Director of Retail Development

Job Description

Job Description

DIRECTOR OF RETAIL DEVELOPMENT

Classification Compensation
Exempt $75k-$85k base + commission

Department/Reports To
Sales / Director of Business Development

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

The Director of Retail Development plays a key role in driving Climbing Kites’ retail presence and sales performance within the assigned distribution footprint. This position works in close collaboration with the Director of Business Development, Head of Business Intelligence, Regional Distribution Managers, consultant partners, wholesalers, and their sales teams to execute retail strategies across both On-Premise and Off-Premise chain accounts on a national and regional level.

The Director is responsible for promoting the Climbing Kites brand, achieving target distribution and volume goals, and ensuring excellence in retail execution. This role requires building and maintaining strong professional relationships with key retailers, consultant partners, wholesalers, and internal stakeholders. Through strategic alignment and consistent communication, the Director will champion brand growth, market share expansion, and retail visibility.

Essential Functions

• Lead and support Climbing Kites’ core values, purpose, and philosophies.

• Directly manage Key Account Managers.

• Foster strong, consistent communication and collaboration with internal teams, wholesalers, and retail partners.

• Collaborate across the organization to develop and execute chain strategies, focusing on priority national and regional On- and Off-Premise retailers in order to expand distribution to increase market share and sales velocity

• Leverage sales and consumer data tools (IRI/Nielsen/SPINS, VIP, etc.) to identify opportunities and optimize performance.

• Partner with wholesalers, consultant partners, and regional sales teams to build business plans and account goals.

• Design and implement sales programs, promotions, and features to drive rate of sale; track and report outcomes through after-action reviews.

• Act as the company expert on national and regional chain accounts, retail trends, and competitive dynamics.

• Collaborate with marketing to develop trade programs, retail materials, and brand activation initiatives.

• Establish and maintain clear communication stream with leadership, sales teams, support staff, consultant partners, wholesalers, and chain retailers, proactively sharing results, risks, and opportunities

• Develop quarterly account visit target lists aligned with business goals and objectives

• Conduct ongoing brand training for retailers, distributor partners, and consumers.

• Participate in market visits, industry events, trade shows, and festivals.

• Manage administrative duties including forecasting, expense reporting, work calendars, and pricing analysis.

• Maintain a professional image and uphold company standards in all interactions.

Qualifications

1. Self-starter with strong organizational, planning, and sales skills.

1. Minimum 5 years’ experience in the CPG distribution system (beverage preferred).

2. Strong knowledge of craft beer, industry trends, and retail consumers.

3. Expertise in national and regional chain accounts.

4. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and sales/consumer data platforms.

5. Excellent communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
   Ability to travel frequently and work evenings/weekends as needed.

6. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Preferred Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, along with three years of relevant experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work Environment

This position functions within a professional work environment.

• Work will primarily occur in a home office, in a vehicle, or out in the field.

• Regular visits to retail accounts, both on-premise and off-premise, will be necessary.

Physical Demands

Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation, typically for 6-8 hours a day. Prolonged exposure to computer screens. Extended periods of standing or sitting as it relates to events. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reporting Structure

1. CEO

2. Director of Business Development

3. Director of Retail Development

4. Key Account Manager(s)

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time administrative and field position estimating 40+ hours of work.

Travel

Occasional travel may be required.

Benefits

• Health Insurance

• Dental

• Vision

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Parental Leave

• Holiday Pay

• Work from home stipend

Application Process

Apply online via our HRIS ADP within two weeks submit resumé and any other relevant information.