Business Development Manager - Chicago

• Compensation: USD 85,000 - USD 95,000 - yearly

A born and bred San Francisco original, Hotaling & Co. is the leading importer of artisanal spirits and cocktail essentials. Our dedication to artisanal spirits first started 30 years ago under the name Anchor Distilling Company – heralding the return to copper pot distilling in the U.S. with the original craft introductions of Junipero Gin & Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey.

We carry on that pioneering legacy with the name Hotaling & Co. as a nod to the local legend A.P. Hotaling, who ventured West during the Gold Rush and quickly became one of the most reputable spirits dealers in the country and a notable figure in American drinking culture. Fueled by a passion for beverage expertise, education and hospitality, Hotaling & Co.

carries on this tradition of artisanal excellence by bringing together a family of likeminded spirits that share our commitment to craft and care.

Today, Hotaling & Co.’s portfolio is synonymous with brands of unmatched quality and character, including Luxardo Liqueurs & Cherries, Nikka Whisky, Junipero Gin, HINE Cognac, Convite Mezcal, Kavalan Whisky, Denizen Rum, HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys, Arran Whisky, Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, and more. Visit  to explore our full range of brands.

The Business Development Manager (BDM) is a full-time, exempt position focused on growing the Hotaling & Co. business in both on and off-premise accounts. The primary responsibility of the role is building and managing key account relationships, driving quality distribution in both channels, and achieving the H&Co. annual goals. This role is based in the Chicago Metropolitan area
, with a territory covering the state of Illinois.

Please note, this is a hybrid role with a combination of remote work and travel within the territory.

The ideal Business Development Manager will have experience in wine, spirits, and/or hospitality with a strong understanding of the Illinois market. Industry connections and community presence are especially important for success in this role. This person thrives in an autonomous work environment and takes initiative. Most importantly, the ideal candidate for this role is energized by the ever-changing nature of our industry and eager to be engaged in the marketplace.

$85,000 - $95,000 base, Bonus: up to 25%

The BDM reports directly to the Regional Sales Manager.

• Accountable for driving high quality distribution of H&Co. brands in identified target accounts
• Identifying and developing new prospects within assigned territory.
• Maintain and drive business in key accounts, visiting on an ongoing basis to review H&Co. priorities.
• Execute events and tastings within account universe to drive sales at account level.
• Establish expert brand knowledge. Be ready and able to train account staff and ignite passion around H&Co. brands.
• Secure back-bar distribution, visibility and impactful menu placement plan in target accounts to enhance consumer pull-through and rate-of-sale.
• Secure displays and optimal shelf placement at retail, identifying opportunities for line extension and multiple facings.
• Guide accounts in effective merchandising and brand visibility, ensuring brand marketing materials and displays are utilized properly and effectively.
• Developing and maintaining sustainable records of sales achievements/quotas and an organized list and plan for both on and off-premise accounts.

• Build and maintain effective business relationships with the trade, bartending community, distributors, gatekeepers and local market influencers.
• Collaborate with distributor on brand and sales objectives, through ride-withs, team meetings, and general sales meetings.

• Conduct product education / samplings, educate store personnel and consumers and complete post sampling recap.
• Develop and manage spirits master classes for key accounts and consumers, ensuring we are top of mind in the mixology/bartending community and within our top tier accounts (both on and off-premise).
• Execute consumer and trade events to generate trial and awareness of our brands, while appropriately integrating brand messaging.
• Set up and attend brand building promotions such as retailer & consumer samplings, brand launches, cocktail contests, pairings, etc.
• Host suppliers visiting the market, assisting the RSM in organizing team building events, distributor engagement opportunities and work days in market to visit target accounts.

• Monitor and report competitive activity, brand movement, pricing, and distribution penetration and highlight opportunities to Marketing and Sales team.

• Minimum 3 years experience with proven track record of achievement.
• 3 years of experience in alcohol sales.
• Self-starting enthusiasm with can-do attitude.
• Able to work as part of a team and independently.
• Willingness to work full-time,…