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Darco Spirits (Beach Whiskey, American Harvest Vodka)

Brand Activation Manager

New York, NY · Posted Aug 23
$35/hour
POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking a part-time, passionate, and experienced Brand Activation Manager to lead our efforts in bringing the Darco Spirits portfolio to life. This role is essential for cultivating and sustaining strong relationships within the mixology community, using these connections to drive distribution, boost brand visibility, and build awareness.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience behind the bar, coupled with a deep understanding of the Spirits industry from both the brand and trade perspectives. This person will be responsible for developing and executing brand activation strategies that, not only increase brand awareness, but also foster a loyal following among the trade and consumers.
 

PRIMARY JOB SKILLS/RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Execute innovative activation plans that align with the brand’s identity and objectives, driving brand awareness and consumer engagement across multiple channels.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with bartenders, mixologists, and key industry influencers to promote Darco Spirits within the on-premise environment.
  • Utilize your hands-on experience behind the bar to create authentic, relatable activations that resonate with both bartenders and consumers.
  • Pursue new distribution opportunities, working closely with sales teams and distributors to expand the brand’s footprint in both on-premise and off-premise accounts.
  • Conduct training sessions for bar staff, retail employees, and distributor teams to ensure they are well-versed in the Darco Spirits product portfolio, brand story, and selling techniques.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute branded events, including on & off premise tastings, launch parties, and industry gatherings, ensuring seamless execution and maximum impact.
  • Support sales teams in market with distributor trainings or meetings, account trainings and trade events.
  • Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to ensure alignment on brand messaging and to amplify the reach of activation efforts.
  • Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer behavior to inform and adapt activation strategies, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.
  • Oversee the activation budget, ensuring all initiatives are executed within financial constraints while delivering strong ROI.
  • Prepare and submit regular reports on program progress, performance metrics, and key deliverables to senior management.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working as a mixologist/bartender or in a similar role within the bar and nightlife industry.
  • Strong network and relationships within the bartender community.
  • Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate brand messages to diverse audiences in various settings.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Social media savvy.
  • Creative thinker with a passion for developing unique and engaging brand experiences.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • A proficiency in Microsoft office tools (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Teams).
  • 20-25 hours per week – weekday and weekends required.
  • Willingness to work nontraditional, late-night hours and weekends. 
  • Willingness to travel as needed for events and activations.
  • Must have own, reliable transportation.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license & a clean driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Must be able to stand, walk, sit, and move up to 55lbs.
  • Must be able to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance stairs/ladders; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive a car and travel via plane/train as needed.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
 ***Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: 
Darco Spirits LLC is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities with Darco Spirits LLC, regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations).