Chief Commercial Officer
IJW Whiskey Company, Beverly Hills, CA, United States
About:
IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated spirits company. Founded in 2017, we’ve compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 40-acre campus in Danville and a bottling facility in Harrodsburg. Our ambitious growth trajectory includes the recent groundbreaking of a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for completion in early 2025, and plans for a Japanese distillery in Chitose set to commence in 2025.
With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, our diverse team of seasoned professionals and dynamic newcomers has propelled IJW to the forefront of the spirits industry. Our strategic partnership with one of the nation's largest independent Wine & Spirits distributors has enabled us to offer 22 products across four unique private label bourbon brands in 28 states. We have added to our spirits portfolio in 2024 with the launch of our first Tequila brand.
Position Overview:
The Chief Commercial Officer/President will play a pivotal role in driving the commercial operations of IJW Whiskey. This individual will oversee and lead all aspects of sales, marketing, and the experiential components of our distilleries, ensuring alignment with the company’s mission, vision, and growth objectives. Reporting directly to the CEO, they will collaborate closely with other senior leadership to expand our market presence, elevate the customer experience, and maximize revenue growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Commercial Strategy & Leadership: Develop and execute the overall commercial strategy, focusing on revenue growth, market expansion, and brand positioning.
- Sales & Distribution: Lead the sales team to meet and exceed sales targets. Oversee distribution strategies and relationships with key partners and retailers to expand market reach.
- Marketing & Brand Development: Drive the marketing strategy, ensuring cohesive messaging that reflects IJW Whiskey’s premium positioning. Lead digital, traditional, and experiential marketing initiatives to enhance brand awareness.
- Distillery Experience: Oversee the development and delivery of immersive experiences at our distilleries, ensuring they align with the brand's luxury ethos and customer expectations.
- Partnerships & Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with distributors, retailers, and other strategic partners to foster growth and ensure long-term business success.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team across sales, marketing, and experience functions. Build a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
- Financial Accountability: Work closely with the finance team to manage budgets, forecast revenue, and ensure profitability within all commercial functions.
- Market Analysis: Monitor industry trends and competitor activity, adjusting strategies to maintain a competitive advantage and respond to market opportunities.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in senior leadership roles, preferably in the spirits, beverage, or luxury packaged consumer goods sectors.
- Proven track record of success in commercial operations, including sales, marketing, and brand development.
- Strong leadership skills with experience building and managing high-performing teams.
- Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive initiatives from concept to execution.
- Experience in managing relationships with distributors, retailers, and strategic partners.
- Strong financial acumen and the ability to manage budgets and financial performance.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
- A passion for the spirits industry and the ability to embody IJW Whiskey’s commitment to excellence.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in luxury or premium brand management.
- Experience in experiential marketing or overseeing consumer experiences, especially within distilleries or hospitality-related environments.
- MBA or advanced degree in business, marketing, or related field.