Job Description
Job Description:
ABOUT MERCHANTS OF THIRST
Merchants of Thirst is a California-based importer and distributor of wines and spirits that speak with authenticity. We work directly with independent growers and winemakers who prioritize sustainability, organic farming, and minimal intervention in the cellar. These are wines with soul, expressive, honest, and rooted in place.
Founded by people with deep experience in hospitality, wine production, and retail, we approach distribution with a service-forward mindset and a highly curated portfolio. Our book leans toward naturally made wines, but we always prioritize clean, fresh, balanced bottles. We don’t chase trends or tolerate flaws for the sake of style. These are wines you can confidently sell to both natural wine devotees and classic restaurant buyers without needing a disclaimer.
We believe in long-term partnerships, transparency, and championing producers we genuinely love. Our clients range from natural wine bars and chef-driven restaurants to neighborhood retailers and boutique grocery stores. We keep our standards high and our egos low.
POSITION SUMMARY
We’re looking for a motivated, knowledgeable sales representative to cover Los Angeles and the surrounding area.
This role is ideal for someone looking to represent a second book that doesn’t conflict with our portfolio, or someone ready to take ownership and grow a new sales territory within an established framework. You’ll be sharing this region with another experienced Merchants of Thirst sales rep, so strong communication and coordination will be key to dividing and conquering the market efficiently.
As our concentration of accounts has leaned more toward the Eastside, we’re especially interested in candidates who can help drive growth on the Westside and bring new energy and reach to underdeveloped areas. That said, this role is not exclusive to the Westside, we’re looking for someone who can recognize opportunities across the entire LA market and build strategically wherever the demand is.
Existing industry relationships are essential. This is not an entry-level position, we’re looking for someone with a strong network of relationships in the LA market and the confidence to hit the ground running. You should already be connected with wine shops, chef-driven restaurants, and forward-thinking beverage programs.
We’re also aiming to expand our presence in the retail sector, so experience and connections with bottle shops, boutique grocery retailers, and traditional wine stores are a major plus.
We’ve got a solid portfolio, real support behind you, and plenty of wine to sell. You bring the hustle, we’ll bring the juice.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Represent a thoughtfully curated portfolio of domestic and imported wines, many of which are organic, low-intervention, and rooted in terroir
- Service accounts while building new relationships across restaurants, wine bars, and retail shops
- Conduct tastings, staff trainings, and supplier work-withs
- Use samples wisely and close sales confidently
- Coordinate closely with your counterpart in the territory and submit light weekly reporting
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
- Proven wine sales experience in the LA market
- A strong network of relationships with restaurants, wine bars, and retailers, retail focus highly preferred
- Strong, well-rounded wine knowledge, not just natural wine familiarity, but a solid grasp of classic regions and styles too
- Confidence discussing natural and low-intervention winemaking with clarity and professionalism
- A reliable vehicle and valid CA driver’s license
- Ability to lift and carry a 40 lb case of wine
- Highly self-motivated, professional, and organized
- Passion for wine and a desire to champion thoughtful producers
COMPENSATION
Commission-based pay structure with bonus opportunities tied to performance. Flexible schedule, autonomy over your territory, and the backing of a collaborative, passionate team that works hard, communicates well, and still knows how to have a little fun along the way.
Travel opportunities are definitely on the table for those who hit goals. We want you to meet our producers and experience the wines at the source, France in January is beautiful, trust us.
TO APPLY
You can apply directly through this posting. Tell us about your experience in the LA wine market, the kinds of accounts you love working with, and why Merchants of Thirst feels like the right fit. Bonus points if you include a wine you’re currently obsessed with. Please apply with cover letter and updated resume.
We’re looking for someone who gets the rhythm of this work, someone who knows that good wine and good relationships are built the same way, with patience, presence, and purpose. If you’re fueled by storytelling, love a wine that lands with clarity and soul, and want to grow something honest and lasting in LA, we’d love to hear from you.
You believe in showing up, not just for the sale, but for the people behind the wines and the accounts that pour them. You know the difference between a wine that’s trendy and one that’s true. You’ve got range, able to speak to natty heads and classic collectors in the same day, and you enjoy the dance of navigating both.
We’re not just hiring to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to build with us, long-term. Someone who sees this not just as a sales gig, but as a real opportunity to grow with a company that’s doing things with intention and care. If that sounds like your kind of energy, reach out.
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Job Tags
Full time, Flexible hours,