James Brunner
Bel Air
Summary
Results-driven leader specializing in sales strategy and team performance optimization. Successfully led diverse teams through market transitions, achieving consistent revenue growth while enhancing training and mentoring programs. Skilled in developing comprehensive marketing strategies that align with business objectives and drive sustainable results.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Trade Development Director MD/DC/ DE- Transatlantic
Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
04.2020 - Current
- Transitioned to sub-region (MD, DC & DE) Trade Development leadership role, liaising between key TA suppliers and commercial teams to develop and execute effective sales and marketing strategies for supplier brands.
- Successfully lead a team of two Trade Development managers and Business Analyst through the RTM change in all three markets, including transition to dedicated teams in MD & DC, delivering monthly goals, incentives, support materials to deliver both internal and supplier plans, while staying within budget guidelines.
- Successfully led a team of two Trade Development managers and Business Analyst through the RTM change in all three markets, including transition to dedicated teams in MD & DC, delivering monthly goals, incentives, support materials to deliver both internal and supplier plans, while staying within budget guidelines.
- Revamped our forecasting process with local Supplier partners, while working with local S&OP teams to deliver better overall performance and alignment.
- Continued to evolve our incentive and goal writing abilities to maximize value.
Division Director- Transatlantic
Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
02.2016 - 03.2020
- Served as liaison between key TA suppliers and full book sales, developing and executing sales and marketing strategies for supplier brands.
- Revamped pricing strategies, ownership of forecasting, implemented effective selling strategies, analyzed business to set appropriate targets and benchmarks vs. competition brands and market trends to ensure strong and sustainable results.
- Transitioned to SGWS to serve as a liaison between key TA suppliers and Full books sales to develop and execute sales and marketing strategies for supplier brands.
- Assisting in formulating & communicating programs to drive volume and revenue growth and achieve supplier goals, while coaching team of Key Account Managers.
- Revamped pricing strategies, forecasted ownership, implemented effective selling strategies, and analyzed business to set targets and benchmarks against competition brands and market trends.
- Led a team of four Key Account Specialists, coaching and mentoring individuals in the SGWS-TA ways of working, including Founder’s mentality and FAMILY.
Education
Bachelor of Business Management -
University of Maryland, Global Campus
01-2022
Skills
- Sales strategy
- Market analysis
- Cost optimization
- Revenue projection
- Brand strategy
- Trade promotion
- Supplier relationship management
- Performance tracking
- Team leadership
- Coaching and mentoring
- Negotiation skills
- Strategic thinking
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
Personal Information
Title: Senior Level Sales Management & Business Development
Professional Development
- WSET level 2 Spirits, 2019
- Building Leaders Coaching Award, 2012
- Certified Training Coordinator, 2012
- Beyond Excellence Wine & Spirits Education Award, 2012
- WSSM & TOPS Sales Training
- Excel & Power Point Training
- Finance 101 & 201 Company Training
Accomplishments
- Heaven Hill On Premise Market of the year 2025
- Bacardi Tier 2 Market of the Year 2025
- Bacardi Rum Founder Award 2019
- Advanced Leadership Program
- Senior Leadership Program
Timeline
Trade Development Director MD/DC/ DE- Transatlantic
Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
04.2020 - Current
Division Director- Transatlantic
Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits
02.2016 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Business Management -
University of Maryland, Global Campus