Brand Development Manager | SoCal/OC/SD | Tequila Alderete (NOM 1414)

About the Brand

Tequila Alderete is a California-rooted tequila brand, built by farmers. Our agave is estate-grown on ancestral land in Jalisco's highlands — no open-market sourcing, no shortcuts, no celebrity backstory. Just three generations of sustainable farming values applied the same way in California and Mexico. This tequila started on the family table before it ever hit a shelf.

We are in aggressive growth mode and expanding across California. This is not a maintenance role — it is a ground-up, door-opening, relationship-building position for someone who lives and breathes agave spirits and wants to help build the next iconic California-connected tequila story. We need a driven, network-rich sales professional ready to own a territory, not just work it.

The Role

Your mission: open doors, tell our authentic story, secure placements, drive velocity, and build long-term partnerships with accounts that value real provenance over hype. Heavy emphasis on new business development, account outreach, and strategic account growth. On- and off-premise focus are both critical.

This is a full-time, field-based role with approximately 80% of your time in your assigned market/territory. This is also a start-up environment — the brand has the story, the liquid, the awards, and the authenticity, but the commercial infrastructure is still being built. We need someone with the stomach, the hustle, and the entrepreneurial mindset to thrive in that reality.

Key Responsibilities

Own the Territory

• Take full accountability for distribution, velocity, and brand equity growth — run your market like a business.
• Build and execute a 30-60-90 day market strategy; refine continuously based on results.
• Prioritize accounts based on long-term ROI, targeting high-impact venues and key geographic clusters.
• Operate with an entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable with ambiguity and quick to adapt.
• Deliver against clearly defined success metrics: new account acquisition, account velocity, feature placements, and depletion growth.

New Business Development

• Proactively identify, open, and close high-potential on- and off-premise accounts (approx. 6–10 visits/day).
• Build and manage a strong pipeline focused on conversion and repeat business.
• Identify flagship accounts that drive broader market adoption and brand perception.
• Develop growth plans for top accounts: features, events, staff advocacy, and repeat programming.

Brand Execution & Market Intelligence

• Deliver the brand story compellingly to owners, buyers, and staff in every meeting.
• Secure menu features, back-bar placements, and in-store displays; host staff trainings and tastings.
• Represent the brand at industry events, pop-ups, and activations.
• Track placements, depletions, and market intel in CRM; provide real-time competitive feedback.
• Handle daily admin: shipping/A/R reports, samples, sell sheets, and POS materials.
• Physical tasks include lifting cases up to 45 lbs, building displays, and replenishing stock.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of spirits sales or brand development experience; agave/tequila experience strongly preferred.
• Existing network in local on- or off-premise accounts — you must open doors on day one.
• Proven track record of self-directed territory management and exceeding sales targets.
• Exceptional storytelling and relationship-building skills across all levels of an account.
• Entrepreneurial mindset — you build the playbook as much as you run it.
• Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and availability evenings and weekends as needed.
• 21+ with a genuine passion for agave spirits; proficient in iOS, Excel, Word, and Outlook.

What We Offer

• Base salary + commission structure.
• Full benefits: health, dental, vision, and 401(k) match.
• Monthly expense budget, phone allowance, and monthly auto reimbursement.
• All brand materials, samples, and sales tools provided.
• Founding role in your market — opportunity to grow into leadership as the brand scales.