Market Manager Michigan

Market Manager Michigan

Are you ready to take the next step in your spirits industry career? Bardstown Bourbon Company is seeking an energetic, motivated, and reliable whiskey enthusiast to represent a premier portfolio of bourbon products.

Function:
Brand Sales & Marketing

Experience:
Entry-Level

Location:
Home Office Base w/ regular travel to surrounding areas.

Salary:
DOE (Base salary + Bonus Potential, Benefits Package)

Reports to:
General Manager Great Lakes East

Company/Location Overview

No secrets. No myths. No fabricated stories.

Bardstown Bourbon Company is a new blend of bourbon makers creating the next industry standard through unparalleled transparency, collaboration, and innovation.

The International Wine and Spirits Competition has honored Bardstown Bourbon Company with the prestigious award of Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year for 2023.

With the most technically advanced and sophisticated distillery in the country, our pledge of transparency is on full display through open spaces and clear glass, putting the art and science of whiskey-making front and center for all to see. In the heart of the Bourbon Capital of the WorldTM, Bardstown Bourbon Co. produces not only our own award-winning and highly sought-after blended bourbons, ryes and finished whiskies, but custom distills and ages whiskies for many brands, from start-up pours to established top shelves.

We are the premiere destination on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, combining distilling, culinary, and beverage expertise to create a modern, authentic experience that will engage and delight the bourbon novice and the most sophisticated aficionado.

At our on-site restaurant, Bardstown Bourbon Co. Kitchen and Bar, visitors enjoy chef-driven yet approachable Southern cuisine with international flair paired with creative cocktails, a vast collection of spirits, curated wine list, and our one-of-a-kind Vintage Library, our ode to distilling history stocked with old and rare finds dating back to the 19th century.

Green River Distillery is located in Owensboro and is the 10th oldest distillery in the state producing more than 90,000 barrels of bourbon and rye for its own brands and partners. They produce the flagship Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey which started in 1885 and was re-launched in February 2022.

At Bardstown Bourbon Company, see how we are moving the industry forward and NEVER STANDING STILL. For more information, please visit bardstownbourbon. com and greenriverdistilling. com

Position Description

As our Market Manager Michigan, your main objective is to establish and grow sales in the assigned territory, create lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships with accounts and our Distributors, and represent the integrity, values and brand of the Bardstown Bourbon Company. The position includes direct sales responsibility for key accounts, with on- and off-premise trade, securing new business, and working closely with the distributor network in the assigned area to maintain/develop all accounts. You will serve as a voice for the brand across the assigned geography, executing marketing "pull" tactics, merchandising key accounts, and hosting both trade and consumer-focused events.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Specifically, the responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following activities:
  
• Aggressively pursue new on- and off-premise distribution in your assigned region.
• Assist State Sales General Manager with the establishment of new target account relationships including activations and promotional event opportunities.
• Assist State Sales General Manager in identifying and executing market-specific goals, KPIs and annual plan and objectives for the assigned region.
• Call on existing key accounts to secure new distribution, making timely presentations and introducing new and "limited release" bourbons.
• Execute on and off -premise promotions and periodic special events such as virtual tastings and Bourbon Dinners that generate brand awareness and consumer sampling.
• Develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with account staff and distributor sales personnel.
• Train accounts as well as distributors of our products, promote the story of the Bardstown Bourbon Company.
• Travel to and utilize the assets of the distillery to engrain brand and product knowledge in our commercial partners.
• Participate in market blitzes, ride-withs, and general sales meetings to hold distributor partners accountable for the execution and achievement of the sales plan.
• Complete necessary administrative reporting and communications on a timely basis daily and weekly.
• Maintain all sales goals and personal budgets outlined to you and your territory.
• Deliver merchandise/POS for events, as well as staffing and sampling at events as necessary.
• Late night and weekend account visits and event attendance as directed.
• Other duties as periodically assigned by the State Sales General Manager.

• Extensive working knowledge of, and passion for, Bourbon, Whiskey, Spirits.
• Strong ties and established relationships in the beverage community in the assigned region. The ideal candidate has some experience working for a supplier or promotional agency on behalf of an Alc. Bev. supplier.
• Strong oral communication skills:
  ability to talk to others to convey information effectively; strong written communication skills.
• Customer Service -Going above and beyond what the customer expects.
• Retail/Trade experience (i. e. Clerk in Liquor Store; Distributor Representative; Bartending experience).
• Trade knowledge - Understanding the retail and on-premises buyer mindset - purchasing experience is a plus.
• Basic understanding of Retail Cost models and profit margins.
• Excellent time management skills:
  ability to be proactive and take initiative.
• Excellent organization and coordination skills- ability to manage priorities and routine functions effectively and efficiently.
• Empathy- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Teamwork - Ability to flex scope of responsibility and do whatever needs to be done, regardless of job description.
• Transparency - Ability to communicate with teammates and freely exchange ideas and thoughts, without ego or pretense.
• Proficiency with personal computers / laptops and associated programs (Windows, Microsoft office suite of programs).
• Strong social media skills - an understanding of staying "on-brand" while presenting content on a business account, i. e. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
• Business Acumen -Ability to collect, assess and interpret relevant information and make sound decisions.
• A college degree from an accredited university is desired but not mandatory.