Sales Director

About the Company

Founded in 2011, CJS Beverage is the producer of the Pinhook Whiskey and Rye & Sons brands. When we set out to become whiskey makers, we could’ve chosen to follow in the footsteps of mainstay Kentucky whiskeys: to keep in line with the long-standing rulebook and replicate the same flavor profiles year after year. We did nothing of the sort. Instead, we forged our own path and created a whiskey that resonated with us: three friends bound by a genuine passion for whiskey. We were inspired by the world of thoroughbred racing and its practice of pinhooking, in which young horses are chosen for their innate potential to be extraordinary. In much the same way, we recognized the unique characteristics of each barrel as a chance at greatness—to be embraced and nurtured rather than molded into a predetermined shape. To pinhook is to see originality not as an obstacle but as potential. As we continue our journey to become a top-selling American Whiskey, we are seeking a talented and experienced sales leader to join the leadership team and help the company achieve that goal. 

Job Description

Pinhook is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Sales Director for the state of Texas. They will be responsible for driving sales growth, developing strong relationships with key on and off-premise accounts, managing the distributor, and developing relationships with distributor sales teams in Texas. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the spirits industry, excellent communication skills, and a focus on exceeding expectations with their account partners. 

We pride ourselves on taking a different approach, both to our products and to our path to market. Therefore, the Sales Director will think about how to break from the norm in ways representative of the brands, not just what’s been effective historically within this segment of the spirits industry; creativity and experimentation are both celebrated and expected.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Distributor Management and Engagement

• Manage inventory, POs, and shipments for each distributor to meet fiscal year volume and profitability targets
• Schedule, prepare for, and lead quarterly business reviews with each distributor, with interim check-ins on key issues and opportunities as needed
• Use depletion data to assess distributors’ performance, and identify successes and opportunities on which the distributor should focus sales efforts
• Develop and implement programs to help achieve goals; assess and report on their effectiveness
• Identify the objectives and orchestrate distributor education opportunities (e.g., GSMs, tastings), presenting when appropriate and/or engaging other Pinhook colleagues to do so
• Manage distribution of point of sale and products’ merchandising and shelf placement according to brand standards
• Maintain open and regular communication with local sales and distributor teams to achieve results and identify new sales opportunities in the market. Remain top of mind at all levels of distributors’ organizations, and establish Pinhook (with as its representative) as a preferred / focus brand

Priority Account Management & Activation

• Expand brand distribution into high-potential new accounts on and off-premise
• Grow Texas chain distribution and volume
• Frequently call on and support, high-priority on and off-premise accounts in and around your market and establish Pinhook as a partner to those accounts
• Develop prospective target account lists with support from Pinhook team, distributor, and your personal networks
• Train account staff on the brand story and attributes
• Create, source, and activate events (as allowed by law) to generate brand awareness, engagement, and trial (working closely with the marketing team)
• Implement strategies to increase case volumes in your market area
• Manage distribution of point-of-sale materials in your market area
• Merchandise products according to brand standards

Market Intelligence

• Identify trends and opportunities in your market and communicate with the Pinhook team
• Solicit feedback from accounts and partners to help shape products, education, and marketing

Admin

• Track and maintain compliance with market budgets
• Document all encounters with accounts in ViP Karma, following Pinhook standards

Qualifications & Aptitudes

• An entrepreneurial spirit that will bring passion, ambition, relationship-building skills, and the attention to detail required to drive commercial success
• Quantitative and results-driven, able to translate investments in their market into positive outcomes
• Chain account experience and owner/buyer relationships, especially in Twins and Specs
• Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to motivate and inspire others in a collaborative team environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as an ability to accurately and effectively present products and brand stories
• 10 years in a sales role in the alcohol beverage industry

At Pinhook, our success depends entirely on our employees; their authenticity, curiosity, and empathy for our customers propel us forward. Therefore, to cultivate these qualities within the Pinhook community, we celebrate and seek to maximize diversity in all its forms.

Pinhook is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

To apply, please send a resumé and cover letter to people@pinhookbourbon.com.