Market Development Spirits Specialist

Enthuse; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Doist in Chicago, IL is seeking a Market Development Specialist to expand distribution for the spirit portfolio, build trade relationships, and drive growth in designated accounts.

You will analyze market data, collaborate with distributors, and travel up to 25% as needed to execute local programming and events. The role demands strong business acumen, entrepreneurial drive, and an ability to influence decisions in a competitive market.

Qualifications

• Strong business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Ability to build and maintain trade relationships.
• Comfort with using data and market insights to identify opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Drive distribution growth for priority brands and identify new placement opportunities.
• Build relationships with operators, buyers, and distributor personnel.
• Conduct regular account visits and provide actionable recommendations to improve market performance.
• Deliver product education and training to trade and distributor partners.
• Analyze sales performance and market trends to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Collaborate with distributor teams and cross-functional partners to accelerate growth.

Skills

Relationship building

Market development

Negotiation

Data-driven decisions

Job description

This candidate must be based Chicago, IL. Job responsibilities will include but are not limited to: The Market Development Specialist serves as the dedicated in‑market representative for spirit’s portfolio within an assigned territory. This role is responsible for bringing the portfolio strategy to life by expanding distribution, increasing portfolio presence, building influential trade relationships, and identifying opportunities that drive sustainable growth. Working closely with distributor partners, key accounts, and trade stakeholders, the MDS acts as a consultative seller, market expert, and portfolio advocate — leveraging data, local market knowledge, and strong relationships to influence decisions and drive commercial performance. Success in this role requires strong business acumen, entrepreneurial thinking, relationship‑building skills, and a passion for helping brands win in market.

Job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Commercial Development & Distribution Growth

• Drive distribution growth across a focused set of priority brands
• Identify and secure new placement opportunities within target accounts
• Increase menu presence, feature activity, back-bar visibility, and account penetration
• Partner with distributor teams to influence account decisions and accelerate growth opportunities
• Utilize sales data, market intelligence, and local insights to identify opportunities and prioritize efforts
• Develop account‑specific recommendations and action plans designed to improve performance
• Execute against core portfolio priorities, including designated focus brands, seasonal initiatives and/or market‑specific opportunities

Account Strategy & Relationship Management

• Manage a defined universe of priority on premise accounts within an assigned market
• Build and maintain relationships with operators, bartenders, beverage directors, retail buyers, and distributor personnel
• Establish and grow a core group of high‑value accounts that drive long‑term market impact
• Serve as a trusted advisor and portfolio advocate within the local trade community
• Conduct regular account visits and maintain consistent follow‑up against identified opportunities

Trade Advocacy & Portfolio Development

• Deliver product education and training to trade and distributor partners
• Build awareness, advocacy, and recommendation within the trade community
• Support distributor education efforts and local selling initiatives
• Identify opportunities to strengthen portfolio relevance and visibility within market
• Execute local programming, events, and activation initiatives that support commercial objectives

Market Intelligence & Business Planning

• Analyze sales performance, distribution data, and account trends to identify opportunities and gaps
• Monitor competitive activity and emerging market dynamics
• Capture and communicate account feedback, market insights, and business recommendations
• Maintain accurate reporting and KPI tracking
• Provide actionable recommendations designed to improve market performance and accelerate growth

Strategic Market Support

• Participate in quarterly market blitzes and concentrated growth initiatives
• Support priority business needs, distributor mandates, market launches, and portfolio priorities
• Travel as needed to support regional and national initiatives (less than 25% of time)
• Collaborate across markets to maximize impact and share best practices

The physical demands of this role require the following:

• Must be able to regularly lift, carry, push, and/or pull items weighing at least 15 pounds and up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to perform physical tasks associated with the role, including moving materials, equipment, and supplies as needed.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods as required by the position.
• The above is not a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties which may be required from day to day.