Market Sales Manager

Chicago Market Sales Manager/Market LeaderChicago | Full Time | Leadership RoleGood Trouble Bourbon is more than a spirit. It is a cultural platform.Inspired by the call to “get into good trouble,” the brand celebrates the builders, dreamers, and people willing to challenge the status quo.Rooted in the legacy of Chicago blues and the city’s rich cultural history, Good Trouble Bourbon brings people together through story, music, leadership, and community.Our mission is bold: Make Good Trouble Bourbon Chicago’s Bourbon.To achieve this, we are building a leadership team that can grow the brand through culture, relationships, and strategic distribution.We are seeking a Chicago Market Sales Manager to lead the growth of Good Trouble Bourbon across retail, hospitality, and cultural venues.This is not a traditional spirits sales role.The right leader will combine sales execution, cultural intelligence, and entrepreneurial drive to establish Good Trouble as a leading premium bourbon brand in Chicago.You will oversee distribution relationships, retail performance, ambassador teams, and strategic cultural activations.Lead the growth of Good Trouble Bourbon throughout Chicago and surrounding markets.Build strong relationships with retailers, bars, restaurants, and cultural venues.Work closely with distributor partners to drive:account placementssales velocitybrand visibilityEnsure Good Trouble receives strong attention within the distributor portfolio.Develop strategic placements in high-impact accounts including:premium restaurantscocktail barsretail liquor storescultural venuesDrive strong relationships with key Chicago retailers including Binny's Beverage Depot and other leading accounts.Recruit, train, and manage the Good Trouble Cultural Host team.Ensure brand ambassadors deliver exceptional experiences that translate into sales.Partner with leadership to execute brand activations including:tastingscultural eventshospitality partnershipscommunity gatheringsMonitor and report on:account growthretail velocityevent performancemarket expansion opportunitiesThe ideal candidate is a relationship-driven market builder who thrives in entrepreneurial environments.You are equally comfortable:building relationships with bartenderspresenting to distributor leadershiphosting brand events; creating and executing creative in-market activationsopening new retail accountsPreferred experience includes:spirits industry salesdistributor portfolio managementhospitality or beverage experienceaccount management in ChicagoStrong marketing acumen and network within the Chicago hospitality community are highly valued.The successful candidate will demonstrate:strong relationship-building abilityentrepreneurial mindsetcultural awareness and curiosityexceptional communication skillsdisciplined sales executionThis is an opportunity to help build Chicago’s bourbon brand.You will play a central role in growing a company that sits at the intersection of culture, music, leadership, and premium spirits.Competitive base salary, performance-based bonuses, opportunity to grow into regional leadership roles, participation in building a nationally recognized brand.