Business Development Representative - Tequila Alderete

About The Brand
Tequila Alderete is a California-rooted tequila brand, built by farmers. Our agave is estate-grown on ancestral land in Jalisco's highlands — no open-market sourcing, no shortcuts, no celebrity backstory. Just three generations of sustainable farming values applied the same way in California and Mexico. This tequila started on the family table before it ever hit a shelf.
We are in aggressive growth mode and expanding across California. This is not a maintenance role — it is a ground-up, door-opening, relationship-building position for someone who lives and breathes agave spirits and wants to help build the next iconic California-connected tequila story. We need a driven, network-rich sales professional ready to own a territory, not just work it.
Role Overview
Your mission: open doors, tell our authentic story, secure placements, drive velocity, and build long-term partnerships with accounts that value real provenance over hype. Heavy emphasis on new business development, account outreach, and strategic account growth. On- and off-premise focus are both critical.
This is a full-time, field-based role with approximately 80% of your time in your assigned market/territory. This is also a start-up environment — the brand has the story, the liquid, the awards, and the authenticity, but the commercial infrastructure is still being built. We need someone with the stomach, the hustle, and the entrepreneurial mindset to thrive in that reality.
Key Responsibilities
Own Your Territory

• Own your territory like a business — take full accountability for distribution, velocity, and brand equity growth in your market.
• Develop and execute a 30-60-90 day market strategy and maintain an ongoing plan to drive sustainable growth.
• Map and segment your territory strategically, focusing on high-impact accounts, trend-setting venues, and key geographic clusters.
• Prioritize accounts and opportunities based on long-term ROI, not just access or short-term wins.
• Deliver against clearly defined success metrics: new account acquisition, account velocity, feature placements, and depletion growth.
• Operate with an entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable with ambiguity, proactive in problem-solving, and quick to test and adapt strategies.
• Continuously evaluate and refine your approach based on results, not just activity.
  

New Business Development

• Lead proactive new business development: identify, open, and close high-potential on- and off-premise accounts in your market.
• Build and manage a high-quality pipeline with a strong focus on conversion and repeat business.
• Make approximately 6–10 in-person account visits per day using a planned, strategic approach.
• Deliver the brand story and points of differentiation compellingly in every meeting — to owners, buyers, and staff alike.
• Secure menu features, well/back-bar placements, and in-store displays while driving staff education and tastings.
• Identify and develop key flagship accounts that can influence broader market adoption and brand perception.
• Create strategic growth plans for top accounts, including features, events, staff advocacy, and repeat programming.
• Seek out and build relationships with cultural influencers and industry leaders who can accelerate brand awareness.
  

Brand Execution & Market Intelligence

• Represent the brand at key industry events, pop-ups, and activations.
• Host tastings, staff trainings, and execute merchandising with precision.
• Protect and reinforce the brand's premium positioning through disciplined account selection, pricing, and execution.
• Collaborate with internal teams, providing real-time market feedback on pricing, positioning, and competitive dynamics.
• Continuously scout the competitive landscape and identify opportunities for estate tequila with a California soul.
• Track activity via CRM — placements, depletions, and market intel — in real time.
• Complete daily administrative functions including shipping/A/R reports, samples, sell sheets, and point-of-sale materials.
• Perform physical tasks including lifting cases up to 45 lbs, building displays, and replenishing stock.
  

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of proven spirits sales or brand development experience; agave/tequila category experience is a major advantage.
• Existing network in your local on-premise and/or off-premise accounts is essential — you must be able to open doors on day one.
• Demonstrable track record of self-directed territory management and hitting or exceeding sales targets.
• Exceptional storytelling and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect authentically with owners, buyers, and staff.
• Growth mindset: constantly looking for better ways to win, challenging the status quo, and pushing for continuous improvement.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and the realities of a start-up environment — you create the playbook as much as you run it.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel extensively within your territory (evenings and weekends as required).
• 21+ years of age and a genuine passion for authentic agave spirits.
• Goal-oriented, self-motivated, solution-minded, and a positive team player.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in iOS platform, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  

What We Offer

• Base salary + commission structure.
• Full benefits package: health, dental, vision, and 401(k) match.
• Monthly expense budget.
• Phone allowance and monthly auto reimbursement of $600.
• All brand materials, tasting samples, and sales tools provided.
  

The opportunity to grow into expanded leadership roles as the brand scales — this is a founding position in your market.
<