Wine Sales Representative – Akron / Canton

Vanguard Wines is looking to add a motivated Wine & Spirits Sales Representative to our Akron/Canton market.

For more than 20 years, Vanguard Wines has operated as an independent distributor across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, focused on long-term supplier and account relationships throughout restaurant, retail, and hospitality channels.

This is an outside sales role built around territory growth, relationship development, and consistent field execution.

The Akron/Canton market represents a meaningful long-term opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, working independently, and developing accounts over time.

Our business is heavily focused on independent restaurants, bars, country clubs, wine shops, and hospitality-driven retail accounts — not chain grocery volume.

What the Role Looks Like

• Calling on restaurants, bars, retailers, and country clubs daily
• Presenting wines and spirits to buyers
• Building placements, displays, and by-the-glass programs
• Prospecting new business and developing existing accounts
• Following up consistently through calls, emails, texts, and in-person visits
• Managing your territory independently throughout the week
• Building long-term customer relationships through consistency and professionalism

What Success Requires

The people who tend to succeed here are:

• Self-motivated
• Consistent
• Organized
• Relationship-oriented
• Comfortable with rejection and daily customer interaction
• Naturally curious about wine, spirits, restaurants, and hospitality
• Able to maintain a disciplined weekly sales routine

This role is field-driven and relationship-based. The strongest performers are typically those who enjoy being out in front of customers every day, stay organized with follow-up, and take ownership of both their activity and their income.

Ideal Background

• Hospitality experience (bartender, server, restaurant manager, beverage manager)
• Retail wine & spirits experience
• Outside sales or route sales experience
• Distributor, supplier, DSD, or merchandising experience
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Self-directed work ethic and comfort working independently

Compensation

• Commission-based compensation
• Car allowance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Long-term income growth tied directly to territory development and account growth

This position is ideal for someone looking to build a long-term career in wine & spirits sales while developing a professional customer base throughout Northeast Ohio.

How to Apply

Submit your resume through Indeed or email directly to: sellwine@vanguardwines.com

Include a brief note explaining why you are interested in an outside sales role.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: On the road

Pay: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: On the road