Brand Manager - Cognac and Brandy

As the Brand Manager – Cognac and Brandy, you will own the concept, growth, strategy, and execution for assigned brands and categories, driving volume and brand contribution goals. You'll lead brand planning, marketing activations, and new business development initiatives, while collaborating cross-functionally with teams such as Sales, Trade Marketing, Business Intelligence, Operations, Finance, and external agencies. You’ll also play an active role in developing talent and hiring top performers.

Key Responsibilities

🚀 Brand Strategy & Execution

• Lead strategy development and execution for assigned categories/brands in line with company goals.
• Build brand positioning that solves consumer and customer problems.
• Develop annual marketing plans, channel tactics, and communication strategies to meet objectives.
• Monitor and manage BCSPs (Big Commercial Strategic Priorities) and KPIs to ensure sustained growth.

📊 New Business Development (NBD)

• Identify and prioritize high-value NBD opportunities that align with growth goals.
• Own the process from concept to launch, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Measure NBD project health and adjust execution where needed.

📈 Project & Performance Management

• Set and manage priorities with strong organization and cross-functional alignment.
• Ensure the right team members are involved, and progress is communicated effectively.
• Create repeatable processes and identify where functional collaboration (Sales, Finance, Ops) is needed.

🎯 Agency & Marketing Mix Leadership

• Oversee agency partners across advertising, promotion, media, PR, packaging, and design.
• Ensure creative solutions are efficient, effective, and build a strong connection between consumers and Sazerac brands.

🧠 Talent Development & Self-Improvement

• Use the PDS (Performance Development System) to regularly identify areas for personal growth.
• For direct reports, lead performance discussions, evaluate skills, and drive development plans.
• Support the hiring and onboarding of top talent within the team.

🗂 Special Projects & Strategic Planning

• Lead strategic brand planning work and manage key initiatives and special projects across the portfolio.

This role is ideal for a driven brand leader who thrives in cross-functional environments and is passionate about building brands with clarity, creativity, and consumer insights.

• Bachelor's Degree
• 4+ years’ implementation or project management experience.
• 4+ years’ experience in a fast-paced environment
• 4+ years’ brand management experience
• 4+ years’ Business experience, at least
• 3+ years’ P & L Experience
• 3+ years’ experience managing an Advertising Agency
• 4+ years managing brand concept to execution and results
• Ability to communicate with all levels of an org
• Strong analytical and technical skills
• Willingness to travel
• Strong computer skills and high comfort using technology and systems
• Ability to quickly learn new systems/processes
• Excellent oral & written communication skills
• Budgeting, planning and/or financial analysis experience.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at one time

PREFERRED

• MBA
• Undergraduate degree in Business, Marketing or Communications
• 1+ year National Accounts / Key Account experience (on and off premise)
• 1+ year Experience with three tier distribution system
• 1 +year Pricing Experience
• 1+ year Supply Chain Experience
• 1+ year Experience in New Business Development

Physical Requirements

• A valid driver's license
• Ability to work remote
• Ability to pay attention to detail

#LI-AS1

Compensation: Placement within the salary range is calculated based on 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. 

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.

✨Growth Focused: Join an industry leader that has a reputation for continuous growth.

A career at Sazerac offers you the opportunity to reach your full potential as part of a creative, decisive, high-performance team. Sazerac values the needs and wants of our team members and offers inclusive benefits to attract and retain the best talent. Our culture is built upon the values of hard work, diligence and personal responsibility.

Sazerac Team Members enjoy:

• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive Benefits from Day One including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Family Coverage: Options to cover family members, including domestic partners.
• 401(k) Plan: Immediate access to a matching 401(k) plan.
• Flexible Time Away: Enjoy paid time off (PTO), holidays, and parental leave.
• Mental Health and Wellness: Access to mental health care and wellness incentive programs.
• Educational Support: Benefit from tuition reimbursement and our scholarship program for dependents of Sazerac team members.
• Fun Extras: Enjoy branded apparel, fun events, and a team member bottle purchase program.
• Worksite Flexibility: Options for flexible work arrangements (vary by role).
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Benefits, salary range, and programs may vary by role or location. 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.