Business Development Manager

Business Development ManagerIJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated spirits company. Founded in 2017, we've compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 40-acre campus in Danville. Our ambitious growth trajectory includes a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for completion in early 2026, and a Japanese distillery in Chitose that will be completed in late 2026.With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, our diverse team of seasoned professionals and dynamic newcomers has propelled IJW to the forefront of the spirits industry. Our strategic partnership with one of the nation's largest independent Wine & Spirits distributors has enabled us to offer 22 products across four unique private label bourbon brands in 28 states. We have added to our spirits portfolio with our first Tequila and Mezcal brands.Position OverviewThe Business Development Manager is a newly created, field-focused sales role responsible for driving distribution, visibility, and velocity of IJW Spirits' brands across on- and off-premise accounts. This role leads direct selling efforts, executes against brand objectives, and educates both trade partners and consumers. Success in this position requires a competitive, self-starting mindset, strong discipline, a sense of urgency, and a relentless focus on winning in the market.We are hiring Business Development Managers in the following markets: Northern California, Southern California, Dallas, Miami, and New York.Job ResponsibilitiesDirect Sales Execution: Sell IJW brands directly to On and Off ? Premise customers, recruit consumers through education and sampling, sell in distribution, secure menu placements, establish back ? bar placement, ensure shelves are set to standard and achieve targeted display execution.Off Premise Velocity Building: Execute brand building in targeted accounts, educate staff and buyers, evaluate pricing strategies, brand positioning, visibility and brand promotional merchandising.On ? Premise Velocity Building: Develop strong relationships with bartenders, bar managers, waitstaff and owners to drive drink features, cocktail menu placements, staff advocacy and education and build sustained brand pull ? through.Marketplace Leadership: Operate with urgency and discipline to out ? execute competition, identify performance gaps and ensure opportunities are maximized in assigned territory.Distributor Partnership and Education: Work closely with distributor sales teams to prioritize activities, lead by example in the field and ensure consistent execution against agreed ? upon goals. Be present and visible in the market. Attend and motivate distributor personal at General Sales MeetingsPricing & Competitive Awareness: Maintain a strong understanding of competitive pricing strategies and consumer dynamics to adjust to drive volume.Programming & Activations: Plan and execute tastings, promotions, educations, events, ride ? withs, and market blitzes that generate results, earn distributor support and build long ? term brand momentum.Qualifications3–5+ years of experience in spirits sales, brand development, or field marketingProven success selling directly to On and Off ? Premise accountsStrong understanding of the three ? tier systemDemonstrated ability to execute brand standards consistently and without compromiseExperience working with distributor partners and leading from the fieldAbility to thrive in a fast ? paced, performance ? driven environmentBe able to motivate and inspire stakeholders (team members, distributors, customers, influencers, consumers)Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively within assigned territoryKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesDeep knowledge of the spirits category, competitive set, and on/off ? premise dynamicsExceptional selling, negotiation, and relationship ? building skillsHigh level of industry curiosity, discipline, personal accountability, and attention to detailStrong work ethic with a "do ? the ? work" mindsetAbility to "find a way", prioritize, execute, and deliver results with limited supervisionConfident communicator with the presence to influence customers and distributor partnersComfortable being measured by execution and results. Be competitive.Be a good teammate!Benefits401(k) with matchingHealth, dental, vision insuranceHealth savings and flexible savings accountShort-term and long-term disability insurancePaid time offReferral programLife insurance