Chain Manager - East

Job Description:

CHAIN MANAGER – EAST

Position Objective
Ackley Brands is seeking a driven, relationship-focused Chain Manager to lead execution and growth across key national and regional chains in the Eastern U.S. This role will focus on driving distribution, increasing velocity, and strengthening partnerships with both chain buyers and distributor teams.
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Summary
The Chain Manager – East will be responsible for developing and executing chain strategies across priority accounts, working closely with distributor partners and internal teams to drive placements, programming, and performance.
This role will support the growth of Ackley Brands’ portfolio including Montinore Estate, Borealis Vintners, Hogue Cellars, Columbia Winery, Betz Family Winery, and innovation brands such as Bubbled.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This person understands how to win in chain, balancing relationships, data, and execution to drive results.
This position reports to the Senior Director of Sales and works cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management.
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Essential Job Functions
Chain Strategy & Execution
• Own relationships with key regional and national chain buyers across the Eastern U.S.
• Develop and execute account-specific plans to drive distribution, features, and long-term growth
• Identify opportunities for new item placements, resets, and innovation launches
Distributor Management
• Partner with distributor teams to ensure execution against chain priorities
• Align on programming, incentives, and focus items to drive velocity
• Maintain clear communication on goals, expectations, and performance
Performance & Analytics
• Track distribution, velocity, and depletion trends across key accounts
• Identify gaps and opportunities to improve performance at the store level
• Support pricing, programming, and promotional strategies using data-driven insights
Market Execution
• Conduct regular market visits to support distributor teams and meet with buyers
• Ensure proper merchandising, adjacencies, and display execution in-store
• Build relationships at both buyer and store level to drive pull-through
Brand Building
• Support trade marketing initiatives, chain features, and promotional activity
• Represent Ackley Brands at key meetings, tastings, and events
• Drive awareness and education of the portfolio within chain environments
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Other Qualifications
• 3–6 years of experience in wine/spirits sales, preferably with chain or distributor focus
• Strong understanding of chain retail dynamics and three-tier system
• Proven ability to manage accounts and drive measurable sales results
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and cross-functionally
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Valid driver’s license required
• Ability to lift and carry up to 45 lbs
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About Ackley Brands
Ackley Brands was founded in 2016 with the acquisition of Montinore Estate, a leader in Biodynamic® viticulture in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Since then, Ackley has built a dynamic portfolio of origin-driven brands spanning Washington, Oregon, California, and Italy.
We are a team focused on simplifying, focusing, and executing, building brands that overdeliver in the market while staying deeply connected to place, people, and purpose.
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What Success Looks Like
• Increased chain distribution in priority accounts
• Improved velocity on core SKUs and innovation
• Strong alignment with distributor teams and execution in market
• Measurable growth in key Eastern markets

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