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. MGP's 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 @ c.zbikowski@mgpi.com.

If the above speaks to you, we're 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.