Market Development Specialist

Inspira is a brand relationship agency. Did we make that up? Yes, yes, we did. But defining ourselves as a “full-service agency” just feels too generic. Instead, we focus on what people can expect every time they work with us: an integrated approach to cultivating deeper, long-term relationships between brands and consumers. The kind of relationships that don’t just drive sales, but help create powerful, active communities and long-term loyalty as well. Because the truth is, brands aren’t all that different from humans. The best ones are the ones people like getting to know better. 

So, join us in driving meaningful impact for our clients, one relationship at a time. 

This candidate must be based Chicago, IL.

Job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

The Market Development Specialist serves as the dedicated in-market representative for spirit’s portfolio within an assigned territory.

This role is responsible for bringing the portfolio strategy to life by expanding distribution, increasing portfolio presence, building influential trade relationships, and identifying opportunities that drive sustainable growth.

Working closely with distributor partners, key accounts, and trade stakeholders, the MDS acts as a consultative seller, market expert, and portfolio advocate — leveraging data, local market knowledge, and strong relationships to influence decisions and drive commercial performance.

Success in this role requires strong business acumen, entrepreneurial thinking, relationship-building skills, and a passion for helping brands win in market.

Job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Commercial Development & Distribution Growth

• Drive distribution growth across a focused set of priority brands
• Identify and secure new placement opportunities within target accounts
• Increase menu presence, feature activity, back-bar visibility, and account penetration
• Partner with distributor teams to influence account decisions and accelerate growth opportunities
• Utilize sales data, market intelligence, and local insights to identify opportunities and prioritize efforts
• Develop account-specific recommendations and action plans designed to improve performance
• Execute against core portfolio priorities, including designated focus brands, seasonal initiatives and/or market-specific opportunities

Account Strategy & Relationship Management

• Manage a defined universe of priority on premise accounts within an assigned market
• Build and maintain relationships with operators, bartenders, beverage directors, retail buyers, and distributor personnel
• Establish and grow a core group of high-value accounts that drive long-term market impact
• Serve as a trusted advisor and portfolio advocate within the local trade community
• Conduct regular account visits and maintain consistent follow-up against identified opportunities

Trade Advocacy & Portfolio Development

• Deliver product education and training to trade and distributor partners
• Build awareness, advocacy, and recommendation within the trade community
• Support distributor education efforts and local selling initiatives
• Identify opportunities to strengthen portfolio relevance and visibility within market
• Execute local programming, events, and activation initiatives that support commercial objectives

Market Intelligence & Business Planning

• Analyze sales performance, distribution data, and account trends to identify opportunities and gaps
• Monitor competitive activity and emerging market dynamics
• Capture and communicate account feedback, market insights, and business recommendations
• Maintain accurate reporting and KPI tracking
• Provide actionable recommendations designed to improve market performance and accelerate growth

Strategic Market Support

• Participate in quarterly market blitzes and concentrated growth initiatives
• Support priority business needs, distributor mandates, market launches, and portfolio priorities
• Travel as needed to support regional and national initiatives (less than 25% of time)
• Collaborate across markets to maximize impact and share best practices

The physical demands of this role require the following:

• Must be able to regularly lift, carry, push, and/or pull items weighing at least 15 pounds and up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to perform physical tasks associated with the role, including moving materials, equipment, and supplies as needed.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods as required by the position.

The above is not a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties which may be required from day to day.

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• 3-4 years of beverage alcohol, hospitality, field sales, distributor, broker, or related commercial experience
• Strong understanding of the three-tier system and beverage alcohol landscape
• Existing relationships within the local trade community preferred
• Demonstrated ability to influence, sell, and build relationships
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to utilize data to identify opportunities and drive action
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to work independently
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as business needs require
• Must reside within assigned market and possess a valid driver's license
• Manage administrative tasks with attention to meeting agency compliance guidelines and standards

We believe stronger relationships lead to stronger outcomes—not just in business, but also in the communities we serve.That’s why since day one we’ve partnered with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, donating a portion of our profits each year to fund pediatric cancer research.

The base compensation range for this job classification is between $70,000.00-$80,000.00 annually. The determination of what a specific employee in this job classification is paid depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, prior employment history/job-related skills and qualifications, length of service, brand program, and geographic location. This job classification is bonus-eligible, with bonus potential subject to applicable bonus plan terms and conditions.

This position offers incentive opportunities plus full benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with match, PTO time and more!

Inspira is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship, disability, genetics, pregnancy, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Inspira is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for other reasons in the employment application and hiring process, in accordance with applicable law. To request an accommodation please contact [email protected].