Market Development Manager: Distributor Sales - Alternative Beverage Portfolio

Sazerac Company Overview

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Traveller, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Svedka, Wheatley, BuzzBallz, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

Company/Location Overview

Why Sazerac? 

• Innovative and Forward-Thinking:  Join a company that values innovation and excellence and is driving the future of the beverage industry.
• Rich Tradition:  Join a team with a strong heritage of craftsmanship and quality, creating memorable experiences for our customers.
• Collaborative Environment:  Work in an inclusive, collaborative atmosphere where your ideas and expertise are valued.
• Career Growth:  Benefit from continuous learning opportunities and career development programs to advance your career.

Job Description/Responsibilities

The  Market Development Manager: Distributor Sales – Alternative Beverage Alcohol (ABA) is responsible for driving brand growth and maximizing distribution for Sazerac’s ABA across Minnesota/Wisconsin. The MDMDS - ABA role focuses on building brand presence, executing key sales initiatives, and managing distributor relationships to achieve volume and market share objectives.

Location: Greater Minneapolis Metro

Key Responsibilities (job responsibilities may vary by state depending on regulatory and compliance standards for the state): 

• Drive Sales & Market Growth
  • Achieve volume and distribution goals for priority brands in the ABA portfolio.
  • Utilize KPIs and brand reports to track execution standards and market performance.
  • Provide insights and feedback to leadership to optimize market strategies.
• Retail Execution & Market Intelligence
  • Ensure execution of ABA initiatives within targeted key accounts.
  • Gather and report on consumer trends, competitive activity, and emerging market opportunities. 
  • Ensure seamless integration and communication of new brand acquisitions at retail.
• Strategic Pricing & Budget Management
  • Identify and recommend strategic pricing opportunities aligned with brand positioning.
  • Communicate approved price adjustments to distributors and retail partners.
  • Manage market budgets, track spending, and optimize resource allocation to achieve brand contribution targets.
• Account Management & Execution Excellence
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key accounts to drive brand visibility and sales.
  • Ensure top-tier execution in retail through merchandising, promotions, and space-to-sales strategies. 
  • Take a proactive approach to resolving customer challenges to maximize brand presence.
• Long-Term Brand Development
  • Contribute to the long-term success of the ABA portfolio by driving market penetration and sustainable growth.
  • Work collaboratively with distributor teams to enhance brand positioning and execution.

Qualifications/Requirements

Must-Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent relevant experience
• Minimum 3 years of sales management experience in alcohol beverage industry or CPG
• Ability and willingness to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Willingness to travel in market as needed
• Proven ability to build and maintain customer relationships
• Strong self-management skills with the ability to effectively manage schedules and priorities to achieve results
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds without assistance

Preferred

• Experience in National Accounts / Key Account (on premise or off premise)
• Background in sales analysis
• Market development experience with beer wholesaler or supplier

#LI-KG1

Placement within the salary range is calculated based upon years of directly relatable experience for the position. The salary range refers to base salary only and does not include car allowance, annual bonus, fuel or cell phone reimbursement. Sazerac offers the benefits you'd expect, including health and dental insurance, mental health care, 401(k) with match, paid leave and wellness benefits. Please ask Talent Acquisition for more information about our total rewards package.

Culture and Benefits

Sazerac offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, and more. These benefits may vary depending on location and work type. Learn more about how we support our employees here.

The annual salary range for this role is $76,000 - $114,000. Final compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal pay equity considerations.

For roles within our commercial team - the Salary range refers to base salary only and does not include car allowance, annual bonus, fuel or cell phone reimbursement. Please ask your Talent Acquisition Partner for more information about our total rewards package. Sazerac is committed to equality of opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.

What’s Next:

After you apply, a recruiter will review your application and reach out to qualified candidates. Selected candidates will follow our interview process, which may include a phone screen, hiring manager interview, and panel interviews with business leaders. There may be additional steps or assessments throughout the process dependent on the position. Applicants who are not selected to move through the process, at any stage, will be notified via email.