Distributor Operations Coordinator

Open Water, a certified B Corporation, is a sustainable water brand built out of the mission to eliminate the need for plastic bottled water and contribute to healthier, cleaner oceans. We were pioneers in the canned water space, launching 10 years ago when there was far less conversation about plastic pollution than there is today. Now we know the scale of the issue and more and more people are eager for a change. Open Water is distributed across the U.S., where we've continued growing quickly, so quickly, in fact, that we need more smart, passionate people to join us.

We're obsessed with building design-forward, easily-adoptable products that provide discerning consumers with a convenient alternative to plastic-packed beverages. We exist to make an impact. If you'd like to come to work every day to do something that matters too... well, we'd love to hear from you.

Visit drinkopenwater.com to learn more.

LOCATION

Chicago, IL (preferred) or remote, anywhere in the U.S. This role supports the On-Premise Sales team across all territories and is the main point of coordination with our distributor partners. Occasional travel is required for trade shows and team meetings. The role reports to the Director of On-Premise Sales.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary - $55k-70k

Benefits - Health Insurance, 401(K), Health Stipend, 16 Days PTO, 2 Days VTO

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Open Water is seeking a full-time Distributor Operations Coordinator to own reporting, logistics, and administrative processes that support our national sales team. This role partners closely with our On-Premise Sales Managers, providing the data, coordination, and process support behind their day-to-day work. The right person will be highly organized, comfortable with data and reporting tools, and motivated by building efficient, reliable processes.

We are looking for a driven and diligent overachiever with unbridled passion and the desire to make a difference. There is a tremendous opportunity to grow within the sales team and make an impact in a fast-paced, strategic environment.

You will…

• Manage day-to-day sales support for distributor partners, including sample fulfillment, new distributor onboarding, new item setup and additions, and ongoing account maintenance.
• Act as the sales team's point of contact with Logistics and Finance on distributor-facing operations, including shipment and logistics coordination, PO tracking, invoice issue resolution, billbacks, and deviated pricing agreements.
• Partner closely with On-Premise Sales Managers to provide accurate, timely data, reporting, and operational support that enables the team to effectively manage and grow their accounts.
• Support distributor marketing programs and sales initiatives, including reviewing and executing marketing programs, coordinating sales meetings and trade show participation, and partnering with Sales Managers to maximize distributor engagement.
• Own trade show logistics, including registration, shipping, booth setup (as needed), product samples, materials, and coordination with internal and external partners.
• Identify and implement improvements to sales processes, systems, and tools based on ongoing feedback from the sales team and evolving business needs.
• Analyze GPO and distributor depletion reports to identify sales trends, performance opportunities, and actionable insights that can help the sales team increase volume and improve account performance.
• Stay informed on industry trends, distributor dynamics, and the competitive landscape to provide relevant insights and support strategic decision-making across the sales organization.

EXPERIENCE

1–3 years of experience in sales operations, sales support, or a similar coordination/analytics role, ideally in beverage, food, or CPG. Comfort with reporting tools and CRM systems is more important than industry tenure. Experience with on-premise distributors is a plus.

MINIMUM EDUCATION

Bachelor's preferred (but quality experience and the right skill set can negate this).

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• You are passionate about the environment and our products and want to make a difference
• A natural operator: you find satisfaction in clean data, tight processes, and building systems that work
• Friendly and professional communicator; exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Fantastic with numbers and comfortable analyzing depletion, GPO, and performance reports to spot issues early
• Very familiar with Excel/Google Sheets, CRM systems, and POS or distributor reporting tools
• Exceptionally organized and methodical with strong attention to detail
• Team player and always willing to help others and work harmoniously across the entire sales team
• Solution-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to spot and fix process bottlenecks
• You are driven, hungry for impact and responsibility, and able to execute with little guidance

Open Water is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences to apply.