Maplewood Regional Sales Representative – Chicago
Job Summary
Please note: This position will be part of the newly merged Half Acre x Maplewood organization and will work on behalf of brand Maplewood Brewery and Distillery, though we are posting the job here for increased visibility. Benefits details will differ from those displayed on the right side of this webpage and are included in the job posting and will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery is an independent craft producer known for high-quality beer and spirits, creative innovation, and deep-rooted community engagement. As a small but growing regional brand, we take pride in our commitment to flavor, authenticity, and pushing the boundaries of craft culture.
Maplewood Brewery and Distillery is looking for a Regional Sales Representative to join our team and support our growing account and distribution network in Chicago, IL as well as providing support to surrounding markets. This role will play a key part in helping Maplewood grow our brand presence and sales volume across our growing footprint, and reports directly to the Regional Sales Manager.
The anticipated salary for this position is $50,000 – $60,000/annually plus a 10% bonus target (actual compensation will be determined based on knowledge, experience, skills, and other factors permitted by law).
Duties/Responsibilities
- Regional Sales Representative specific to Chicago, IL, as well as providing some additional support in surrounding areas
- Solicit and maintain business with new and existing On-Premise and Off-Premise Accounts
- Develop a schedule to cover assigned territory and meet with various Retailers
- Build strategic relationships with Retail Account and Distribution partners
- Create and implement a plan to gain additional points of distribution in alignment with company sales objectives
- Fulfill all expected monthly sales performance metrics
- Maintain a complete Account and Contact database using required software and company tools
- Execute sales marketing strategy throughout territory with utilization of programs, POS, signage, and other available marketing materials
- Schedule and attend in-market events, including: Samplings, Bar Promotions, Local Festivals, etc.
- Participate in Distributor sales meetings, crew drives, and ride-along sales days
- Conduct Maplewood portfolio training programs for retailers at Accounts, and provide training and hospitality for Retailers at the brewery
- Provide excellent customer service and extensive knowledge of the Maplewood product catalog to Customers, Accounts, and Distributors
Required Skills
- 1+ year in beverage sales with a Supplier or Distributor
- Minimum 4 year degree in Business or equivalent experience required
- Advanced knowledge and proficiency with VIP, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace
- Strong written and communication skills, with a relationship-building personality and high standards for customer service
- Organized, self-motivated, and has the ability to independently solve problems and manage time effectively
- Comprehensive knowledge of the craft beverage industry and emerging trends
- Must have a clean driving record, own a reliable car, and be willing to travel
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
- Travel will account for 25-65% of working time based on monthly market needs
- Illinois Basset Certification, as well as any other regional certifications, must be completed before start date
Beneficial Experience
- 1+ year in beverage sales with a Supplier or Distributor
- Minimum 4 year degree in Business or equivalent experience required
- Advanced knowledge and proficiency with VIP, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace
- Strong written and communication skills, with a relationship-building personality and high standards for customer service
- Organized, self-motivated, and has the ability to independently solve problems and manage time effectively
- Comprehensive knowledge of the craft beverage industry and emerging trends
- Must have a clean driving record, own a reliable car, and be willing to travel
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
- Travel will account for 25-65% of working time based on monthly market needs
- Illinois Basset Certification, as well as any other regional certifications, must be completed before start date
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift 35 lbs and use dolly to transport/maneuver 170 lbs Kegs
Our Commitment
Full-Time/Part-Time Benefits
• 401k plan with up to 3% company match dollar-for-dollar, as well as an additional match of $0.50-per-dollar between 3% and 5%.
• 60% Half Acre-paid health, dental and vision insurance for new employees (dependent coverage available for an additional cost)
• 100% Half Acre-paid life, short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Pet insurance options
• Tax-free transit program
• Eligibility to enroll in insurance begins the first day of the month following hire date
• Beer-related perks of brewery life
• Paid sick and vacation time (as outlined below)
• 11 Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Time:
• Begins accruing monthly on day 1 of employment.
• Full-time employees receive up to 60 hours of paid sick leave each year (prorated).
• Rollover up to 80 hrs paid sick leave per year
Paid Leave for Any Reason (Vacation Time):
• Year 1 – 2: 10 days (.833 days accrued per month based on 40-hour work week)
• Year 3 – 6: 15 days (1.25 days accrued per month based on 40-hour work week)
• Year 7 – 9: 18 days (1.5. days accrued per month based on 40-hour work week)
• Year 10+: 20 days (1.66 days accrued per month based on 40-hour work week)
• Additional 20-day sabbatical in year 10
• Up to 16 hours of year-end Paid Leave rollover
All part-time (less than 30 hrs/week) positions at Half Acre enjoy the following benefits:
• 401k plan with up to 3% company match dollar-for-dollar, as well as an additional match of $0.50-per-dollar between 3% and 5% (minimum hours worked eligibility threshold must be met in order to participate)
• Pet insurance options
• Tax-free transit program
• Beer-related perks of brewery life
Paid sick and vacation time:
• 1 hour Paid Leave for 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours total/year
• Up to 16 hours year-end Paid Leave rollover
• 1 hour Paid Sick Leave for every 35 hours worked up to 60 hours/year
• Rollover up to 80 hours paid sick leave per year
• Paid holidays when brewery is closed on a day when you are normally scheduled to work