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Alcohol Distributor Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

IJW Whiskey Company

Supply Chain Manager

Louisville, KY · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Working knowledge of TTB, FDA, import/export regulations, USMCA, and compliance requirements related to alcohol distribution and the U.S. 3-tier system. * Proven experience optimizing logistics ...

ijwwhiskey

Supply Chain Manager

Louisville, KY · On-site

Working knowledge of TTB, FDA, import/export regulations, USMCA, and compliance requirements related to alcohol distribution and the U.S. 3-tier system. * Proven experience optimizing logistics ...

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All JobsAlcohol Distributor JobsAlcohol Distributor Jobs in Kentucky

Alcohol Distributor information

See Kentucky salary details

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$14

$23

How much do alcohol distributor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for alcohol distributor in Kentucky is $14.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do alcohol distributors make money?

Alcohol distributors make money by purchasing alcoholic beverages from manufacturers at wholesale prices and selling them to retailers or bars at a higher retail price, earning a profit margin. They often generate revenue through volume sales, delivery fees, and distribution contracts, requiring knowledge of inventory management and licensing regulations.

Do alcohol distributors make good money?

Alcohol distributors typically earn competitive salaries that can vary based on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start with moderate pay, while experienced distributors or those with sales skills can earn higher incomes, often supplemented by commissions or bonuses. The job may also require licensing and knowledge of industry regulations.

What is the difference between Alcohol Distributor vs Liquor Store Clerk?

AspectAlcohol DistributorLiquor Store Clerk
CredentialsDriver's license, possibly distributor licenseAge verification, basic retail training
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, delivery routes, distribution centersRetail stores, liquor shops
Industry UsageSupply chain, wholesale distributionRetail sales, customer service

While both roles involve alcohol, an Alcohol Distributor focuses on supplying products to retailers and businesses, often involving logistics and licensing. A Liquor Store Clerk works directly with customers in retail settings, handling sales and age verification. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the alcohol industry.

What does an alcohol distributor do?

An alcohol distributor is a company or individual responsible for purchasing alcoholic beverages from manufacturers and supplying them to retailers, bars, restaurants, and other establishments. Their role includes managing inventory, ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations, and coordinating logistics for delivery. Alcohol distributors act as intermediaries, helping manufacturers reach a wider market while ensuring that retailers have a steady supply of products.

What are some common challenges faced by alcohol distributors in managing inventory and compliance?

Alcohol distributors often face the dual challenge of efficiently managing inventory while ensuring strict compliance with state and federal regulations. Inventory can fluctuate due to seasonal demand, requiring accurate forecasting and robust logistics systems. Additionally, distributors must meticulously track shipments and maintain records to comply with licensing laws, tax regulations, and age verification requirements. Regular training and close coordination with suppliers, retailers, and government agencies help mitigate these challenges and keep operations running smoothly.

What does an alcohol distributor do?

The job of an alcohol distributor is to support the wholesale or merchant liquor sales process on behalf of a beer, wine, or liquor manufacturer. They may work as an account representative, delivery driver, or warehouse employee. The transportation of alcohol is heavily regulated, and the laws change regularly. The duties of an alcohol distributor in a sales representative role are to negotiate sales, suggest products, and manage bulk shipments. Licensure requirements vary.

More about Alcohol Distributor jobs

What are popular job titles related to Alcohol Distributor jobs in Kentucky?

For Alcohol Distributor jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Alcohol Distributor jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Alcohol Distributor jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Alcohol Distributor jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Alcohol Distributor job openings:

Alcohol Distributor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Alcohol Distributor job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,615 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Supply Chain Manager

IJW Whiskey Company

Louisville, KY • On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated spirits company. Founded in 2017, we've compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 40-acre campus in Danville. Our ambitious growth trajectory includes a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for completion in early 2026, and a Japanese distillery in Chitose that will be completed in late 2026.
With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, our diverse team of seasoned professionals and dynamic newcomers has propelled IJW to the forefront of the spirits industry. Our strategic partnership with one of the nation's largest independent Wine & Spirits distributors has enabled us to offer 22 products across four unique private label bourbon brands in 28 states. We have added to our spirits portfolio with our first Tequila and Mezcal brands.
Summary:
We are looking for a Supply Chain Manager to oversee and enhance our supply chain processes. Reporting to our Director of Procurement, the ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the finished goods supply chain, ensuring seamless operations and cost-effectiveness. The Supply Chain Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and logistics partners to optimize inventory management, reduce lead times, and maintain the highest service standards.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Supply Chain Operations & Optimization
    • Own end-to-end supply chain operations for finished goods, including imports/exports, warehousing, logistics, inventory management, and distribution across the U.S. 3-tier system.
    • Lead demand planning, inventory optimization, and S&OP to balance service, inventory, and operational efficiency.
    • Manage relationships with co-packers, bottling partners, freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehouses, and other supply chain partners to ensure reliable execution and scalable operations.
    • Support supply chain readiness for new product launches, business expansion, and future manufacturing initiatives.
    • Develop and monitor KPIs for inventory health, OTIF, lead times, fill rates, and logistics costs.
  • Risk Management & Continuity
    • Develop risk mitigation strategies for suppliers, logistics, inventory, regulatory compliance, and global trade disruptions.
    • Establish contingency inventory, alternate sourcing, and backup logistics plans for critical materials and SKUs.
    • Ensure compliance with import/export, customs, TTB, FDA, and bonded warehousing regulations.
  • Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
    • Support sourcing strategies for barrels, grains, flavors, ingredients, and other key materials, including supplier qualification, negotiations, contract management, and market analysis.
    • Partner on supplier performance, cost reduction, and sourcing initiatives that improve continuity, scalability, and operational efficiency.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Collaborate with procurement, production, quality, finance, sales, and commercial teams to align supply chain strategy with business goals.
    • Build strong partnerships with co-packers and bottling partners to support production planning, capacity, service levels, and growth.
    • Provide leadership with regular reporting on supply chain performance, risks, opportunities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Operations, or a related field; MBA or other advanced degree is an asset.
  • 3-5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, logistics, procurement, or operations, preferably in beverage alcohol, CPG, food & beverage, or other regulated industries.
  • Experience managing international imports, customs, freight forwarding, bonded warehousing, and global logistics, including imports from markets such as Japan and Mexico.
  • Working knowledge of TTB, FDA, import/export regulations, USMCA, and compliance requirements related to alcohol distribution and the U.S. 3-tier system.
  • Proven experience optimizing logistics networks, reducing landed costs, improving service levels, managing inventory, and supporting demand planning, forecasting, and S&OP.
  • Experience managing relationships with co-packers, bottling partners, 3PL providers, freight carriers, and international suppliers.
  • Proficiency with ERP systems, inventory planning tools, and transportation management systems.
  • Experience supporting new product launches, supply chain scaling, strategic sourcing, category management, and continuous improvement initiatives, including KPIs, dashboards, and process automation.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, negotiation, vendor management, and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Apply