history.  It takes about three weeks for training, so we hire people with a proven track record of reliability.
• Self-Directed.  Although you are a part of a bigger team, you will be working alone.
• Customer Service Problem Solving Skills.  Sales must communicate with customers and other employees.

About Alliance Beverage:

Chicago native Larry Gary settled in Hastings, MI, where he owned and operated a bowling alley. In 1963, Larry and his wife, Joan, decided a change was in order; they moved to the Grand Rapids area, where Larry founded Kent Beverage.

Detroit native Tim Sullivan, along with his brother Mike, founded Sullivan Brothers Construction on the east side of the state. However, after seeing his friends thrive in the beer distribution business, Tim decided to make a change, purchasing Grand Rapids' B&B Beer in 1977.

Both companies grew and flourished, passing from one generation to the next, each strengthening its roots in Michigan. Eventually, over a shared pint, the Gary and Sullivan families envisioned a stronger future together. On May 13, 2013, Kent Beverage and B&B Beer merged, forming Alliance Beverage—a company committed to being the “Preferred Distributor” for everyone it interacts with.

From day one, Alliance has prioritized recruiting top talent and upholding the highest standards of integrity, teamwork, and respect, aiming to enrich the lives of associates, customers, suppliers, and the community. By offering a diverse range of quality products and a supportive, accountable environment, we continually seek to create positive and lasting relationships.

Today, Alliance Beverage is a team of over 550, proudly serving more than 6,000 customers across Western Michigan. With three distribution centers and six sales offices, our team members are not just employees—they’re neighbors who are actively involved in the communities they serve.