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 GrowthDrive distribution growth across a focused set of priority brandsIdentify and secure new placement opportunities within target accountsIncrease menu presence, feature activity, back-bar visibility, and account penetrationPartner with distributor teams to influence account decisions and accelerate growth opportunitiesUtilize sales data, market intelligence, and local insights to identify opportunities and prioritize effortsDevelop account-specific recommendations and action plans designed to improve performanceExecute against core portfolio priorities, including designated focus brands, seasonal initiatives and/or market-specific opportunitiesAccount Strategy & Relationship ManagementManage a defined universe of priority on premise accounts within an assigned marketBuild and maintain relationships with operators, bartenders, beverage directors, retail buyers, and distributor personnelEstablish and grow a core group of high-value accounts that drive long-term market impactServe as a trusted advisor and portfolio advocate within the local trade communityConduct regular account visits and maintain consistent follow-up against identified opportunitiesTrade Advocacy & Portfolio DevelopmentDeliver product education and training to trade and distributor partnersBuild awareness, advocacy, and recommendation within the trade communitySupport distributor education efforts and local selling initiativesIdentify opportunities to strengthen portfolio relevance and visibility within marketExecute local programming, events, and activation initiatives that support commercial objectivesMarket Intelligence & Business PlanningAnalyze sales performance, distribution data, and account trends to identify opportunities and gapsMonitor competitive activity and emerging market dynamicsCapture and communicate account feedback, market insights, and business recommendationsMaintain accurate reporting and KPI trackingProvide actionable recommendations designed to improve market performance and accelerate growthStrategic Market SupportParticipate in quarterly market blitzes and concentrated growth initiativesSupport priority business needs, distributor mandates, market launches, and portfolio prioritiesTravel as needed to support regional and national initiatives (less than 25% of time)Collaborate across markets to maximize impact and share best practicesThe 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.
