State Manager - Colorado

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, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, 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.

The State Manager - Colorado works as the primary contact for distributor partners to build brands, maximize distribution, and coordinate programs across on premise, off premise, chain, Regional and National accounts. Responsible for assigning and monitoring volume goals with distributor; develops and agrees to appropriate KPIs with distributors; monitors results; ensures retail pricing is consistent with brand strategies, develops and implements innovation programs, maximizes brand exposure through trade and promotional events.

Location: Denver, CO

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

• Develop and execute comprehensive annual, quarterly, and monthly business plans to meet or exceed volume and financial targets, ensuring alignment with our overarching sales strategy and building our portfolio of brands.
• Lead distributor management efforts, setting clear volume goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) while establishing partnerships and priority alignment. Accountable for program development and achieving a strong distributor focus to maintain a top-of-mind brand presence with a portfolio of brand priorities.
• Cultivate and expand robust relationships with state distributors and key customers. Partner with these stakeholders on joint business planning, ensuring execution alignment, and spearheading program development and implementation.
• Identify, develop and propose strategic pricing opportunities throughout the year that are consistent with brand positioning strategies in the market.
• Monitor and achieve volume objectives for the market priority brands and monitor KPI results through the use of KPI tracking and reporting.
• Display strong financial acumen with a keen ability to manage budgets effectively. Work within the parameters of Commercial Finance budgets, identify opportunities and devise strategies to maximize budget impact and return on investment.
• Leverage market insights and data analytics to understand market-level dynamics, consumer behavior shifts, and trends. Formulate strategies and action plans based on these insights to accelerate portfolio results.
• Identify, develop, and advocate strategic financial strategies consistent with our brand ethos and standards. Effectively align with and communicate these strategies to key stakeholders and evaluate their value and impact through rigorous tracking and measurement.
• Build brands, develop relationships, sell distribution, and coordinate programs with multi-state customers on and off premise.

MUST HAVE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing or related field
• Minimum 5 years of sales management experience in CPG or Alcohol Beverage industry
• Previous experience in distributor leadership, leading distributor teams or managing direct reports
• Strong data analytics skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and sales data tools
• A valid driver's license
• Ability and willingness to work non-traditional hours (nights/weekends)
• Working knowledge of MS Office Products (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Record of successful leadership
• Requires budgeting, planning, and financial analysis experience.
• Experience calling on matrixed customers, directly calling on buyers, and wiring with key constitutes
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Willingness to travel

PREFERRED

• National Accounts / Key Account experience (on and off-premise)
• Experience with Nielsen, IRI, iDig 
• Spirits industry experience

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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.