Brand Director, BuzzBallz

About Sazerac Company

With nearly four centuries of history, Sazerac Company is a proud, independent American family-owned business operating globally. Since the early 2000s, Sazerac has achieved consistent double-digit growth. The company produces and markets numerous celebrated bourbons and whiskeys such as Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye, along with a wide portfolio of popular spirit brands including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

Recognized for its award-winning culture and performance, the Louisville office has been named one of Kentucky’s "Best Places to Work" four times, and its Buffalo Trace Distillery holds the title as the world’s most award-winning distillery, sustained by over 200 years of dedicated craftsmanship. Sazerac offers exceptional growth prospects with competitive pay and benefits in a vibrant, entrepreneurial environment suitable for both new graduates and seasoned professionals.

Role Overview

The Brand Director for BuzzBallz will spearhead the global expansion and growth of this emerging billion-dollar brand. The role focuses on formulating global strategies, setting long-term volume and contribution goals, and leading development of brand and activation plans along with new business development initiatives. The director will oversee brand cost and sales performance (BCSP) management, foster cross-functional collaboration across Sales, Trade Marketing, Business Intelligence, DCOE, Operations, Finance, and Compliance, and cultivate a high-performing team aligned with Sazerac’s culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute a Performance Development System (PDS) that includes regular evaluations, feedback sessions, team grid ratings, and a 360-degree feedback mechanism to identify and develop key skills per team member.
• Drive growth in sales volume while optimizing product quality, cost of goods, and overhead expenses; ensure Priority Brands grow faster than total business and constitute over 65% of volume and profit.
• Create and apply a system of brand and state priorities to manage work focus effectively across these dimensions.
• Develop well-documented strategic and annual plans for Strategic Brands that align with achieving long-term objectives.
• Maintain and communicate a prioritized set of new initiatives, ensuring projects meet target shipment dates and volume goals.
• Promote and reinforce company culture continuously, monitoring progress through regular culture surveys and achieving measurable improvements in culture scores.

Qualifications and Experience

Must Have:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 3 years in management roles.
• Minimum 5 years in project management or implementation positions.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment for at least 5 years.
• 5 years handling profit and loss responsibilities.
• 5 years in brand management.
• 5 years managing advertising agency relationships.
• Strong communication skills across organizational levels.
• Advanced analytical and technical competencies.
• Excellent computer literacy and comfort with diverse systems and technology.
• Quick adaptability to new systems and processes.
• Proven leadership success.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Experience in budgeting, planning, and financial analysis.
• Capability to multitask efficiently under pressure.

Preferred:

• MBA degree.
• Business, marketing, or communications undergraduate degree.
• 3 years experience working with national or key accounts across on- and off-premise channels.
• At least 2 years experience in pricing and supply chain management.
• 3 years’ track record in new business development.
• 2 years leading commercial strategy development and execution.

Compensation and Culture

Sazerac provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, and more, which may vary by location and work type. The salary range for this position is from $170,498 to $255,747 annually, with final compensation dependent on experience, qualifications, location, and internal pay equity.

The company is committed to equal opportunity employment without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected statuses.

Hiring Process

After application submission, qualified candidates will be contacted for initial screening, followed by interviews with the hiring manager and key business leaders. Additional assessment steps may be included depending on the role. Applicants not progressing will be informed via email.