Wine and Spirits Educator - Kent, WA

Columbia Distributing
$90,000.00 - $100,000.00/yr + 15% target incentives
life insurance, paid holidays, sick time, 401(k)
United States, Washington, Kent
Jun 03, 2025
Back Wine and Spirits Educator #25-584 Kent, Washington, United States Apply Apply for this job now! Apply Working Locations Kent , Washington , United States Pay Range $90,000.00 - $100,000.00/yr + 15% target incentives Job Details Summary The Wine & Spirits Educator is a newly created role designed to elevate internal knowledge, confidence, and selling capability across our organization. This individual will serve as a strategic link between supplier priorities and front-line execution--translating brand stories into compelling, actionable learning experiences. From onboarding and classroom training to market work-withs, trade events, and curated educational dinners, this role helps bring our brands to life in every setting. By blending product expertise with engaging storytelling and hands-on support, the Wine & Spirits Educator will play a critical role in developing talent, driving sales, and strengthening our culture of excellence. Primary Responsibilities Internal Education & Onboarding Design and deliver onboarding programs tailored to wine and spirits knowledge for new hires Develop and facilitate ongoing internal training sessions to elevate category confidence and sales acumen Collaborate with Learning and Development to build training modules, e-learning content and certification tracks Field Support & Coaching Conduct market rides and work-withs to provide in-the-moment education and performance feedback Partner with sales leaders to identify knowledge gaps and create customized learning solutions Supplier & Trade Engagement o Serve as a key liaison for supplier educational initiatives, trade activations, and launch events Support educational dinners, tastings, and trade shows with engaging and informative presentations Help translate supplier brand stories into compelling sales tools and field messaging Program Development and Tracking Assist in building scalable learning experiences, from live workshops to digital learning Track participation and impact of training programs and recommend improvement Key Competencies High level of knowledge and selling experience in wine and spirits categories Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite Excellent oral and written communication skills Effective organizational and time management skills Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers People Management None Work Environment This job operates in our accounts, mostly indoors with occasional outdoor work. Physical Demands Lift, carry, push, pull up to 55 lbs. Use arms, wrists, hands, grasp Must be proficient in the use of industry tools including hand truck, six-wheeler, manual pallet jack, box cutter, etc. Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position, days/hours of work vary, and may include weekends. Travel Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected. Required Education and Experience High School diploma or GED required High level of wine and spirits knowledge required 5+ years in the beverage industry, preferably in sales, brand or education Comfortable presenting to large and small groups; excellent interpersonal and communication skills Highly organized and self-motivated with a passion for education and storytelling Willingness to travel for market visits, trade events, and regional trainings Preferred Education and Experience Bachelor's degree preferred Strong foundational knowledge of Wine and Spirits; certifications like WSET, CSW or CMS preferred Previous beverage industry sales experience Compensation Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and specific location. Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Employees are also eligible for 80 hours of vacation every year and 7-8 days of paid holidays throughout the calendar year (depending on location). Hired applicants may be eligible for incentives/bonuses/annual bonuses. Classification: Outside Sales Exempt Reports to: VP of Wine & Spirits Benefits Paid Vacation and Sick Days Holiday Pay Competitive Health Insurance Plans 401(k) with company matching Short-Term Disability and More Benefits may not be available for positions covered under active CBA, seasonal, or part-time. AAP/EEO Statement Columbia Distributing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Please contact the Human Resources Dept. at (425)251-9300 or email recruiting@coldist.com if you have questions regarding reasonable accommodations.