Strategic Development Manager Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the \"Best Places to Work in Kentucky\" four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

The Product Development Manager – BuzzBallz leads and coordinates all BuzzBallz-related new product development (NPD) initiatives across domestic and international markets. This role is responsible for driving disciplined project execution, coordinating technical feasibility assessments, and ensuring strong cross-functional alignment throughout the commercialization process. The position supports company growth by enabling efficient innovation, minimizing execution risk, and aligning Texas-based R&D resources to high-value strategic initiatives. The role works closely with Product Development, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Procurement, Brand, and Commercial teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Lead and coordinate BuzzBallz-related NPD initiatives from concept through commercialization. Support the NBD process through technical feasibility assessments, project governance, stage‑gate readiness, and cross‑functional alignment to ensure successful execution of domestic and global innovation projects.


• Provide responsive technical support and clear communication to internal stakeholders supporting the BuzzBallz Business Unit, including Brand, Product Development, Operations, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, Procurement, and Commercial teams. Ensure projects are executed efficiently, risks are communicated proactively, and commercialization activities support business objectives and consumer expectations.


• Ensure all BuzzBallz formulations, commercialization activities, and project documentation comply with company standards and all applicable regulatory, safety, and legal requirements across domestic and international markets. Ensure accurate documentation, traceability, and regulatory alignment throughout the product lifecycle.


• Drive consistency and continuous improvement in BuzzBallz project governance, technical reviews, stage‑gate processes, and commercialization workflows. Support initiatives that improve execution efficiency, strengthen NBD rigor, reduce late‑stage project risk, and optimize prioritization of high‑value innovation opportunities supporting the BuzzBallz Business Unit.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related scientific field


• 15+ years of experience in product development, commercialization, manufacturing, or operations within the distilled spirits, beverage alcohol, food, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry


• 5+ years of leadership or supervisory experience leading technical teams and cross‑functional projects


• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment


• Strong sensory aptitude

• Experience supporting new business development (NBD), commercialization, and production scale‑up initiatives


• Experience with sensory evaluation programs or analytical testing


• Experience leading innovation within the beverage alcohol or ready‑to‑drink (RTD) category

• Ability to travel up to 25%


• Ability to distinguish flavors and aromas through taste and smell


• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance

Sazerac offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, and more. These benefits may vary depending on location and work type. Learn more about how we support our employees here.

The annual salary range for this role is $128,984.80 - $193,477.20. Final compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal pay equity considerations.

Sazerac is committed to equality of opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.