Business Development Manager- On & Off Premise Specialist (Tacoma - Chehalis)

About Us:

Talking Cedar Brewery and Distillery is a company dedicated to producing a range of high-quality beers and spirits rooted in the style of the Pacific Northwest and embracing our status as the "First Tribal Brewery and Distillery." We pride ourselves on our Tribal connection and the entrepreneurial opportunity this affords us to add something new to the world of spirits and beer.

Position Summary:

The Business Development Manager - On-Premise Specialist is responsible for growing Talking Cedar's presence, visibility, and velocity within the on-premise channel across their assigned territory. This role focuses on securing new points of distribution, winning tap handles, driving menu placements, and developing long-term partnerships with bars, restaurants, stadiums, concert venues, and other hospitality accounts. In addition to on-premise sales efforts, this position will also support off-premise growth where applicable—expanding into retail environments such as grocery, C-stores, and specialty beverage retailers through coordinated sales outreach, brand education, and promotional execution. This position is the face of Talking Cedar in the market—sharing our tribal ownership story, building credibility with buyers and bar managers, and strengthening relationships with distributor partners to support sustained growth and uphold brand professionalism.

Key Responsibilities:

Territory & Account Management Own all on-premise execution and business results within assigned territory. Build and maintain strong relationships with bar managers, beverage directors, buyers, and venue operators. Conduct regular account visits to maximize distribution, merchandising, and pull-through. Develop and execute a territory business plan aligned with company priorities. Expand Talking Cedar presence in off-premise accounts including grocery chains, bottle shops, convenience stores, and select retail partners. Ensure proper shelf placement, cold box positioning, and brand visibility in off-premise locations. Business Development & Growth Secure new points of distribution for Chehalis Light, craft beers, seasonal beers, and Talking Cedar spirits where applicable. Drive tap handle placements and ensure Talking Cedar brands maintain priority visibility. Pursue menu placements, cocktail features, seasonal rotation opportunities, and promotional partnerships. Identify high-value targets (high-volume bars, sports bars, breweries, music venues) and build penetration plans. Grow off-premise placements through retailer outreach, product presentations, and sell-in proposals. Pursue feature displays, endcaps, and seasonal placement opportunities in retail accounts. Distributor Partnership & Execution Work closely with distributor partners to ensure product availability, pricing accuracy, and execution consistency. Provide clear communication to the distributor reps about priorities, blitz days, sampling events, and promotions. Participate in ride-alongs to strengthen distributor relationships and ensure alignment. Support distributor retail teams with off-premise objectives including resets, production introductions, and placement negotiations. Trade Marketing & Activation Plan and execute sampling events, tap takeovers, sponsorship activations, and on-premise promotions. Utilize POS materials to enhance brand visibility and ensure compliance with Talking Cedar brand standards. Support key events such as sporting events, concerts, community events, and tribal-focused initiatives. Execute off-premise sampling events, consumer demos, and retail promotional activations as market opportunity allows. Reporting & Performance Management Maintain weekly activity summaries including distribution gains, menu wins, tap handle placements, and account opportunities. Track execution, follow-ups, and account growth through CRM. Provide timely communication and insights to the Sales Director on competitive activity, pricing gaps, and market opportunities. Report off-premise volume trends, retail wins, and merchandising opportunities. Brand Storytelling & Representation Share the Talking Cedar story, including tribal ownership, sovereignty, and the history behind the 185-year law change enabling tribal distilling. Build brand authenticity and trust with partners through education and professional engagement. Represent Talking Cedar consistently across both on-premise and off-premise channels, ensuring the brand message remains cohesive and compelling.

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor's degree preferred. 3-5+ years of on-premise beverage alcohol experience (beer or spirits preferred). Strong relationships with key on-premise accounts in the assigned market is a plus. Off-premise retail sales experience strongly preferred but not required. Proven ability to open new accounts and drive distribution growth. Experience working with distributors and understanding of the three-tier system. Must be 21+ years old. Must have a valid driver's license with the ability to travel within the territory.

Skills, Abilities & Personal Characteristics:

Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to analyze data and draw actionable conclusions. Strong presentation skills and the ability to build strong relationships across a variety of account types. Highly organized with strong planning abilities and the capacity to manage a dynamic, fast-changing schedule. Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively. Proficiency with CRM software and database management. Ability to represent the brand responsibly, professionally, and consistently. Genuine passion for craft beer and spirits. Creative mindset for event execution and consumer-facing promotions. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with diverse personalities. Willingness to take initiative and explore innovative or unconventional approaches to growth. Ability to lift 35-40 lbs. (cases, kegs, POS materials).

Competencies:

Entrepreneurial Mindset:

Self-directed, proactive, and accountable for results.

Relationship Builder:

Able to foster trust and rapport with buyers, bar managers, and distributor partners.

Execution Focused:

Delivers urgency, precision, and follow-through.

Brand Ambassador:

Represents Talking Cedar and tribal ownership respectfully, authentically, and confidently.

Strategic Thinker:

Identifies opportunities, prioritizes targets, and builds clear, actionable plans.

Collaborative:

Works seamlessly with internal teams and distributor partners to drive aligned goals. Tribal Employment Preference The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation apply a Chehalis Tribal Member and Native American preference policy to all employment opportunities.

Pay:

$73,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

On premise beverage alcohol: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person