Job Description :About this roleThe Bulk Whiskey & Barrel Channel Manager is responsible for driving commercial success in two critical areas: bulk whiskey sales and barrel supply chain management. This role combines strategic planning, relationship management, and operational execution to deliver sustainable growth and profitability. The ideal candidate will have deep industry knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex supply and sales channels across North America and global markets.
Key ResponsibilitiesBulk Whiskey Sales- Develop and implement a comprehensive bulk whiskey sales strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Identify and target potential bulk customers, including distillers, brand owners, wholesalers, and retailers.
- Manage the full sales cycle: prospecting, quoting, contract negotiation, and order fulfillment.
- Set pricing strategies and negotiate high-value contracts to optimize profitability.
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities.
- Prepare regular reports on sales performance, customer activity, and inventory movement.
Barrel Supply Chain & Sales- Oversee barrel procurement strategy and supplier relationships to ensure consistent supply and quality.
- Collaborate with global procurement, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to align barrel availability with production and sales needs.
- Manage barrel sales programs for external customers, including pricing, contracts, and delivery coordination.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal governance processes for barrel transactions.
Client & Partner Relationship Management- Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, suppliers, and contract distillation partners.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for bulk whiskey and barrel customers, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction.
- Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and events to promote offerings, capture market intelligence, and build strategic relationships.
Experience/skills required:- Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA preferred.
- Minimum 8-10 years in spirits or beverage alcohol industry with a focus on bulk sales and/or supply chain management.
- A passion for and knowledge of the bourbon industry
- Prior operations experience in distillation and/or bulk sales(minimum 3 years), ideally 10 years in spirits industry
- Strong leadership skills to manage and coach others handling barrel procurement and bulk sales support/customer service
- Proven ability to develop strategies, manage pipelines, and close high-value deals.
- Apply advanced financial and analytical expertise to guide operational decisions, ensuring alignment with long-term business objectives and profitability goals.
- Cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships that enhance operational efficiency and deliver exceptional customer service standards.
- Understanding of supplier management and category strategy development and execution.
- Strong contract management and pricing strategy capabilities.
- Skilled in interpreting market trends and demonstrating data for decision-making.
- Exceptional communication skills across all formats-oral, written, virtual, and in-person-ensuring clarity and influence in every interaction.
- Demonstrated flexibility with travel and scheduling, including the ability to work evenings and weekends to meet customer needs and deliver on commitments.
- Meticulous attention to detail, with precision as a strength in distillation processes and contract management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SAP ERP and CRM systems.
Travel Requirements- Domestic Travel: Frequent travel across North America to visit suppliers, customers, and manufacturing sites.
- International Travel: Periodic travel to global operating units, trade shows, and supplier locations to support critical initiatives and relationship building.
Working with UsFlexibility is key to our success. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you so that you're supported to manage your wellbeing and balance your priorities from day one.
We recognize and value performance, offering our people a highly competitive Rewards and Benefits package including:
Worker Type :Regular
Primary Location:Plainfield Tech Centre
Additional Locations :Off Site Kentucky, Off Site Tennessee, Shelbyville, Stitzel Weller, Tullahoma
Job Posting Start Date : 2026-10-13
PLAINFIELD, ILLINOIS: SALARY RANGE IS FROM $102,375 TO $170,625 (ANNUAL)
At Diageo certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including annual incentive payment and stock awards. US-based employees are eligible for healthcare benefits, retirement benefits , short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellness benefits and industry leading parental leave, among others. (Benefits/perks listed may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Diageo and the country where you work.) The salary range displayed is the salary range for the role's primary location. 
