Chain Development Director, Strategic Accounts – Independent

ABOUT DIAGEO

With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, we’re the world’s leading premium drinks company. Every day, over 30,000 talented people come together at Diageo to create the magic behind our much-loved brands.  Join us and you’ll collaborate, explore, and innovate. Challenge and be challenged. Together with passionate people from all over the world, you’ll build brands consumers love.

We value each other and celebrate different perspectives. In our inclusive culture, you’ll have the backing you need to test new ideas and learn from them. Harness your passion and desire to grow as you make your mark. Let’s unlock a brighter, more exciting future together!

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Chain Development Director, U.S. Strategic Accounts – Independent, you will lead the creation, alignment, and communication of market-level chain strategies to support our Annual Operating Plan, with a focus on priority markets including MN, NV, NM, and WI. This role demands a dynamic leader with a proven record of commercial excellence, strategic insight, and the ability to influence at all levels of the organization. Success hinges on building collaborative partnerships across Performance Management/Business Development, Revenue Growth Management (RGM), Trade Development, Strategic Accounts, and Distributors to drive results.

Key Responsibilities and Impact

• Drive Market Connectivity: Foster strong alignment between division, distributor, and strategic accounts to achieve ambitious goals across the Division, with a primary focus on MN ($70m RSV), NM ($53m RSV), NV ($64m RSV), and WI ($32m RSV.
• Collaborate with Local Teams: Work closely with local market teams to ensure cohesive execution of the Strategic Accounts strategy, driving unified efforts across the Division.
• Lead Chain Strategy Development: Spearhead the development and execution of chain strategies for spirits, in close collaboration with Diageo’s Independent Division leadership.
• Strategic Account Planning: Lead strategic account planning (chain planning summits) to enhance connectivity between Strategic Accounts, Division, and Distributor teams.
• Focus on Growth: Align and execute plans to drive spirits volume, revenue growth, overall execution excellence in service of maximizing market share performance.
• Optimize Resource Allocation: Partner with Performance Management/Business Development and RGM teams to strategically allocate resources, ensuring maximum efficiency and impact.
• Accelerate Key Brands: Identify and implement programming to accelerate the growth of mission-critical brands.
• Ensure Compliance: Balance and optimize Strategic Accounts trade activities to maintain ROM compliance and alignment with market strategies.
• Lead Consistent and Clear Communication: Ensure seamless and transparent communication by collaborating with state level Performance Management teams to build, articulate, and disseminate key programming to Field Teams, Distributors, at GSMs, and during weekly meetings.
• Market Presence: Maintain a strong presence in key markets, staying attuned to customers, competitors, and consumers (the 3 C’s), with travel up to 25%.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in distributor and chain management, ideally within the beverage alcohol industry
• Proven self-starter with strategic vision, exceptional leadership skills, and a relentless drive for results
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing customer strategies
• Proficiency in sales analytics, including NielsenIQ/Circana
• Strong f