At The Trail Hotel, we are passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for bourbon enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. As a hospitality leader in Bardstown, Kentucky - the Bourbon Capital of the World, we take pride in offering immersive, innovative, and exceptional bourbon experiences. Whether through distillery tours, tastings, events, or exclusive offerings, we aim to provide guests with an authentic, educational, and memorable journey through the world of bourbon.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic, creative, and highly organized Director of Bourbon Experiences & Sales to lead the development and execution of world-class, immersive experiences for our brand. This individual will be responsible for crafting compelling, educational, and sensory-rich experiences that bring our bourbon legacy to life for our diverse audience. The Director will play a pivotal role in shaping our brand's presence in the bourbon industry and enhancing customer engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and Curate Bourbon Experiences: Lead the creation, planning, and execution of engaging, high-quality bourbon experiences, including but not limited to tastings, distillery tours, private events, and consumer engagement activities.
Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of experience coordinators, guides, and other staff to ensure all experiences are consistently executed at the highest standards. Provide training and ongoing support to create a knowledgeable and passionate team.
Customer Engagement & Experience: Foster strong relationships with guests, ensuring their experience exceeds expectations. Implement strategies to enhance customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty.
Brand Representation: Serve as a key ambassador for the brand, sharing the story of our bourbon and its heritage. Act as the face of the brand in public-facing events, media appearances, and industry partnerships.
Event Management: Oversee the planning and execution of large-scale events, such as bourbon festivals, VIP tastings, and industry gatherings, ensuring the brand is well-represented and the experience is aligned with company values.
Collaborate with Marketing & Sales Teams: Work closely with marketing and sales departments to design campaigns and strategies that promote bourbon experiences and engage our target audience across various channels.
Innovation & Trends: Stay up-to-date with industry trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies to create innovative and relevant bourbon experiences that continue to elevate the brand.
Budget and Resources Management: Develop and manage the budget for bourbon experiences, ensuring efficient use of resources while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Measure and Report Success: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to experience satisfaction, guest attendance, and revenue. Provide regular reporting on the success and impact of experiences and suggest areas for continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
Experience: Minimum of 7+ years in event planning, brand experience development, or hospitality management, with a focus on luxury or experiential marketing in the beverage, spirits, or hospitality industries.
Bourbon Expertise: A deep understanding of bourbon, its production process, history, and culture. Bourbon certification (such as Bourbon Steward, Bourbon Master, etc.) is a plus.
Leadership Skills: Proven track record of managing and leading teams to success. Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop talent.
Creative and Strategic Thinking: Strong ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute immersive experiences that captivate and engage a wide range of audiences.
Excellent Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with various stakeholders, from guests to executives.
Event Planning Expertise: Exceptional project management and event planning skills, with experience managing large-scale events and overseeing logistics, timelines, and budgets.
Customer-Centric Mindset: Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences with a focus on hospitality, personalization, and attention to detail.