At SEY, we are committed to excellence and aspire to world-class operations at every level. We are seeking a Wholesale Manager to redefine and elevate our wholesale program into a curated, high-touch platform that connects our exceptional coffees with the best coffee shops and restaurants in the world.
This role requires someone who can think strategically about partnerships while executing tactically on relationship building, account management, and new business development. You'll work with hundreds of existing accounts while actively identifying and cultivating relationships with targeted partners who can showcase our product appropriately. This is an opportunity to build an exclusive wholesale program that sets the benchmark for specialty coffee.
The ideal candidate brings deep specialty coffee knowledge, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to consult on everything from coffee selection to cafe buildouts and equipment specifications. This role balances hunting for new strategic accounts with nourishing existing relationships—growing the right partnerships while thoughtfully pruning those that don't align with our vision.
Account Management & Relationship Building
Serve as primary point of contact for all wholesale accounts, providing exceptional, high-touch service
Develop deep relationships with key accounts, understanding their business needs, customer base, and operational challenges
Conduct regular account reviews to ensure customer satisfaction and identify growth opportunities
Provide ongoing education and training on coffee offerings, brewing parameters, and quality standards
Visit accounts to strengthen relationships, troubleshoot issues, and identify opportunities
Manage end-to-end order fulfillment communication and ensure a seamless customer experience
Respond promptly to inquiries, resolve issues efficiently, and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction
Strategic Account Development
Curate and redefine our wholesale portfolio, identifying accounts that align with SEY's commitment to excellence
Actively evaluate existing account base, growing strategic partnerships while pruning relationships that don't serve our vision
Identify and target the best coffee shops, restaurants, and hospitality partners domestically and internationally
Develop qualification criteria for new partners based on quality standards, brand alignment, and operational excellence
Create and execute targeted outreach strategies for prospective accounts
Represent SEY at industry events, trade shows, and within the specialty coffee community
Coffee & Technical Consulting
Provide expert guidance on coffee selection, menu development, and brewing specifications
Consult on cafe buildouts, equipment selection, workflow design, and operational efficiency
Recommend and facilitate equipment sales when appropriate
Conduct training sessions on coffee preparation, quality control, and best practices
Stay current on industry trends, equipment innovations, and competitive landscape
Help partners troubleshoot quality issues and optimize their coffee programs
Systems & Program Development
Build and implement robust systems for account management, order tracking, and communication
Evolve and maintain CRM infrastructure to track interactions, opportunities, and account health
Create processes for onboarding new accounts, including documentation, training materials, and quality standards
Establish metrics for account performance and program success (quality over quantity)
Implement tools and workflows that enable scalable, high-touch relationship management
Generate reports and insights on wholesale performance, opportunities, and trends
Continuously refine and improve the wholesale program based on feedback and results
Business Development & Sales
Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities in targeted markets
Manage full sales cycle from prospecting through contract negotiation and onboarding
Create and deliver compelling sales presentations and proposals
Maintain active pipeline of qualified leads and opportunities
Develop pricing strategies and partnership terms in collaboration with ownership
Coordinate logistics for domestic and international shipping and fulfillment
Build relationships with distributors and partners in key markets
Experience & Industry Knowledge
5+ years of experience in specialty coffee industry (roasting, cafe operations, sales, or related field)
Proven track record in sales and account management, ideally in specialty coffee or premium food/beverage
Deep understanding of coffee quality, processing methods, terroir, and preparation techniques
Experience with cafe operations, equipment specifications, and workflow design
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain long-term customer relationships
Experience managing complex sales cycles and consultative selling
Technical & Business Skills
Expert knowledge of espresso equipment, grinders, and brewing systems from multiple manufacturers
Ability to design cafe layouts, recommend equipment packages, and optimize workflows
Strong understanding of logistics, supply chain, and international shipping
Proficiency with CRM systems, Google Suite, and sales/order management tools
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Financial acumen for pricing, contract negotiation, and business modeling
Personal Attributes
Exceptional relationship-building skills with ability to connect authentically with diverse partners
Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills
Comfortable with ambiguity and building systems from scratch
Strategic thinker who can also execute tactically
Passionate about specialty coffee and committed to quality and excellence
Willingness to travel as needed to develop and maintain relationships
Adaptable and entrepreneurial mindset
Work Location
Combination of time at Brooklyn office, remote work, and field visits to accounts
Regular presence at Brooklyn office for collaboration, cupping, and team alignment
Travel domestically and internationally as needed to develop accounts and represent SEY (frequency varies based on program needs)
Schedule
Full-time position with flexibility to accommodate account needs and time zones
Some evening or weekend work may be required for events, account visits, or international communication
Base Salary: $80,000 annually
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
14 days paid time off plus holidays
Professional development opportunities and flexible training budget
Equipment allowance for tools and technology
Free coffee and products
Submit a cover letter, resume, and references to: jobs@sey.coffee
This position description outlines the general nature and scope of work for this role but is not exhaustive. Responsibilities may evolve as our operations grow and improve.
SEY is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.