State Manager - Illinois

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

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.
• Career Growth: Benefit from continuous learning opportunities and career development programs to advance your career.

The State Manager – Illinois is the senior field leader responsible for driving distributor performance, building priority brands, and delivering volume and financial results across one of our most critical markets. This role is designed for a proven distributor manager—someone who knows how to set expectations, hold partners accountable, and win at execution across on- and off-premise channels.

Location: Chicago, IL

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

Distributor Leadership & Accountability

• Lead all distributor management efforts across Illinois, setting clear volume goals, KPIs, and execution standards.

• Establish strong operating rhythms with distributor leadership to ensure focus on brand priorities and consistent in-market execution.

• Drive accountability through KPI tracking, distributor data, and regular performance reviews.

Business Planning & Financial Ownership

• Develop and execute annual, quarterly, and monthly business plans aligned to volume, revenue, and profit targets.

• Own forecasting, budgeting, and financial performance, ensuring disciplined use of trade and commercial spend.

• Identify pricing and revenue optimization opportunities consistent with brand strategy.

Brand Building & Execution

• Maximize distribution, visibility, and execution for priority brands across on-premise, off-premise, chain, regional, and national accounts.

• Lead new product launches, innovation programs, and market-specific initiatives.

• Ensure retail pricing and promotional activity align with brand positioning.

Market & Customer Leadership

• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with distributor leaders and key retail and on-premise customers.
• Leverage market data and insights to identify growth opportunities, emerging trends, and execution gaps.
• Coordinate multi-state and chain customer initiatives in partnership with internal teams.

Job responsibilities may vary by state depending on regulatory and compliance standards for the state.

What We’re Looking For (Non-Negotiable)

• Minimum 5 years of sales management and/or distributor management experience in CPG or Alcohol Beverage

• Proven experience leading distributors, distributor teams, or direct reports

• Demonstrated ability to set strategy, manage KPIs, and deliver results through distributor partners

• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, planning, and performance analysis

• Bachelor’s degree

• Strong planning, organizational, and leadership skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and sales data tools

• Willingness to work non-traditional hours and travel as needed

• Valid driver’s license

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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.
• 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.