Sagamore Spirit is a startup distillery located in Baltimore, Maryland. By joining the Sagamore Spirit team, you will have the opportunity to pioneer the rebirth of the distilled spirits tradition in Maryland and make Sagamore Spirit a national and international brand. With a world-class team of industry experts, experienced entrepreneurs, and brand builders, Sagamore Spirit is poised to be recognized as the distilled spirits leader, starting with our first innovative and ultra-premium product, Sagamore Rye.
Scope of Position:
Create and implement go-to-market strategies
Identify market opportunities and consumer needs. Position will require active involvement in the field, working with ambassadors and distributors to optimize go-to-market strategies
Establish trade-marketing plans, including, market objectives, pricing strategies, account action plans, schedules, and assignments.
Develop and direct a dynamic brand ambassador program to educate the trade, consumers and press
Lead field initiatives with sales and wholesaler partners
Build brand awareness by planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating trade marketing programs
Develop relationships with key accounts, both on-premise & off-premise:
Develop relationships with key influencers in key accounts
Drive distribution through cocktail and menu listings in targeted universe
Improve visibility and merchandising through tactical POS
Create trade pull through customized programming
Raise the profile of the brand within the trade
Build new distribution and generate incremental sales volume
Responsibilities
Build the brand – Tell a Great Story, and build a great team
Develop and maintain strong relationships with bartenders, account managers, and account owners.
Educate the retail and wholesale trade to drive distribution, improve visibility and increase sales
Increase in-account visibility with merchandising materials and menu / drink list placements
Work with key accounts to develop customized programs that drive consumer trial
Use networking ability to target influencers and increase brand loyalty and consumption
Provide feedback concerning brand positioning, competitive activities and market trends and report key insights with recommendations for solutions
Provide input regarding future marketing / sales plan development
Coordinate with Trade Marketing agencies to ensure proper implementation and execution programming
Skills & Requirements
5+ Years beverage marketing/sales experience
Preferred experience in managing a distribution network in the spirits industry
Preferred experience in building and managing team of local ambassadors / key account managers
Candidate must be able to operate in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
Candidate must be able to foster a culture of accountability and a drive for success
Must be creative with experience in grass root sales marketing initiatives, inspiring both internal teams and external agencies.
Experience in promotional / guerrilla marketing and event execution
Experience with traditional and new media consumer marketing
Demonstrated public-speaking, presentation and writing skills
Ability to sell, influence and partner with customers and co-workers
Ability to manage budgets and provide timely, concise reporting
Excellent execution and time management skills; strong attention to detail with ability to take initiative, prioritize and meet deadlines
Passion and knowledge of food and drinks as well as cocktail culture