State Manager - Illinois

Sazerac Company • Chicago, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The State Manager – Illinois is the senior field leader responsible for driving distributor performance, building priority brands, and delivering volume and financial results across one of our most critical markets. This role is designed for a proven distributor manager—someone who knows how to set expectations, hold partners accountable, and win at execution across on- and off-premise channels.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of sales management and/or distributor management experience in CPG or Alcohol Beverage
• Proven experience leading distributors, distributor teams, or direct reports
• Demonstrated ability to set strategy, manage KPIs, and deliver results through distributor partners
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, planning, and performance analysis
• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong planning, organizational, and leadership skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and sales data tools
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours and travel as needed
• Valid driver’s license

Responsibilities

• Distributor Leadership & Accountability Lead all distributor management efforts across Illinois, setting clear volume goals, KPIs, and execution standards.
• Establish strong operating rhythms with distributor leadership to ensure focus on brand priorities and consistent in-market execution.
• Drive accountability through KPI tracking, distributor data, and regular performance reviews.
• Business Planning & Financial Ownership Develop and execute annual, quarterly, and monthly business plans aligned to volume, revenue, and profit targets.
• Own forecasting, budgeting, and financial performance, ensuring disciplined use of trade and commercial spend.
• Identify pricing and revenue optimization opportunities consistent with brand strategy.
• Brand Building & Execution Maximize distribution, visibility, and execution for priority brands across on-premise, off-premise, chain, regional, and national accounts.
• Lead new product launches, innovation programs, and market-specific initiatives.
• Ensure retail pricing and promotional activity align with brand positioning.
• Market & Customer Leadership Build and maintain senior-level relationships with distributor leaders and key retail and on-premise customers.
• Leverage market data and insights to identify growth opportunities, emerging trends, and execution gaps.
• Coordinate multi-state and chain customer initiatives in partnership with internal teams.
• Job responsibilities may vary by state depending on regulatory and compliance standards for the state.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive Benefits from Day One including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Family Coverage: Options to cover family members, including domestic partners.
• 401(k) Plan: Immediate access to a matching 401(k) plan.
• Flexible Time Away: Enjoy paid time off (PTO), holidays, and parental leave.
• Mental Health and Wellness: Access to mental health care and wellness incentive programs.
• Educational Support: Benefit from tuition reimbursement and our scholarship program for dependents of Sazerac team members.
• Fun Extras: Enjoy branded apparel, fun events, and a team member bottle purchase program.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional growth and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees