Retail Operations Manager - Retail & Sales -The Sazerac House

Sazerac Company Overview

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Traveller, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Svedka, Wheatley, BuzzBallz, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

 

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

Job Description/Responsibilities

The Commercial Operations Manager will lead the strategic direction for key profit-driving areas at Sazerac House, including Retail, Event Sales, and other revenue-generating programs. This role calls for an entrepreneurial-minded leader who can enhance overall business performance while fostering a positive and dynamic work culture. As a visionary manager, the ideal candidate will inspire and empower their team to achieve growth across all commercial operations, ensuring daily retail functions run smoothly and effectively.

 

This role focused on The Sazerac House, a tourist destination and tourist attraction.

 

Key Responsibilities

Brand Values & Mission Integration

• Uphold and promote Sazerac House’s values and mission, ensuring they are embedded in all operations and guest interactions.
• Lead initiatives that incorporate Sazerac brands into the guest experience authentically, demonstrating professionalism in interactions with team members, guests, and stakeholders.
• Evaluate and develop team talent, creating a successful team that embodies Sazerac's culture, and design a staffing plan suited to a workforce with a significant part-time component.

Retail Operations & Sales Performance

• Oversee daily retail operations, including inventory management, staff supervision, and visual merchandising.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance, producing reports to inform strategic decisions and drive revenue growth.
• Lead the event sales program by attracting and securing events such as private functions and corporate gatherings, managing the process from inquiries and proposals to contract negotiations.

Client & Vendor Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, event planners, and external vendors to enhance Sazerac House’s reputation and encourage repeat business.
• Develop event concepts and proposals that align with Sazerac House and brand objectives, ensuring each event supports brand identity and goals.

Retail Strategy & Campaign Development

• Create and implement retail strategies to maximize revenue and profitability, focusing on product selection, pricing, and promotional activities.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure seamless event logistics and outstanding guest experiences.
• Work with brand teams to design and execute retail campaigns and promotions that align with Sazerac’s priorities.

Performance Development & Team Leadership

• Conduct PDS (Performance Development System) reviews with direct reports, utilizing PDS to support skill enhancement, consistent performance evaluations, and measurable progress tracking.
• Foster a high-performance culture rooted in empathy, integrity, and transparency, motivating a diverse team in a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
• Support professional development initiatives to guide staff in reaching their full potential, promoting pride and ownership in their contributions.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a key member of the Sazerac House Leadership Team, offering innovative ideas that support cross-departmental goals and objectives.
• Model behaviors aligned with company values, setting a positive and forward-looking tone to inspire the broader team.
• Collaborate closely with other departments to ensure all plans promote business