Signature Selection Barrel Program Manager

MGP Ingredients is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and food ingredient solutions. Its Distilling Solutions segment provides bourbons whiskeys ryes gins and vodkas to craft and multinational brands. MGPs own Branded Spirts business is growing following the 2021 acquisition of Luxco a top spirits producer bottler supplier and importer as well as the 2023 acquisition of Penelope Bourbon known for its wide range of uniquely blended expressions. Ingredient Solutions delivers nutritional functional wheat- and pea-based ingredients aligned with consumer trends. The company operates in locations across the Midwestern U.S. and overseas in Northern Ireland and Mexico.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Signature Selection Barrel Program Manager is responsible to lead manage and guide the regional brand ambassadors assigned to the barrel program to delivery of all Company barrel program selections; to include all brands and distilleries: Lux Row Distillers Limestone Branch Distillery El Mayor Tequila and Ross and Squibb Distillery. This person will also be responsible for managing all aspects of the program from planning to execution with internal stakeholders in sales marketing and operations.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

In House Barrel Program Operations

Lead and manage the Regional Brand Ambassadors for the Signature Selection Barrel Program
Work with Marketing and Operations to plan barrel inventory and ensure there are enough selections to meet sales goals
Oversee quality control for all taste profiles sample sets and custom blend projects with the Master Distillers/Blenders
Provide regular updates to Sales Executive Leadership and Brand Managers on selection performance sales results and barrel targets
Manage all single barrel allocations and customer leads for Division and Business Unit Managers
Coordinate and oversee scheduling and execution of all barrel movements and customer selections across sites to ensure a premium experience
Ensure all selections are completed accurately and delivered on time by working closely with Operations and Sales
Manage the program budget and track expenses with the Sales Managing Director
Partner with Sales Brand Managers and Master Distillers/Blenders to plan for major customer barrel opportunities
Lead the team in preparing all selection kits and materials including allocation tracking assembly and shipping
Oversee customer selection events at distilleries in markets and through kit-based selections

Remote Barrel and In Market Responsibilities

Work with Sales and Brand Ambassadors to plan and host market barrel selection events that drive sales and meet selection targets
Operate barrel selection programs at Limestone Branch (KY) and Ross & Squibb (IN) distilleries for customer events
Partner with Sales and Brand teams to identify and plan large customer barrel opportunities

Competitive and Customer Knowledge

Share best practices and competitive insights about barrel programs with Sales and Brand teams
Define customer demographics trends and satisfaction metrics to help guide sales strategy and feedback tools
Stay informed on consumer and market trends to identify new opportunities
Understand the production process and key product benefits compared to competitors
Work with Master Distillers/Blenders and Brand teams to gather customer input and review product options

Administrative

Supervise Regional Brand Ambassadors and program coordinators
Approve weekly schedules and manage program operations
Maintain the Signature Selection website with external partners
Collaborate with Trade Marketing and Brand Managers to create and produce program materials
Ensure all customer surveys are sent and results reported to leadership
Track all selection requests and manage allocation updates for Sales
Review and approve all customer barrel label requests with Legal
Manage customer leads to ensure timely scheduling for selections
Ensure all team members are fully trained on AnyRoad to book Barrel Picks
Ensure all team members are trained to use AnyRoad for booking barrel selections
Maintain all supplies and materials needed for in-person market and kit selections
Ensure Sales and Brand teams are trained to lead selections that deliver a premium experience

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

High attention to detail
Results-driven with a sales-oriented mindset
Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively across functions
Strategic thinker with the ability to plan and execute long term goals
Committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences
Experience in leading and motivating teams
Effective cross-functional communicator
Excellent written verbal and presentation skills
Ability to travel up to 20% of the time to support off-site events and barrel sales

Preferred Qualifications

B.A / B.S. degree strongly preferred (experience may be considered substitute for degree)
Previous experience in public speaking strongly preferred
Previous experience with CRM tools preferred
Previous experience with sales and marketing teams strongly preferred
A minimum of 3 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry preferably in sales and marketing at a
supplies distillery or distributor

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers handle or feel objects tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Includes frequently used office equipment computer software programs manuals books or other written resources hand tools power tools two-way radios and other tools/equipment/resources; Includes use of sanitation equipment and lab/field equipment. Various lab equipment two-way radios will be required to use. If you require a reasonable accommodation in the employee selection process please direct your inquiries to Caitlin Zbikowski Talent Manager @

If the above speaks to you were excited to learn more about you! At MGP we know that our people are our greatest strength. With different perspectives and unique ways of thinking our employees are as varied as our products. We believe that inclusivity strengthens the organization and champions a company culture that is evolving to reflect all of us. Culture results from our behaviors our personal commitment our curiosity how we collaborate and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and expect others to do the same. Each of us can make a difference by fostering thinking and actions that empower us to connect belong and grow together.Compensation is competitive and is commensurate with experience. MGP offers exceptional medical dental vision short and long-term disability life insurance 401(k) Match and PTO.All successful candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.

Required Experience:

Manager