Overview
Company
Pernod Ricard USA
Location
Louisville, KY
Department
Operations
Where Conviviality is at work. Pernod Ricard is a global premium international champagnes and spirits company. We own brands such as ABSOLUT Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Malibu, Kahlúa Liqueur, The Glenlivet, Beefeater and Malfy Gins, and a leading portfolio of American whiskey brands including Jefferson''s, Rabbit Hole, TX, Smooth Ambler and Skrewball whiskey. Working at Pernod Ricard is about conviviality, human connection, authenticity, friendliness, and joie de vivre. Our four core values are: grounded in the real; fiercely authentic; passion for challenge; and connected beyond borders. We are team players, dream makers, trailblazers, and customer-focused. This role is based in Kentucky with salary range described below.
Salary
The salary range for this role, based in Kentucky, is $143,300.00 to $179,100.00. The range may vary if the role is outside of this location. Base salaries are determined during the interview process by assessing a candidate''s experience, skills, internal peers, and the scope and responsibilities of the position.
Position Summary
The Bulk Sales Director will develop the bulk aged and contract distillation business for North American Whiskeys in challenging environments by demonstrating high personal commitment and integrity. The role serves as a role model within Pernod Ricard and as a brand ambassador to Pernod Ricard''s distillation and warehousing sites. A key aspect is building a network of customers and fostering strong cross-functional relationships within Pernod Ricard to align site capabilities with commercial strategies.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Business Development
- Develop and execute a clear, measurable plan for bulk whiskey sales and contract distillation aligned with organizational vision and market needs.
- Drive business strategy, including identifying risks, trends, and competitor insights.
- Set pricing structures, negotiate terms, and create action plans to achieve KPIs and profitability targets.
Customer & Market Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, industry contacts, and internal stakeholders.
- Expand customer network through trade shows, cold calls, social media, and mutual contacts.
- Conduct market research to stay informed on trends, customer preferences, and competitive offerings.
Contract & Sales Management
- Lead end-to-end management of contracts for bulk aged liquid and new-fill distillation, including negotiation, execution, and compliance.
- Oversee communication, sampling, allocation, documentation, invoicing, and inventory removal for bulk whiskey sales.
- Ensure legal and regulatory compliance, including excise, GMP, and alcohol regulations.
Operational & Quality Oversight
- Ensure quality of delivery across sampling, product, transportation, invoicing, and customer relationships.
- Coordinate logistics for bulk spirit shipments to ensure timely delivery.
- Work with site teams to organize samples and maintain traceability and documentation.
Financial & Administrative Management
- Monitor revenue, costs, and profitability for bulk sales and distillation contracts.
- Manage administrative processes, including transfers, COAs, production details, and analytical data.
Leadership & Safety
- Lead cross-functional teams to meet contractual obligations and internal requirements.
- Promote safety awareness and compliance to ensure health and welfare of employees and contractors.
In conjunction with Operations, Legal, and associated financial counterparts, this role will formalize and implement the processes needed, including:
- Bulk sale agreements
- Contract distillation agreements
- Aging warehouse agreements
- Blending, sampling and other service agreements as required
- Capacity planning input to site planner(s)
- Communication to customers and operations personnel
- Customer relationship management and communications
- Attendance and booth management at trade / industry events
- Timely follow-up on customer leads and questions
- Facility tours and customer handling
- Bulk shipping and barrel handling input based on customer needs
- Procurement support and pricing for customer-related needs (such as finishing barrels) and services
Required Skills & Abilities
- Prior operations experience in distillation (minimum 3 years), ideally 10 years in spirits industry
- Extremely strong oral, written, virtual and in-person communication skills
- Demonstrated negotiation skills
- Flexibility and ability to travel, and ability to work nights and weekends and respond to customer needs on their schedule
- Excellent organizational and planning skills
- Attention to detail - precision is crucial in distillation and contract management
- Strong teamwork and cross-functional communication skills
- A passion for and knowledge of the bourbon industry
- Leverage strong financial and analytical skills to make operational decisions based on sound financial analysis and long-term business strategies
- Nurture strategic working relationships that promote operational effectiveness and world-class customer service levels
- Ability to lead teams through change and foster innovative approaches, continuous improvement and personal development
- Strong leadership skills to manage and coach teams handling barrel procurement and bulk sales support/customer service
Education
- Required: Undergraduate degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering or related field
Experience
- Required: 10 years'' experience in bulk sales and/or spirits industry
Travel
- 10% travel
- May be required to travel as necessary for trade shows, industry conferences and customer meetings
Financial Responsibility
- Greatly influences goals but does not have final authority. Manages and deploys resources to meet the goals.
Job Posting End Date
- Target Hire Date:
Our values are lived; this includes a commitment to sustainability, safety, and giving back to the communities where we work. We offer a flexible work policy with a hybrid option and details available on PRUSABenefits.com. This recruitment process uses AI tools to match applicant skills with role requirements and qualifications. Pernod Ricard USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will provide reasonable accommodations for the hiring process upon request. For accessibility inquiries, contact
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