Job: VP of Sales (Spirits – Mezcal)

Company Description

Our client is a premium Mezcal startup based in the San Francisco Bay Area, dedicated to bringing the authentic taste and traditions of Mexico to the forefront of the spirits market. With a strong emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage, they are rapidly establishing themselves in California and have plans to expand into key markets across the U.S. This entrepreneurial venture seeks a hands-on and innovative leader who can drive sales growth, build structured processes, and adapt quickly to the dynamic nature of a startup environment.

Objective of the Role

The Vice President of Sales will be responsible for developing and executing a strategic sales plan to drive revenue growth within the California market, with a goal to expand into other key markets in the near future. This role requires a resourceful, entrepreneurial mindset, someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable with building and scaling processes from the ground up. The ideal candidate should be capable of working independently without the expectation of a large team or extensive resources initially.

Ideal Profile

• Proven experience in driving sales growth within the beverage or spirits industry, particularly within a startup or high-growth environment.
• A strategic thinker who can develop and implement sales processes and strategies, while being hands-on in executing daily sales activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an entrepreneurial setting with limited structure, building and adapting as the company grows.
• Strong understanding of the California spirits market with the ability to leverage existing relationships with distributors, retailers, and on-premise accounts.
• Comfortable working without a large support team and capable of multitasking across various sales functions.
• Adaptable, with a growth mindset and a passion for the Mezcal industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop Sales Strategy: Create and implement a comprehensive sales strategy tailored to the California market, setting the foundation for expansion into other key markets.
• Market Penetration: Identify and prioritize key on-premise and off-premise accounts, establishing relationships to drive initial sales growth and brand visibility.
• Build Sales Processes: Establish structured sales processes, KPIs, and metrics that will guide the team as the company grows, ensuring scalability and efficiency.
• Distribution Management: Build and nurture strong relationships with distributors and wholesalers, negotiating agreements that maximize market reach and sales performance.
• Sales Forecasting & Reporting: Provide accurate sales forecasts, analyze market trends, and report on sales performance, using data to make informed decisions.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with marketing, product, and operations teams to ensure alignment of sales initiatives with overall brand strategy and objectives.
• Adapt & Grow: Adjust strategies based on market feedback and evolving industry trends, ensuring the company remains agile and responsive to opportunities.
• Compliance & Integrity: Ensure all sales activities adhere to regulatory requirements and company policies, maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and ethics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; MBA is a plus.
• 8+ years of sales experience in the beverage or spirits industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of building sales strategies and driving revenue growth in a startup or entrepreneurial environment.
• Established network within the California spirits market, particularly in the Mezcal sector.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate in an evolving environment.
• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset, with the ability to make informed, strategic decisions.
• Willingness to travel across California to build relationships and support sales initiatives.
• Appreciated previous experience: Bacardi, Beam Suntory, Brown Forman, Campari, Constellation Brands, Distell, Camus Cognac, Diageo, Jose Cuervo, LVMH, Marie Brizard, Moet Hennessy, Patron Spirits, Pernod Ricard, Remy Cointreau, Stoli, Edrington, William Grant & Sons, Zamora, Southern Glazer, Breakthru, Republic National RNDC…