Title: Division Vice President Central

Function: Brand Sales & Marketing

Experience Level: Senior Management

Compensation: Salary + Incentive Compensation (DOE)

Reports To: Chief Commercial Officer

Location: Remote/Home-Based (Candidates must reside in the Eastern US, near a major airport hub)

Company 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.

We at Bardstown Bourbon Company has been honored with the prestigious accolade of ‘Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year 2023’ by the esteemed International Wine and Spirits Competition

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 World TM , 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 www.bardstownbourbon.com and www.greenriverdistilling.com

Job Summary

The Division Vice President Central is responsible for leading, training, and coaching a team of three General Managers across various regions, including the Great Lakes West, Home Market (KY/Missouri), Mid-West and Mid-South. Currently, our footprint encompasses 12 states. The Division Vice President will oversee the selection of new distributors as our coverage area increases, foster lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships with customers, and uphold the integrity, values, and brands of BBCo.

This role carries direct sales responsibilities for Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Bourbon products, particularly within key on- and off-premises accounts. It involves securing new business, maintaining existing accounts, and collaborating closely with General Managers, our Chain Team, and our distributor network across the Central Division.

Additionally, you will guide General Managers in establishing a network of Market Managers at the local level in key major markets, effectively doubling the size of our existing team. This position demands a strong entrepreneurial mindset, a profound passion for growth, a keen commercial acumen, and the ability to travel regularly.

Bardstown Bourbon Company has recently achieved the highest score (98) of any bourbon globally at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), garnering Double Gold accolades across all product lines at the San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition. Concurrently, Green River has launched its Kentucky Straight and Wheated Bourbon products beyond its core Kentucky market this year. It is poised for growth alongside Bardstown, offering a more accessible price point throughout the US. Our goal is to elevate Bardstown Bourbon into a Top-10 Ultra-premium brand and Green River into a Top-10 Super-premium brand, as measured by IWSR, by 2028.

Job Description/Responsibilities

The responsibilities for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

Achieve specific goals for volume, profitability, distribution, and velocity of branded products across the Central Division.
Lead and expand the team of General Managers, aligning with our growth trajectory.
Support the Chief Commercial Officer in establishing new distributor relationships as the territory expands.
Aggressively pursue new distribution opportunities on- and off-premises within the assigned division.
Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with retailers and distributors throughout the division.
Collaborate with General Managers to develop, implement, and manage annual brand plans and supporting programming, ensuring consistent communication with distributor partners.
Engage with key accounts to secure new distribution opportunities and present new products.
Work closely with the National Chain Team to ensure local fulfillment of authorizations and mandates throughout the division.
Execute promotional activities and special events to increase brand awareness and consumer engagement.
Educate accounts, distributors, and consumers about our products, promoting the stories of Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling Co.
Utilize distillery assets to enhance product and brand knowledge among commercial partners.
Manage the execution of our Single Barrel programs, ensuring a positive market impact.
Participate in market blitzes, ride-alongs, and sales meetings, holding distributor partners accountable for sales plan execution.
Complete administrative reporting and communications promptly, on a daily and weekly basis.
Assume full P&L responsibility for the Central Division, allocating resources efficiently across regions and General Managers.
Be available for late-night and weekend account visits and event attendance as required.
Maintain accurate records of sales calls, account information, and key personnel in SalesForce.
Develop compelling selling stories for distributors and retailers, leveraging syndicated data to identify new brand development opportunities.
Undertake additional duties as assigned periodically by the Chief Commercial Officer.

Requirements & Qualifications

A minimum of 10 years of experience in a sales management position, managing multiple remotely-based employees, preferably within consumer goods.
Previous experience in alcoholic beverage sales from the supplier’s side is strongly preferred.
Lead and drive the strategic vision for the Division to achieve top-line growth and maximize profitability. Develop and implement action plans to ensure consistent progress toward financial targets.
Oversee and control the Division’s budget, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining high standards. Implement cost-saving measures and monitor expenditures to stay within budgetary constraints without compromising quality.
Ensure flawless execution of retail strategies, including in-store promotions, merchandising, and customer service standards. Monitor retail performance metrics and address any issues to enhance the customer experience and drive sales.
Provide leadership and guidance to the Division team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Set clear objectives and performance targets, and evaluate team performance to support professional development.
Streamline processes and improve operational workflows to enhance efficiency and productivity within the Division. Implement best practices and innovative solutions to address operational challenges and optimize performance.
Conduct regular market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive threats. Use insights to inform strategic decisions and adjust tactics to stay ahead in the market.
Collaborate with key stakeholders, including senior management, vendors, and retail partners, to align strategies and ensure cohesive execution of the Division’s goals.
Provide regular reports on Division performance, including financial metrics, sales data, and operational efficiency. Analyze performance results to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
Established relationships within the beverage community in the assigned area.
Demonstrated strategic acumen and previous P&L responsibility.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
A strong commitment to customer service, going above and beyond customer expectations.
Trade knowledge, including an understanding of the retail and on-premises buyer mindset. Experience in buying or wholesaler management is a plus.
A passion for Bourbon, Whiskey, and Spirits.
Excellent time management skills, with the ability to take initiative and be proactive.
Strong organizational and coordination abilities, managing priorities and routine functions effectively.
Empathy, with an awareness of others’ reactions and an understanding of why they react as they do.
A collaborative approach to work, ready to do whatever is necessary regardless of job description.
Transparency in communication, fostering a free exchange of ideas and thoughts among teammates, without ego or pretense.

Sales Specific Offerings

As part of our onboarding process, all new Sales team members will have a full-immersion learning/training experience at our state-of-the-art distillery in Bardstown. In addition to a base-salary, our Sales team members participate in our unique Sales Incentive Program which works to maintain our culture of results-focused personal management, and continuous learning & development. We offer mileage and other job-related transportation expense reimbursements, a monthly budget toward account visits and sampling, and a culture of work-life balance.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of The Bardstown Bourbon Company to provide full and equal employment opportunities to all employees and potential employees, 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.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company

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