State Manager Chains

Texas is a pivotal market for Brown-Forman, and the State Manager, Chains role is at the center of our success in the state. In this leadership position, you will spearhead the strategy, planning, and execution that drive performance, while leading a high-performing team and fostering strong partnerships with our distributor and customers. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the Texas business landscape, influence our brand presence in the market, and achieve meaningful, sustainable growth.

As the State Manager, you will oversee all aspects of Texas chain commercial planning, including volume planning, pricing, category management, programming, gift allocations, incentives, and commercial spend budgets. You will work closely with our distributor to engage with national and regional off-premise chains, ensuring our plans are executed exceptionally in the market.

• Strategic Leadership :
  Lead the Texas chain business strategy, implementing Brown-Forman's chain business plan, and ensuring distributor accountability for results. Develop and motivate the Texas chain team to achieve strong business outcomes and enhance organizational capability.

• Stakeholder Collaboration :
  Work closely with internal stakeholders like Region Chain Manager, Account Managers, Finance, Brand Teams, and Field Marketing to align priorities and maximize Texas business opportunities.

• Performance Monitoring :
  Evaluate business and program performance, adjusting plans as needed to meet objectives. Partner with Finance to manage commercial investments and ensure spending aligns with plans.

• Initiative Execution :
  Ensure effective implementation of key initiatives in line with priority calendars and customer chain plans. Lead tertile planning and business reviews with distributors to align priorities and resources.

• Relationship Building :
  Foster strong relationships with distributor chain leadership and account teams, aligning around Brown-Forman priorities and execution standards. Establish clear expectations and accountability, regularly measuring performance.

• Incentive Management :
  Develop distributor incentives to support commercial priorities. Maintain market presence to understand customer dynamics and manage commercial investments for maximum ROI.

• Strategic Alignment :
  Conduct regular business reviews with distributor leadership to evaluate performance and ensure strong execution of Brown-Forman programming. Align with senior distributor leadership through strategic planning and engagement.

• Sales Strategy :
  Lead sales strategy and execution with regional chain accounts in Texas. Build influential relationships with key customers, serving as a strategic partner for mutual growth.

• Customer-Specific Strategies :
  Develop and execute strategies that drive sustainable growth and enhance profitability for both Brown-Forman and customers. Manage customer commercial investments effectively.

• Performance Reviews :
  Conduct regular business reviews with customers and distributor teams, using insights to identify opportunities and shape future plans. Leverage insights to strengthen customer plans and improve Brown-Forman's position in key accounts.

• Industry Experience :
  At least 5 years in sales within the beverage alcohol industry, with a proven track record of achieving key commercial objectives. Strong understanding of trade channels, chain customers, and the three-tier distribution system.

• Relationship Building :
  Ability to forge strong, productive relationships with customers, distributors, and internal partners. Proven leadership skills in coaching, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.

• Strategic Acumen :
  Strong commercial insight to translate business insights, customer needs, and market dynamics into actionable strategies. Collaborative leadership to build alignment and influence across functions and partners.

• Organizational Skills :
  Highly organized with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple initiatives, and meet deadlines. Strong analytical and business planning skills, proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

• Flexibility and Mobility :
  Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time and work evenings and weekends as needed. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and hold a valid state driver's license.

• Leadership in Complex Markets :
  Experience leading chain or key account business in large, complex…