📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Account Development Specialist - Multi Cultural - Brown Forman
🔹 Company: Breakthru Beverage Group
🔹 Location: Washington, DC, USA
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Sales
🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Washington, DC)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving revenue and market share for assigned portfolio
- Executing brand activations and consumer events
- Maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders
- Researching market trends and developing marketing strategies
- Collaborating with on-premise and retail sales teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of on-site presence (80% of working time) to effectively manage accounts and execute activations.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Drive and deliver on revenue and market share of assigned portfolio in assigned account base spending 80% of working time in market
✅ Serve as the expert and resource for the division or group in developing beverage and marketing strategies and plans for growth of assigned category or large supplier, in which they have advanced knowledge.
✅ Present new products and beverage offerings and conduct monthly business reviews.
✅ Plan high-end consumer activations within key accounts to elevate category awareness based on customer needs.
✅ Drive real time market insights to inform, apply, unlock and accelerate growth.
✅ Collaborate with on-premise & retail sales teams, developing creative solutions to help drive business and growth in assigned categories across their assigned territory
✅ Maintain and build strong relationships with the key stakeholders/gatekeepers of the assigned accounts
ASSUMPTION: This role involves frequent travel and requires strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field
Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years in sales or industry-related and category expertise experience for category-specific roles
Required Skills:
- Specialized knowledge of category or responsibility that this role will support
- Proficient PC skills using MS Office and other various computer programs including presentation software
- Must be a results-oriented professional with verbal/written communication skills using diplomacy and discretion as well as customer service skills
- Ability to multi-task, work independently and/or within a team, pay attention to detail and meet deadlines
- Analytic and Reporting skills
- Utilize sound judgement and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in fast-paced, high-volume, team environment
Preferred Skills:
- On-premise/hospitality experience
- Strong understanding or background of consumer engagement mechanics
- For Spirits Specialty: Experience managing a Beverage Program or Bartending/Mixology, previous experience cocktail costing, inventory, menu creation, P&L analysis, budgeting, batching, staff training, etc., a proficient knowledge of elevated-execution beverage techniques including but not limited to frozen cocktails, infusions, smoking, barrel aging, clarifying, creating foams, garnishes, etc.
- For Wine Specialty: Previous experience with a wine supplier, an in-depth understanding of wine styles, different regions and grapes, aging potential for various wines, and specific flavor profiles.
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, certifications such as CSS, WSET, or CSW may be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $56,280 - $70,350 (Based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data/ranges, applicant’s skills, and prior relevant experience)
Benefits:
- Annual Car Allowance - $6,000
- Annual Sales Bonus - 15%
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the company's internal equity and market data. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's skills, experience, and other factors.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Wholesale, specifically alcohol beverage distribution
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees (Large enterprise)
Founded: 1922 (Breakthru Beverage Group was formed in 2016)
Company Description:
- Breakthru Beverage Group is a family-owned and operated company with operations across the U.S. and Canada, and more than $8 billion in annual sales driven by a team of 10,000 associates.
- They deliver world-renowned brands to the doorsteps of North America’s retail, bar, and restaurant businesses.
- Their sales and logistics expertise stem from two industry pioneers, Charmer Sunbelt Group and Wirtz Beverage Group, which joined forces in 2016 to form Breakthru Beverage Group.
Company Specialties:
- Sales & Marketing
- Alcohol Beverage
- Operations and Logistics
Company Website: http://www.BreakthruBev.com
ASSUMPTION: Breakthru Beverage Group is a well-established company with a strong presence in the alcohol beverage industry, offering opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Sales Manager or Category Manager.
Work Arrangement: On-site (Washington, DC) with 80% of working time spent in market.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Senior Account Development Specialist or Category Manager role
- Expansion into other markets or categories within the company
- Development of leadership and management skills
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career progression within the company, as well as the chance to develop expertise in a specific category or market.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site (Washington, DC)
Office Location(s): 3333 South Laramie, Cicero, Illinois 60804, US
Geographic Context:
- The role is based in Washington, DC, with frequent travel required to manage accounts and execute activations.
- The company's headquarters are in Cicero, Illinois, with operations across the U.S. and Canada.
- The role may involve working with a diverse range of customers and stakeholders, requiring strong cultural competency.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with 80% of working time spent in market.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of flexibility and adaptability, as well as strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse range of customers and stakeholders.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or video interview with the sales manager or category manager
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales and account management skills
- Market knowledge and category expertise
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant sales experience and category expertise in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company's mission
- Prepare examples of successful brand activations or account management strategies you've implemented in the past
ATS Keywords: Account Development, Sales, Market Share, Brand Activations, Stakeholder Management, Market Research, Category Expertise, On-Premise, Retail, Consumer Engagement
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific hiring manager or department, but generally follows a structured interview process to assess the candidate's fit for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Presentation software (e.g., Prezi, Keynote)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
- Market research and analytics tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, SPINS)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the department or role, but generally include presentation software, CRM, and market research tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Customer Focus
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Results-driven and goal-oriented
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to work independently and in a team
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have experience managing accounts and executing brand activations in a wholesale or retail environment?
- Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of customers and stakeholders, and able to adapt your communication style to suit different audiences?
- Do you have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team?
ASSUMPTION: Breakthru Beverage Group values a strong work ethic, customer focus, and collaboration, with a results-driven and goal-oriented work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large portfolio of brands and accounts may be challenging for less experienced candidates
- Frequent travel and on-site presence may be demanding for candidates with personal or family commitments
- Working with a diverse range of customers and stakeholders may require strong cultural competency and adaptability
- Keeping up with market trends and category developments may require continuous learning and development
ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to the volume of work, travel requirements, and the need to adapt to diverse customer needs and market trends.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other account development or sales roles in its focus on brand activations and consumer engagement, as well as the requirement for category-specific expertise
- In the alcohol beverage industry, this role is similar to those of Account Development Manager or Brand Ambassador, with a focus on driving sales and market share through on-site activations and stakeholder management
- Career progression may involve moving into a senior account development or category management role, or expanding into other markets or categories within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on brand activations and consumer engagement, but shares similarities with other account development or sales roles in the alcohol beverage industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a brand activation plan for a key account to elevate category awareness and drive sales
- Conducting market research and analysis to inform category growth strategies and identify new opportunities
- Collaborating with on-premise and retail sales teams to develop creative solutions and drive business growth in assigned categories
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the key responsibilities and required skills for this role, focusing on brand activations, market research, and collaboration with sales teams.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader sales and marketing strategy for the company?
- What opportunities are there for career growth and development within the company?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees, particularly those with frequent travel requirements?
- What are the key challenges facing the company in the current market, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates understand the role's priorities, fit within the company's strategy, opportunities for growth, work-life balance, and the company's current challenges.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant sales experience and category expertise
- Write a cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the role and the company's mission
- Prepare examples of successful brand activations or account management strategies you've implemented in the past
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
