Director, Bulk Sales & Contract Distillation

Careers that unlock the magic of human connection

Pernod Ricard is a global premium spirits and wine company. We’re the team behind leading brands such as ABSOLUT® Vodka, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, and Avión™ Tequila, as well as many more superior wines and exquisite champagnes!

Working at Pernod Ricard is all about igniting conviviality in all that we do. Derived from the French word, convivialité…it means human connection, authenticity, friendly, and jovial. Conviviality is energy and spirit with a splash of je ne sais quoi and is a core philosophy around how we live and work at Pernod Ricard. Here, we are team players, dream makers, trailblazers, movers and (cocktail) shakers. We have a passion for living life to the fullest, making new friends every day, and realizing our potential as people and as a business!

The salary range for this role, based in Kentucky is $138,000.00 to $172,500.00. The range will vary if outside of this location. Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate’s experience, skills against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Purpose of the Position

The Director of Bulk Sales and Contract Distillation is responsible for developing and managing bulk spirit sales and overseeing contract distillation partnerships. This role requires strong sales acumen, negotiation skills and deep industry knowledge to drive revenue growth and establish the company as a trusted partner in bulk spirits supply and contract distillation.

The Director of Bulk Sales and Contract Distillation will be responsible to develop a strategic plan to achieve the organization’s growth vision within the bulk sales and contract distillation segment across North America (Canada and US) whiskey sites, including barrel procurement. The Director will work closely with across departments such as marketing, supply chain, and finance to achieve organizational goals.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

• Revenue growth: Drive revenue growth by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities. Set and achieve sales targets and KPIs.
• Sales strategy development: Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies to achieve organizational goals for bulk and barrel business.
• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions.
• Client relationship management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders. Serve as the primary point of contact for bulk spirit customers and contract distillation partners.
• Lead negotiations for bulk spirit sales contracts and agreements to maximize profitability and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Develop competitive pricing models and terms while maintaining profitability and value for clients.
• Cross functional collaboration: Collaborate with marketing, supply chain and finance teams to ensure alignment and support for sales initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing and production teams to align product offerings with market demand.
• Coordinate closely with production and operations to ensure contract distillation and bulk orders are delivered on time and meet quality standards.
• Partner with liquid innovation team to provide customer feedback and insights for new product development.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor industry trends, market demand, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and risks.
• Compliance and documentation: Ensure all bulk sales and contract distillation activities comply with federal, state and local alcohol regulations.
• Oversee accurate documentation for sales, contracts and production schedules.

Skills & Requirements

• 7 years of experience in sales, with a focus on spirits, beverages or related industries.
• Strong understanding of the distillation process bulk spirits market, and contract production.
• Proven track record of success in sales, particularly in bulk and barrel products or a related industry.
• Familiarity with alcohol compliance regulations.
• Ability to lead team through change process and foster an environment that promotes innovative approaches, continuous improvement and personal development.
• Strong leadership skills to manage and coach reports handling barrel procurement and bulk sales support/customer service.
• Cross-functional Collaboration and Influence: Strong ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders across different departments, such as finance, operations, and sustainability, to align procurement strategies with broader organizational goals.
• Contract Negotiation: Advanced negotiation skills to secure favorable contract terms and conditions while ensuring adherence to sustainability and ethical standards.
• Data Analysis and Decision-Making: Proficiency in leveraging data and analytics to make informed procurement and sustainability decisions, including identifying cost-saving opportunities, sustainability metrics, and performance tracking.
• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards related to procurement and sustainability, and the ability to ensure compliance across the supply chain.
• Knowledge and passion for North American whiskey industry including technical knowledge of distillation, blending and aging process.

Education

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, marketing or a related field.
• A master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field may be preferred but not always required.

Geographical scope of the position

• Business travels to be expected: 25% (client meetings, trade shows and industry events)

When you join Pernod Ricard, you’ll experience a workplace that is rich in heritage, driven by our iconic brands and a long-standing commitment to sustainability, safety, and giving back to the people and communities where we work. We know that happiness at work starts with that feeling of belonging you get from an inclusive culture where being uniquely you is celebrated. Our values are lived, they drive our behaviors, and it’s what brings our culture to life.

Our work philosophy celebrates the magic of human connection with the flexibility needed to provide one's most meaningful contribution. We offer a flexible work policy, with most of our positions offering a hybrid or remote option. As a global employer, we understand that not everyone’s working hours are the same, and we empower our employees to work the hours that make the most sense for their and their team’s schedules.

We offer employees great benefits and perks to toast to a life filled with support. Check out PRUSABenefits.com for details.

Pernod Ricard USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It employs qualified individuals based solely on ability, training, and experience, and does not and will not, discriminate for or against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based upon actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service or any other classification protected by law. Offers will be subject to United States local terms.

Pernod Ricard USA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Pernod Ricard USA will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. To request reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact your talent acquisition manager.