Brand Developer

We are currently hiring two Crooked Owl Hard Tepache Brand Developers each covering the Northern and Southern California regions, respectively.

The job: Brand Developers are critical to engaging audiences, building brand awareness, and driving sales. They serve as the face of our brand in critical regional markets helping to build a first-to-market brand in Northern California (including Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Solano, San Joaquin, Marin, Stanislaus, Sonoma, Napa and Merced counties) and Southern California (LA and Orange counties). Reporting to the brand founders, Brand Developers will lead IRL education about our new to world product and brand values, engage with wholesale customers and consumers in on and off-premise accounts, execute brand activations and events, seed products to brand partners and influencers, and help spread the Crooked Owl story. This is a part-time, salaried role with the expectation to work 20-30 hours per week to start with full time potential as the brand grows. The position is backed by a competitive compensation plan and expense budget.

The Company: Inspired by the vibrant flavors and culture of Central Mexico, Crooked Owl is the embodiment of our passion for food, culture, and a great time. Fermented with organic pineapple, Mexican piloncillo sugar, and cane sugar, our Hard Tepache is naturally probiotic, low calorie, gluten free, and shelf stable. And at 5% ABV, it's the perfect companion for every crooked occasion. Crooked Owl is at Whole Foods Market, Mother’s Market, Total Wine, and leading independent retailers throughout Northern and Southern California.

Your vibe: You are an outgoing, driven, self-starter with a passion for talking to people and building relationships. You understand the importance of experiential marketing, have experience in sales and/or hospitality, and enjoy ideating and executing unique experiences that increase brand awareness, customer loyalty, and drive sales. You are organized and understand that data and reporting are critical for business success.

Responsibilities:  

Educate and Inspire Sales Partners 20%

• Work with local distribution partners to support their sales goals 
• Build relationships with sales team members and coordinate samplings based on goals
• Grow relationships with key accounts

Ignite Interest and Awareness among Industry Leaders 40%

• Visit prospective on and off premise accounts with the goal of gaining or improving menu and/or shelf placement
• Build and maintain strong relationships with account decision makers
• Facilitate staff trainings and product tastings at on/off premise accounts to increase regional sales volume and velocity goals
• Merchandise and seek incremental opportunities to grow both brands’ placements within on/off premise accounts
• 80% of time focused on the off premise, 20% on-premise
• Within the off premise, 50% of time should be spent in chains and 50% in independents. Whole Foods placements are critical to ensure we are merchandised well at eye level with accurate pricing and in the correct category section. Placing POS tools (such as shelf talkers and signage) where possible.

Build Brand Awareness and Loyalty with Consumers 20%

• Share Crooked Owl’s core messages to connect authentically with consumers
• Facilitate 1-2 consumer sampling events per week at on and off premise accounts to drive brand awareness, consumer affinity, and sales
• Execute consumer-oriented brand activations and events including, but not limited to, community events, curated brand events, festivals, happy hours, and tastings
• Assist founders with identification of brand partners and influencers aligned with Crooked Owl brand values in the region; assist with product seeding to support digital marketing goals

Reporting & Admin 20%

• Transport product and marketing materials to and from distributor warehouse, off-site events, and retailers
• Setup/breakdown, maintain, and clean materials including but not limited to coolers, POS, and all corresponding parts 
• Complete demo and event recaps communicating consumer feedback, detailed information of event performance, sample inventory depletion, sample spend, etc. 
• Additional duties as needed

Qualifications:

• 21 years of age or older at the time of application
• Valid state/county Responsible Alcohol Service certification (TIPS), or willingness and ability to obtain one, where applicable
• Live within the assigned territory market 
• Able to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Able to lift 30 lbs. and stand for long periods of time
• Reliable private or public transportation within assigned territory 
• Positive attitude and solutions-oriented mentality
• Interpersonal, energetic, and confident when engaging with clients and customers 
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Space to store sampling and promotional materials (Including a 3ft folding table and a cooler)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous field marketing experience
• Strong network of local brand partners and influencers
• A connection to Mexican or Mexican American culture & heritage

Perks:

• Free hard tepache!!
• Crooked Owl branded swag
• Casual and creative culture
• Flexible schedule