Senior Manager, Bulk Sales and Contract Distillation Operations

Are you ready to join one of the leading teams in creating high quality Kentucky alcohol for Jefferson’s Bourbon ambition?  Come join our team supporting our new and exciting carbon neutral Distillery that offers a distinct experience within the booming KY bourbon trail.  Careers that unlock the magic of human connection!

Please take a look at this exhilarating video to learn about us! http://vimeo.com/853786020/eb63308cce

Location: Lebanon, KY, US

Position Summary

Responsible for driving the development and maintenance of the business of contract distillation and bulk aged whiskey inventory across multiple locations.

 In conjunction with the VP of American Whiskey Operations, legal, operations personnel and associated financial counterparts, this role will implement and administer:

• Bulk sale agreements
• Contract distillation agreements
• Aging warehouse agreements
• Blending, sampling and other service agreements as required
• Capacity planning input to site planner(s)
• Communication to customers and operations personnel
• Customer relationship management and communications
• Attendance and booth management at trade / industry events
• Timely follow-up on customer leads and questions
• Facility tours and customer handling
• Bulk shipping and barrel handling input based upon customer needs
• Procurement support & pricing for customer-related needs (such as finishing barrels) and services

Develop, grow, and maintain accounts while always representing Pernod Ricard’s quality and integrity standards. Serve as a brand ambassador to Pernod Ricard’s distillation and warehousing sites

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, curate, build and maintain relationships with customers for bulk aged whiskey and contract distillation. This will require a combination of efforts including “cold calls,” trade show events, using mutual contacts and work-related social media such as websites or LinkedIn. Use of trade-related apps and technology will also be needed
• Provide leadership as a professional, customer service-oriented team member with the goal of becoming the supplier of choice for bulk aged liquid and new fill contract distillation & services
• Extensive knowledge of and passion for the North American whiskey industry including:
  • Detailed knowledge of key industry players and history
  • Technical knowledge of the distillation, blending and aging process
• Clear, detailed understanding of all aspects of distillery and warehousing operations including:
  • Milling
  • Cooking
  • Fermentation
  • Distillation
  • Barrel Filling
  • Warehousing
  • Draining, Finishing, and Blending
  • Bulk shipping
  • New and used barrel market
• Understand individual site processes and work in conjunction with the operations teams to provide volumes for customer activities
• Work cross-functionally to make decisions as needed to meet contractual obligations and internal requirements including management of quality
• Start to finish follow-through and ownership on the development, negotiation, and execution of contracts with customers including notification of upcoming contract distillation, sampling/analytical as required, and the shipment of products to customers
• Start to finish follow-through and ownership of the communication, sampling, allocation, documentation, sale, invoicing and removal from inventory of bulk aged liquid
• Legal awareness & familiarity with alcohol regulations and compliance
• Administrative management including transfers, invoices, COA’s, production details, analytical and sensory information amongst other data related to the liquid and traceability
• Work with site teams to organize samples of bulk aged or new fill as requested by customers or potential customers and for retain samples
• Ensures excise and regulatory compliance and GMP documents are accurate and up to date
• Financial management – monitor revenue, costs, profitability related to bulk sales & distillation contracts
• Overcommunication of activities, inventory and status to the customers and operations personnel
• Practicing safety awareness and safe work practices to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors and visitors; by identifying and reducing safety risks, maintaining a clean work environment, and practicing good health, hygiene, and safety practices
• Logistics – coordinate logistics for bulk spirit shipments, ensuring timely delivery to clients
• Pricing and negotiation – determine pricing structures, discounts and terms for bulk spirit sales with support analyst
• Market research – stay informed about market trends, customer preferences, and competitive offerings
• Sales strategy – develop and execute strategies to maximize bulk spirit sales, including identifying potential clients, negotiating contracts, and maintaining strong relationships

Required Skills & Abilities

• Extremely strong oral, written, virtual and in-person communication skills
• Demonstrated negotiation skills
• Flexibility / ability to travel, and ability to work nights and weekends and respond to customer needs on their schedule
• Excellent organizational and planning skills
• Attention to detail – precision is crucial in distillation & contract management
• Strong teamwork and cross-functional communication skills
• A passion for and knowledge of the bourbon industry
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a manufacturing / planning environment · Leverage strong financial and analytical skills to make operational decisions based on sound financial analysis and long-term business strategies
• Nurture strategic working relationships that promote operational effectiveness and world class customer service levels
• Ability to lead team through change process and foster an environment that promotes innovative approaches, continuous improvement and personal development

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree, Business / Supply Chain, Engineering
• Preferred: Degree in addition to minimum 3-5 years’ experience with bulk sales and/or in the bourbon industry

Who we are 

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 that 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 a new friend every day, and realizing our potential as people and as a business! 

The salary range for this role, based in Kentucky is $116,000.00 to $145,000.00, 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.

Ready to work with spirit? Read on…

Life and perks at Pernod Ricard 

Proud to belong – Just as we help to create moments that matter for our customers, we lead by example every day…bringing our whole self to work and building bonds that celebrate the human spirit, diversity, and foster deep connections.  

Empowered to soar – We set high expectations and seek to get the most out of life. Through flexibility and a hybrid workstyle, as well as unique learning opportunities, generous tuition reimbursement, and one-of-a-kind learning programs, we passionately grow our skillset. 

Committed to care – We are deeply committed to the long-term sustainability of our people, our industry, and our planet. We call this return on responsibility. From environmental sustainability to supporting local communities, our commitment is steadfast. 

Inspired to dream – We treasure new experiences and are proud to develop as people, not job titles. From rich immersive learning programs in Paris to exciting high-profile events, we blend a love of exploration into all that we do. 

Plus, great benefits and perks to toast to a life filled with support including: 

• Competitive compensation including performance bonuses 
• Domestic & international career development opportunities 
• Competitive paid time off plan + wellbeing days   
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance 
• Product allowance to enjoy on Pernod Ricard products   
• Gym reimbursement  
• Employee Assistance Program 
• BetterUp Care wellness benefits including nutrition, sleep, executive coaching, etc. 

And much, much more! Check out PRUSABenefits.com to view our extensive people programs and support. 

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.

Job Posting End Date:

Target Hire Date:

2024-10-01

Target End Date: