Canada Market Development Manager (Contractor) at Noblewood

Canada

Noblewood USA imports and builds Beluga Vodka, one of the leading super premium vodkas in the world, together with Oyster Gin and Casa de Loros rum. In the US we work with SGWS as our national distribution partner and run our own field sales team. Canada is the next step. We already have a small business in Alberta and want to build it properly, then win new listings in British Columbia and Ontario. We are looking for an experienced Canada market expert, based in BC or Ontario, to lead this on the ground.<br /><br />Title: Canada Market Development Manager<br />Type: Independent contractor, 12-month engagement with option to extend<br />Location: Canada, based in British Columbia (Vancouver) or Ontario (Toronto)<br />Brands: Beluga Vodka, Oyster Gin and Casa de Loros rum<br /><br />This is a hands-on role for someone who knows how the Canadian liquor boards work and has the relationships to get products listed. You will own the Canada business plan, work with our brokers and agents, and turn listings into volume on shelf and in bars. Must have<ul><li>8&#43; years in the Canadian beverage alcohol industry, with spirits experience</li><li>A proven record of getting products listed with liquor boards</li><li>Strong existing relationships with board category managers, private retail chains and brokers</li><li>Good knowledge of how each province works: listing cycles, pricing structures, warehousing and the role of agents</li><li>Experience managing brokers or agents and holding them to targets</li><li>Based in BC or Ontario and able to travel</li><li>Self-starter who can work alone and deliver results with little day-to-day support</li></ul>Nice to have<ul><li>Experience with super premium or luxury spirits brands</li><li>On-premise relationships in key provinces</li></ul> Liquor board listings and authorizations<ul><li>Secure new listings for Beluga Vodka, Oyster Gin and Casa de Loros rum with key provinces</li><li>Prepare and submit listing applications and pitch packages, and follow each submission through to a decision</li><li>Build working relationships with category managers and buyers at the boards and at key private retailers</li></ul>Grow the existing Canada business<ul><li>Review current Alberta distribution, pricing, rate of sale and stock levels, and agree a plan to grow it</li><li>Win distribution in top private retail chains and independent stores in Alberta</li><li>Open premium on-premise accounts (hotels, fine dining, top cocktail bars) in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver</li></ul>Broker and agent network<ul><li>Assess our current brokerage set-up in Canada: coverage, performance, cost and fit for a luxury brand</li><li>Collaborate with brokers to reach agreed targets</li></ul>Planning and reporting<ul><li>Build the Canada business plan for 2027: listings pipeline, volume, distribution and support budget by province</li><li>Plan promotions, tastings and trade activations that protect the premium position of our brands</li><li>Report regularly on listings, shipments, depletions and distribution, and keep a clear pipeline of submissions and outcomes</li></ul>How success is measured (targets set together at the start of the engagement)<ul><li>New board listings and authorizations: each new SKU listing for any Noblewood brand approved, or a new authorization with a key retailer</li><li>Volume: 9L cases shipped and depleted in Canada against the agreed plan</li><li>Distribution: number of stores and on-premise accounts carrying Noblewood brands</li></ul> Compensation is a monthly retainer plus a performance bonus. The bonus is the larger part of the opportunity and is paid mainly on new board listings and authorizations, with additional payments tied to volume and distribution targets. Travel and agreed market expenses are covered.<br /><br />To apply, send your resume with a short note on the listings you have secured with Canadian liquor boards in the last three years and the brands you represented.