Director, US RTD Marketing - - 196

What makes this a great opportunity?

• -196 is not a brand you simply manage — it is a brand you build. As a critical growth driver for North America, -196 is redefining what a Japanese vodka seltzer can be in the U.S. market. Built on proprietary Freeze Crush Infusion technology and a distinctly Japanese brand world inspired by Japanese culture, -196 represents a significant growth opportunity within Suntory Global Spirits.
• The Director, Marketing – -196 will lead the overall U.S. brand strategy and business agenda, building the long-term vision while delivering near-term growth. This leader will have significant ownership and visibility, leading a team of approximately eight and partnering closely with commercial, innovation, insights, finance, global marketing, and agency partners.
• This is an opportunity for someone who wants to build, scale, and shape a challenger brand, rather than inherit an established playbook.

Role Responsibilities

• Brand & Business Leadership
• Team Leadership & Development
• Creative, Consumer & Innovation Leadership
• Commercial & P&L Leadership
• Cross-Functional & Global Leadership

Qualifications
This role is for a builder and people leader who combines strong consumer marketing instincts with commercial and analytical discipline.

• 12–15+ years of progressive brand marketing experience, including significant RTD brand marketing experience as a requirement, ideally complemented by experience in beer, spirits, beverage, or another high-growth consumer category.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience, with demonstrated success leading, developing, and motivating high-performing marketing teams.
• Experience leading a sizable brand or business with meaningful P&L, budget, and investment responsibility.
• Demonstrated success building and scaling brands, particularly challenger, emerging, or high-growth brands.
• Strong track record developing integrated brand strategies and translating them into measurable consumer and commercial growth.
• Deep experience across creative development, media, innovation, consumer activation, and commercial execution.
• Strong consumer instincts with the ability to identify emerging cultural trends and translate them into brand opportunities.
• Highly analytical and comfortable using consumer, syndicated, financial, and commercial data to make decisions.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and navigate complex global and cross-functional organizations.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building the strategy and operating model rather than relying on an established playbook.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial leadership style with a willingness to challenge the status quo and move quickly.
• Alcohol/beverage experience strongly preferred; strong CPG backgrounds considered.
• MBA preferred.
• Willingness to travel approximately 15–20% domestically.

Ideal Profile

• A commercially minded brand builder who has successfully taken a consumer brand from an emerging growth opportunity to meaningful scale. This person should bring the creativity and consumer orientation of a strong marketer, the discipline of a business leader, and the leadership capability to develop a team of eight while influencing senior stakeholders across Suntory Global Spirits.

The salary range for this role located in New York is $200,000- $220,000 along with an annual bonus, 401K match, profit sharing, and medical and wellness benefits. The salary range is commensurate with the candidate’s location, experience, and skillset. The range will vary if outside of this location.