Queen City Distillery - Director of Commercial Sales

This is a rare opportunity to take a leadership role at the forefront of a bold new venture in the distilling industry—shaping day-to-day operations, building and leading a high-performing team, and driving the success of a brand that’s just getting started. If you're entrepreneurial, solutions-focused, and excited by the idea of growing something from scratch, this could be the perfect role for you.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Commercial Sales will be responsible for driving revenue growth, building strategic partnerships, and leading the sales team to deliver exceptional results across multiple channels, including on-premise, off-premise, and direct-to-consumer. This position requires a deep understanding of the spirits industry, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in commercial sales.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy to achieve short- and long-term revenue goals
•    Identify growth opportunities in new and existing markets, including domestic and international territories
•    Oversee key account management and distributor relationships to ensure optimal product placement and
      market penetration
•    Lead, mentor, and manage the commercial sales team
•    Set clear performance metrics and KPIs, and support team members in achieving sales targets
•    Collaborate with marketing to align campaigns with sales initiatives and support brand-building efforts
•    Evaluate market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive activity to inform strategic decisions
•    Develop and manage the commercial sales budget, including forecasting, pricing, promotions, and trade spend
•    Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements related to the sale and distribution of spirits
•    Represent the distillery at industry events, trade shows, and distributor meetings

#LI-Onsite

Required Skills

•    Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
•    Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and financial acumen
•    Willingness to travel as needed 

Required Experience

•    Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred)
•    8–10+ years of progressive experience in sales leadership, preferably within the spirits or beverage industry
•    Proven track record of driving commercial sales growth and managing high-performing teams
•    Strong distributor and key account network within the spirits/alcohol industry