Director of Distribution Sales

Description

Are you ready to take the reins of a growing national brand that’s redefining craft spirits? At Journeyman Distillery, we don’t just make award-winning whiskey—we craft stories, forge connections, and celebrate authenticity in every bottle. As our next Director of Distribution Sales, you’ll be at the forefront of expanding our footprint, fueling our growth, and building lasting relationships that carry the spirit of Journeyman into bars, restaurants, and retail shelves across the country. This is more than a sales leadership role—it’s your chance to shape the future of a bold, fiercely independent brand built on tradition, grit, and excellence. 

Journeyman whiskey is certified organic, kosher and gluten-free and we distill in a former buggy whip and corset factory founded by EK Warren in 1883. We honor the makers that came before us with grit, tenacity and ingenuity. Experimentation, variety and quality are what motivate us and our reward is more than accolades (though we've enjoyed our share). Together we will embark on history in the making.

All Journeyman team members must uphold and embody Journeyman’s Core Values.

CORE VALUES:

Grit Makes Great

• Having a positive attitude that no challenge is too great
• Understanding that goals worth pursuing are never easy; that perseverance, grit, and determination are essential to success
• There is no substitute for grit and putting in the time and effort. Good things will come from those efforts
• 10,000-hour rule. Malcom Gladwell: it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to be great

Always A Journeyman, Never a Master

• Excellence is a lifelong pursuit and mastery is an illusion
• The joy is in the daily work and pursuit of excellence, not in the final destination
• A focus on continual improvement and doing our best

1st Customer

• Treating every customer with the mindset that they are the business’s 1st-ever customer
• Treating customers with authenticity, kindness, warmth, care, friendliness; engaging, helpful and willing to offer a magical experience
• Clean facilities
• Being available to the customer and timely responses in any capacity
• This mindset extends to our vendors, suppliers, partners, and especially our fellow employees
• Never take the customer or employee for granted
• 362 and 59:59. We are open to our customers 362 days a year and we set an unwavering standard of serving our customers up till the last closing second 59:59 and beyond if needed.

Ambassador

• Taking pride and ownership in your work
• Engagement and active participation in your work and company activities
• Being a positive force in the workplace; creating a culture of positivity
• Extending common courtesy to self, employees, vendors, and guests
• Being an evangelist and promoter of the company and brand

We believe hard work and dedication deserve to be rewarded. To that end, we provide a comprehensive benefits and incentives package.

Here’s a peek at what you will receive as a Journeyman team member:

• Outstanding Growth Opportunity!
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Supplemental Insurance Options
• Free Quarterly Bottle of Spirit (21+)
• Loyalty Incentives (ask about our 5-Year Bottle Reward!)
• 25% Employee Discount
• Monthly Welcome Tour with Owner/Founder, Bill Welter
• Annual Employee Putting Competition
• Annual Employee Party

YOUR PURPOSE: Lead the team to drive the Sales strategy and increase revenue and brand awareness.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY

• Direct and manage the team to achieve outcomes.
• Conduct the Journeyman Distillery Employee Experience Ecosystem as per the process with every direct report.
• Manage the resourcing of roles within the department, with a focus on cultural fit.
• Coach team members to effectively complete tasks, communicate effectively with other stakeholders, and grow their skills.
• Oversee performance management of direct reports, including terminations ensuring positive and respectful relationships are maintained.
• Undertake effective delegation and conduct informal on-the-job training for members to increase skills.

SALES

• Collaborate with the CEO to create the annual Sales strategy.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Finance department to create the annual Sales budget.
• Manage and grow existing sales.
• Develop and launch new and expanded products and services to new and current customers.
• Maintain accurate records of all sales and prospecting activity.
• Prepare weekly and monthly sales and activity reports for Management.
• Understand the current market and competitors to effectively position the business and enhance growth opportunities.

DISTRIBUTION

• Create and execute an effective Distribution strategy.
• Manage the relationship and success of external distribution contracts.
• Create and oversee the distribution Ambassador program.

Requirements

YOUR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, sales, or a related field strongly preferred.
• 3-5 years minimum sales experience in progressive roles and a proven track record of success.
• Familiarity with the unique dynamics, regulations, and trends of teh craft spirits market.
• Previous experience in leadership and management, including setting goals and achieving targets.
• Experience in logistics, inventory management, and supply chain is preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
• Experience managing sales budgets, allocating resources, and measuring return on investment (ROI).