Spirits Brand Manager (BHAKTA Spirits)

Position Description 

We are looking for a Spirits Brand Manager to ensure the growth and success of our luxury portfolio of vintage spirits spanning Single Vintage Armagnacs dating back to 1868, a variety of unique limited edition whiskys and a flagship blend in BHAKTA 1928. The Spirits Brand Manager will ensure products, experiences and packaging resonate with current and potential customers. To do so, you are expected to have your finger on the pulse of where the market is heading, what products will resonate most and how we can deliver an appropriate mix in our portfolio that maximizes growth. The Spirits Brand Manager will have input on new product development ideation and strategizing and ultimately manage the go-to-market, including marketing campaigns (print, web, social media, broadcast, etc.), events and trade marketing support. 

Company Biography 

BHAKTA Spirits is a global drinks, hospitality, and entertainment company founded by visionary leader Raj Peter Bhakta. Bhakta is embarking on a mission to help employees and consumers “Find Their Spirit” through thoughtfully curated drinks, lodging, and faith-based living. BHAKTA Spirits includes an inspired suite of brands though which to further endow the mission, as well as access to thousands of acres of farmland upon which to grow all the inputs we will need to make hand-crafted, field-to-table products. Based on an idyllic New England campus in Poultney, VT, BHAKTA Spirits is recruiting all who are seeking education, community and a purpose through hard work and faith. BHAKTA Spirits provides access to individual & family housing as well as children’s education for those who relocate to the Poultney, VT community. 

Ideal Candidates Must  

• Brand builder– Can take ideas, stories and products and turn them into brands that will last generations; building for consistency, quality and prestige.  

• Tastemaker – You are able to establish and grow new and existing categories, establish trends and separate products from the pack. You value exquisite products. 

• Organized Project Manager—Able to manage multiple projects across departments simultaneously. Be the point person on the status of products in the NDP pipeline and reporting to leadership to status changes.  

• Customer Obsessed– Able to take products and concepts and turn them into extraordinary visual experiences.  Understands how to connect products and experiences to advertisements, campaigns and assets. 

• Storytelling— A good storyteller will capture the imagination of their audience and leave them with something that can resonate with the audience long after the story is over. 

• Self-Starter— A successful BHAKTA employee must have an entrepreneurial and enterprise mindset, having a sense of ownership of what they develop and deliver. 

• Trustworthy— Core principle of the BHAKTA Spirits team. Freely exchange ideas and thoughts without ego or pretense. Receptive and open to direction. Respects deadlines and commitments. 

Responsibilities 

• Translate brand strategy into actionable plans, positioning and go-to-market strategies. 

• Supporting and often leading brand and product development from ideation to go-to-market. Including taste profile, blend, packaging, labeling and supporting trade assets. 

• Manage annual brand calendar, send refreshed items to sales team on quarterly basis. Keep internal shareholders updated with the latest brand assets. 

• Sampling Programs: Develop the overall sampling mechanics, build out and management of the program in the on and off premise channels. 

• Point of Sale: Develop brand POS materials for the sales team; on premise & off premise tools as well as consumer giveaways. 

• Sales Tools & Support: Responsible for developing core sales items ie. Sell Sheets and Brand Decks for the brand portfolio and new brand innovations to support selling activities. Support sales team at distributor meetings to present the brand. 

• Target Market: Understanding our target customer persona, maintaining and updating persona profiles as we expand into new categories and markets.  

• Working with the CEO, Head of Marketing & National Sales Director to establish the go-to-market strategy mix for marketing and sales channels to maximize growth of portfolio. 

• Collaborating with CEO, Head of Marketing and creative team to develop the brand identity and voice. 

• Ensure that new product introductions align with the spirit of the brand and target customers. 

Rewards 

• $120,000-$150,000 dependent on experience level.
• Incentive compensation based on individual and company performance.
• Equity stake in organization.
• Comprehensive Employee Benefits Package 
  • Health (Company Partially Paid)  
  • Life Insurance $50k (Company Paid)  
  • 401K (Company Safe Harbor match)  
  • Vision & Dental (Employee Paid)  
  • Short and Long Term Disability (Employee Paid) 
• Paid Time Off
• Company Holidays – 12 (annually)
• Full-time or part-time lodging on campus available.  
• Access to children's education for young families (acceptance based). 
• Access to Waldron Gymnasium and Wellness Center. 
• Employee Purchase Program – 50% off SRP on company products 

Requirements 

• 5+ years in assistant brand manager or brand manager role 
• 2-5 years in spirits industry is a must 
• Quarterly travel to Poultney, VT
• Able to analyze data sets to understand customer behavior.  
• Project management experience: Asana, Monday, Jira, or similar.  
• Proficient in Microsoft products.  
• Excellent communication skills.