Sr. Manager, Spirits

About the Role

Total Wine & More is seeking a Senior Manager, Spirits to join our Merchandising team in Bethesda, MD. In this role, you will lead a high-impact spirits portfolio, driving category strategy, supplier partnerships, and product innovation to deliver sustained growth across the business. You will operate as a strategic leader within the Spirits category, owning complex supplier ecosystems, influencing long-term assortment decisions, and leading cross-functional initiatives that shape Total Wine & More’s competitive position in the market. This role requires strong business acumen, deep industry expertise, and the ability to influence at all levels of the organization. You will report to the Senior Director, Spirits.

You will

• Own and drive category strategy across a significant spirits portfolio, aligning assortment, pricing, promotional, and growth strategies to achieve sales, margin, and long-term business objectives
• Lead and evolve strategic supplier partnerships through executive-level engagement, complex negotiations, joint business planning, and long-term innovation pipeline development
• Oversee and shape new product development (NPD) strategy, guiding end-to-end execution from concept through launch while ensuring alignment with customer trends, innovation priorities, and business goals
• Identify and capitalize on market opportunities by leveraging consumer insights, competitive analysis, sales data, and industry trends to influence category direction and enterprise assortment decisions
• Influence senior leadership decisions by providing forward-looking, data-driven insights, category performance analysis, and strategic recommendations that support business growth and market competitiveness
• Drive financial performance across large-scale portfolios by optimizing margin, identifying revenue growth opportunities, and implementing cost-saving and operational efficiency initiatives
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Store Operations to ensure successful execution of category strategies and promotional initiatives
• Serve as a category thought leader by mentoring junior team members, strengthening team capability, and representing Total Wine & More with key suppliers while staying ahead of emerging trends, innovation, and competitive dynamics

You will come with

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field preferred
• 8–10+ years of experience in merchandising, category management, buying, or supplier management within CPG, retail, or the beverage industry
• Demonstrated success in owning category strategy and managing large, complex portfolios
• Proven ability to lead high-level supplier negotiations and influence executive stakeholders
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, with experience managing revenue, margin, and growth strategies
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and driving organizational alignment
• Proven ability to develop, coach, and manage team members, fostering growth, accountability, and collaboration within a high-performing team environment
• Experience managing direct reports and supporting talent development, performance management, and succession planning preferred
• Ability to operate with a high degree of independence and influence without direct authority
• Strong project management and prioritization skills in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Passion for the spirits industry, with deep knowledge of trends, innovation, and supplier landscape

We offer

• Paid Time Off (PTO) 
• Generous store discounts 
• Health care plans (medical, prescription, dental, vision) 
• 401(k), HSA, FSA, Pre-tax commuter benefits 
• Disability & life insurance coverage 
• Paid parental leave 
• Pet insurance 
• Critical illness and accident insurance 
• Discounted home and auto insurance 
• College tuition assistance 
• Career development & product training 
• Consumer classes 
• & More! 

Crafted for you

We recognize our team members are our biggest asset, and we value the critical role each play in contributing to the company’s success. It is our commitment to support and provide access to the resources needed to take care of their health and wellbeing. That is why we offer a variety of benefits, tools, and resources to support through our Total Rewards program. To view our full career page, click here: https://careers.totalwine.com/!

Total Wine & More considers several factors when establishing compensation. Compensation may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, market location, job-related knowledge, skills and/or experience. The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Estimated salaries determined by third parties have not been validated by Total Wine & More.

Total Wine & More is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Total Wine & More makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process. Total Wine & More is a Drug Free Workplace.

The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply. The anticipated close date of this posting is 120 days from the posted date indicated above.