Sales Representative

Primary Function: 

Sales reps solicit orders for all products listed in their book from each of their retail accounts. They also sell these retailers' business-building ideas for the products listed in their book. To do that, they are responsible for understanding in-store and on-premise merchandising principles and to suggest uses of these principles in each of their retail accounts. They are expected to manage their territory in such a way that both the suppliers, the distributor and their retail accounts will obtain the very best possible sales from the products they are responsible for selling.

Major Responsibilities:

Customer Relations:  Effectively establish and develop rapport with all customers.  Handle customer complaints, delinquent payments, and similar activities.

Business Development:  Identify and pursue new opportunities and customers.  Present fact-based, profit centered presentations and overcome objections.  Answer questions and present proof for sales proposals.  Sell new items, brand extensions, ad features, displays and promotions to both on- and off-premise accounts.  Effectively communicate with Team Leader and drivers any problems, issues, or opportunities within sales territory.

Communication:  Check company e-mail and voicemail regularly throughout the day and send proper responses.

Account Maintenance:  Leave account shelves and back rooms orderly and organized; maintain proper inventory levels.

Ordering:  Submit orders on time, accurately, and completely.

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 daily.

Displays:  Place and maintain appropriate number, position, and size of displays; include in product mix according to standards; use creative and current POS.

Pricing/Promotion:  Achieve proper price points in relation to competitive and promotional situation.

Point of Sale:  Promote products clearly and accurately through use of current, fresh POS material; effectively communicate selling message to consumer.

Professional Development:  Expand knowledge of products, selling skills, and industry.  Adhere to and uphold all company policies and procedures.

This list is not complete and will be updated/revised as needed.

Qualifications:

• Computer literate.
• Have attained a four year college or university program certificate; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, profit margins and percentages.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers, and the public.
• Ability to work and make decisions effectively in an environment in which situations can arise and change quickly.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to receive a Michigan Liquor Control Card, a valid Michigan driver’s license and adequate auto insurance.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive Pay.
• 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
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Paid Parental Leave
• Mileage Reimbursement. Our employees are compensated per mile for the use of their own car.
• Cell Reimbursement. Our Sales personnel are given the option of a company phone or are reimbursed for the use of their own cell phone.  
• Opportunity for advancement.  We look internally to fill positions to help our employees advance in their careers.
• Product Discounts.  We offer generous employee discounts on product purchases.

Physical Demands:

Ability to bend and lift products weighing up to 165 lbs.  Be able to see products and discern dissimilar colors and numbers. Must be able to communicate effectively with customers, supervisors, and co-workers. Ability to stand, walk and move in and out of a vehicle throughout the day.

Job Station:

The job is performed seated in a vehicle and in customer locations where product is sold.

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.