Partnership and Programs Leader

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.

Sazerac is hiring a Marketing Partnerships & Programs Leader to build and lead high-impact collaborations with influencers, celebrities, and like-minded brands. You’ll craft and execute bold co-marketing campaigns that generate mutual business value and elevate the visibility of Sazerac’s dynamic portfolio.

We’re seeking a sharp, relationship-driven dealmaker—someone who’s not just creative, but a shark in the best way: a strategic thinker and skilled negotiator who knows how to drive value, close deals, and turn partnerships into long-term brand equity. If you thrive at the intersection of culture, commerce, and creativity, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships & Program Development

• Identify potential strategic partners that align with Sazerac’s objectives and target audiences.
• Evaluate partner capabilities, market reach, and overall value proposition.
• Negotiate partnership agreements and establish KPIs for success.
• Develop and execute co-marketing campaigns, including content creation, promotional strategy, and event planning.
• Manage marketing budgets allocated to partnership programs.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration with sales, marketing, and product teams for seamless execution.
• Partner with global leadership to develop programs and partners aligned to Sazerac's overall business strategy.

Marketing Asset Development

• Create marketing materials such as joint press releases, website content, social media assets, email campaigns, and webinars tailored to partner audiences.
• Equip partners with necessary collateral, training materials, and brand guidelines.

Performance Tracking & Optimization

• Monitor campaign success using relevant metrics (e.g., leads, traffic, conversion).
• Analyze performance data and partner results to optimize future initiatives.
• Report on key metrics to internal stakeholders and leadership.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key partner stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Ensure alignment on campaign goals and timely execution through regular communication.
• Address partner concerns and resolve any issues proactively.

Project & Communication Management

• Manage workflow and accountability through the PPT system in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ensure partnership strategies are effectively communicated and adopted across marketing, sales, and peer groups.

Team Development & Leadership

• Utilize the PDS (Performance Development System) to drive personal development and develop direct reports.
• Conduct regular performance discussions, coaching sessions, and written/oral feedback to foster team growth.
• Develop a functional succession plan and build a two-deep bench for critical leadership roles.
• Personally, coach and engage with high-potential talent.

Must

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing or related field
• 10 years year Marketing experience negotiating big partnership deals
• Highly motivated individual with excellent communication, negotiation, influencing, and follow up skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to develop customer relationship
• Experience leading people through influence, where no direct reporting relationship exists
• Proven ability to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with key customers
• Experience building and leading teams including hiring & staffing, developing, motivating and directing people
• Ability to travel up to 50%

Preferred:

• Ability to develop and manage positive and productive internal and external relationships across a diverse group of stakeholders /partners involved in all aspects of the licensing, design, and marketing processes
• Public Relations agency experience or talent agency 

Physical

• 50% travel