Brand Manager

IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated spirits company. Founded in 2017, we’ve compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 40-acre campus in Danville. Our ambitious growth trajectory includes a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for completion in early 2026, and a Japanese distillery in Chitose that that will be completed in late 2026.

With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, our diverse team of seasoned professionals and dynamic newcomers has propelled IJW to the forefront of the spirits industry. Our strategic partnership with one of the nation's largest independent Wine & Spirits distributors has enabled us to offer 22 products across four unique private label bourbon brands in 28 states. We have added to our spirits portfolio with our first Tequila and Mezcal brands.

Position Overview:
As Brand Manager, you will play a key role in developing, managing, and executing both new and existing brands. Reporting to the CMO, you will be responsible for ensuring a clear consumer target for each brand, maintaining consistent brand positioning and messaging, identifying key growth drivers, evaluating brand viability, developing programs that drive consumer engagement, and expanding brand awareness across both domestic and international markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Brand Strategy Implementation: Work with the CMO to implement brand strategies, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market positioning.
• Brand Roadmap: Collaborating with cross functional teams, and leveraging industry data, create a brand roadmap.
• Agency Management: Lead the efforts of all Agencies that are partnering with IJW on the success of the brand.
• Packaging: Ensure that packaging meets the needs of the product goals.
• P&L: Collaborate with Finance to ensure COGS are set up for product success.
• Campaign Execution: Manage creative marketing campaigns to drive consumer engagement and product visibility across various platforms, including digital, social media, and in-store activations.
• Product Launch Support: Manage the brand’s go-to-market strategies for new product launches, ensuring a seamless and impactful launch across all channels.
• Market Research & Consumer Insights: Conduct market research to identify trends, consumer preferences, and competitive positioning, and use these insights to inform brand strategies.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor brand performance, including sales and consumer feedback, and provide recommendations to optimize marketing efforts and improve brand awareness and loyalty.
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams such as sales, digital marketing, and product development, Finance, Legal, as well as external agencies and partners, to execute brand initiatives.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in brand management within the spirits industry.
• Proven experience developing and executing brand strategies and marketing campaigns.
• Strong understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and brand positioning.
• Experience with digital marketing, social media, and e-commerce strategies.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business, or a related field.

Why Join IJW Whiskey Company?

• Industry Disruptor: Rapidly growing spirits company with a global footprint and a unique portfolio of premium brands.
• Building a Premium+ Brand Portfolio (brands, categories, segments etc)
• High-Impact Role: Entrepreneurial environment where your ideas drive real business results.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with experienced industry leaders in a creative, fast-paced, and dynamic team.
• Competitive Benefits: Attractive salary, benefits, and perks to reward top talent.