Market Development Lead

Market Development Lead Bars.com is redefining the way brands, bars, and consumers connect. Our platform transforms the traditional beverage marketing model by delivering real, measurable consumer experiences at bars and restaurants. Through our network, brands can seamlessly introduce their products to engaged guests, venues can enhance their revenue and hospitality offerings, and consumers can discover and enjoy curated drink experiences in top venues across the country. Job Description Part-Time Contract: 60 days, with an opportunity for renewal based on performance. Engagement: 1099 independent contractor. Start Date: Immediate / May 1, 2026 Goal About the Role: Bars.com is expanding into new markets (below) and seeking highly motivated industry insiders to act as our Market Development Lead and lead venue growth efforts locally in each market (below). This is a performance-driven role for someone with strong industry relationships and a passion for hospitality. As the primary Bars.com representative in-market, you will be responsible for signing and onboarding venues into the Bars.com network, ensuring a smooth integration process, and positioning Bars.com as a valuable revenue-driving platform for top-tier bars and restaurants. Check-ins, tracking and reporting to the Colorado-based Bars.com GM. Markets: Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Metro New York, Orlando, Tampa, Boston, Denver, Philadelphia Scope of Work: Identify, pitch, and sign on-premise venues (bars, restaurants, and hospitality groups) to the Bars.com network Open the market, with the ability to drive early-stage growth in designated cities Conduct venue outreach via in-person visits, industry networking, and warm introductions from your local contacts Guide venues through the initial signup process and facilitate the transition to the Bars.com team for technical integration and activation While Bars.com will lead integration and activation efforts, you may be asked to support these processes as needed Build strong relationships with venue decision-makers and staff to ensure long-term engagement with Bars.com Maintain venue outreach records within a shared spreadsheet (contact name, venue, key notes) Bars.com will handle CRM entry and tracking, ensuring minimal administrative work for you Participate in weekly (or more) check-ins with the GM to track progress and adjust targeting as needed Support & Resources: You will be provided with a Bars.com email address, business cards, sales materials, FAQs, and training on venue onboarding processes to ensure your success in signing and supporting venue partners. Key Performance Indicators: Venue Acquisition – Close venues using Toast Point of Sale systems Technical Integration – Ensure signed venues complete integration steps with a Bars.com home office team member Conversion Rate – Achieve a 30%+ conversion rate from outreach to signed venues Check-ins & Tracking – Conduct weekly progress check-ins with the Bars.com GM Lead Documentation – Keep a simple record of outreach. Bars.com handles CRM tracking Activation Support – Assist Bars.com with venue activations as needed Supplier & Brand Referrals – Introduce supplier/brand leads, commission on closed deals Commission & Performance Expectations: The term is two (2) months, with the option to extend on a month-to-month basis following this period $3,000 monthly fee when you sign/integrate 4+ venues; $250/venue if under 4. Integrating one (1) - three (3) venues would result in payment of $250 per venue, not the $3,000 monthly fee Performance Bonuses $250 for each additional venue signed beyond the initial four (4) - calculated at total venues over 30 days (actualized and paid out at end of each month), with no cap $2,500 bonus for integrating twenty-five (25) venues over the duration of the contract, paid at end of 60-day period - Example scenarios Month 1 - Integrate 10 venues: $3,000 base, $1,500 bonus (venues 5-10) = $4,500 Month 2 A: Integrate 15 venues: $3,000 base, $2,750 bonus (venues 5-15), $2,500 bonus for 25 total venues over 60-days= $8,250 B: Integrate 4 venues: $3,000 base, no bonus = $3,000 C: Integrate 3 venues: $750 base, no bonus = $750 A signed/closed venue is defined as one that has: Agreed to join Bars.com network Scheduled a virtual onboarding meeting Completed technical integration by enabling Bars.com in their POS backend Additional compensation for activation support paid at an hourly rate ($35/hr) Reimbursement for gas and other reasonable field expenses to be discussed, ongoing Supplier & Brand Referral Incentives: While this role focuses on venue partnerships, any introductions made to suppliers, brand representatives, or distributors that result in a closed deal for Bars.com will be eligible for commission. A referral compensation structure for supplier deals will be determined separately and negotiated case by case, ensuring a fair incentive for successful introductions. Qualifications Must be 21 years or older Live in/near one of the following markets: Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Metro New York, Orlando, Tampa, Boston, Denver, Philadelphia Connected in the hospitality industry with relationships at bars/restaurants (owners and GMs), and industry groups with 5+ years of experience Able to hit the ground running Day 1 Sales-minded with experience in venue partnerships and nightlife business development Works well with technology platforms/tools and adept at showcasing a technology platform for sale (basic consumer walkthrough of webapp and data) Able to operate independently as the lead representative for Bars.com locally in a given market Excited about growing a market from the ground up, with the opportunity to expand Experience working with on-premise sales or beverage brand activations is a plus Additional Information The base compensation range for this job classification is $3,000/month + a no cap bonus as noted above. The determination of what a specific employee in this job classification is paid depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, prior employment history/job-related skills and qualifications, length of service, brand program, and geographic location. This job classification is bonus eligible, with bonus potential subject to applicable bonus plan terms and conditions as noted above Bars.com is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship, disability, genetics, pregnancy, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Bars.com is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for other reasons in the employment application and hiring process, in accordance with applicable law. To request an accommodation please contact: View email address on click.appcast.io