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Current Washington State Employment Conditions
With growing affluence and slowly increasing
population in the Seattle area, the Wine and Beverage industry is
doing fairly well despite the current economic conditions.
Consumers continue to drink higher quality
and more expensive wine and beer; although they have been more
value conscious as of late. The days of extravagant, conspicuous
consumption is somewhat limited these days, although very
expensive wines continue to sell, albeit at a slower pace than a
few years ago. The core metropolitan restaurant business continues
to struggle or shows mixed success, as concerns about the future
of the economy limits discretionary spending and business
travel/entertainment wanes. Neighborhood restaurants are doing
better as of late with more, and more diners unwilling to fight
traffic and parking. Diners are more often heading to smaller
restaurants near home.
Industry consolidation continues to hamper new wholesaler job
creation, especially due to the Columbia/K&L merger, which will
most likely cut the total number of sales rep and management
position in the wholesale industry. This situation will should be
temporary and will still leave room for entry level jobs as
turnover continues and as some higher paid professionals move to
other industries. It is expected that some smaller wholesalers
will grow as brands are reshuffled in the marketplace. With the
explosion in the sheer numbers Washington State wineries there
will be more winery opportunities in marketing, tasting rooms and
support staff.
Given the high unemployment rate in Washington State, most
people are staying put in their current jobs. With cost cutting
and consolidation in distribution, there are currently more
qualified candidates for higher-level wine industry positions than
there are positions open. Experienced professionals may find
opportunities to make a move, but people wanting to enter the Wine
industry are going to have to work at it. Almost all new positions
coming open are entry level, which has always been the best place
to start.
Distributor Merchandising jobs have long been the starting
place for most of the great Distributor, Wholesaler and importer
jobs, usually the best paying jobs as well. The progression is
usually merchandiser, route sales, then on to sales management,
supplier, importer, or winery, although dedication and the ability
to create opportunities can provide an alternate career path. It
is very rare that someone can skip paying their dues on the street
simply because there is a long line of people waiting their turn
at the premium jobs in the industry. The merchandising staff at
most distributors is very strong right now, with a very capable
squad of 2-300 men and women stocking cases and building displays
waiting for their shot at a sales job. Starting sales
opportunities may occasionally be found at very small
distributors, but related wine industry experience and extensive
wine knowledge is usually a prerequisite.
Wine Department Assistant positions are also a good start in
the wine business. Generally the job of wine buyer is reserved for
professionals with a great deal of experience in the business. The
Wine Department Assistant job is a great way to get that
experience, and learn how to be retail Wine Steward/Buyer. There
are perhaps 30 prime wine buying jobs in the Seattle area and they
are coveted. It’s a job with great perks, as well as great
responsibility. Retail Wine Steward/Buyers put the store’s money
on the line everyday and may purchase up to $500,000 worth of wine
each year, so they must be at the top of their game. The perks
include excellent meals at the top restaurants in town, drinking
the greatest wines in the world, while meeting many interesting
and passionate people.
WineSquire receives many resumes from people living outside of
Seattle and outside of Washington State for that matter. My advice
to you is to look for employment in your local area. Wine
employers are generally unwilling to pay moving expenses or even
interview travel expenses, as there is a very large supply of
qualified candidates currently in the area. There are exceptions,
but they are usually for higher-level executive positions
requiring years of sales management experience.
There are many interesting and well-paying positions
available in the wine and beer business--maybe something that is
right for you, good luck in your search!
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