Sean O'Connell
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Hospitality-driven Brand Development Manager with proven experience in executing successful marketing programs, brand positioning and building solid relationships. Strengths include strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership skills, coupled with an ability to drive brand growth and improve market presence. Demonstrated success in previous roles by enhancing brand visibility, driving customer engagement and forging strong relationships with stakeholders.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Brand Development Manager
Mommenpop Aperitifs
Southern California
09.2023 - Current
- Developing and implementing brand-led programs to increase market share and brand visibility.
- Collaborating with the marketing team to coordinate strategic activities that align with brand strategy.
- Managing budgets and timelines to complete assignments on task, and within budget.
- Training sales teams on key selling points and standards through training seminars and in-field work.
- Working cross-functionally with distribution teams, key account managers, and buyers to develop and maintain strong partnerships.
- Working cross-functionally with the Trade Marketing and Brand Growth Manager to develop, implement, execute, and evaluate brand-building programs.
- Created cocktails for pairing dinners, educational events, and social media content.
- Conducting consumer tastings in the off-premise: Whole Foods, Erewhon, and Total Wine.
Brand Ambassador - USA West
Starward USA
09.2020 - 09.2023
- Planned and executed trade activations focused on brand education and storytelling.
- Worked cross-functionally with the Trade Marketing and Brand Growth Manager to develop, implement, execute, and evaluate brand-building programs.
- Trained sales teams on key selling points and standards through training seminars and in-field work.
- Increased PODs and velocity in sales in the on-premise, through menu placements and market activations.
- Worked closely with the Brand Ambassador team to engage with consumers, both in person and virtually.
- Used social media platforms to increase the share of conversation, and amplify brand messaging.
- Built strong and effective relationships with on- and off-premise retail customers.
- Collaborated with marketing team to plan and execute promotional campaigns.
Craft Activation Specialist
Pernod Ricard USA
08.2019 - 09.2020
- Planned and executed brand-specific market activations with multiple brands: Jameson, Redbreast, The Glenlivet, Altos Tequila, and Absolut Elyx.
- Created cocktails for pairing dinners, educational events, and social media content.
- Contributed content for the BarSmarts education program.
- Hosted tastings and educational events for large and small groups, both in person and virtually.
- Increased the velocity of sales in the on-premise, through menu placements and activations.
- Worked cross-functionally with distribution teams, key account managers, and buyers to develop and maintain strong partnerships.
- Used social media platforms to increase the share of conversation and amplify brand messaging.
Bar Manager
Hundred Proof
10.2018 - 08.2019
- Worked with the Bar Director to manage inventory and costing analytics.
- Implemented training to advance knowledge of wine, beer, spirits, and mixology.
- Planned and executed the 'Spirit Sessions'—a weekly program in partnership with various brands.
- Led a team with other managers; focused on hospitality, service, and creativity as our core values.
- Contributed to menu design and cocktail creation.
- Responsible for balancing nightly bank sheets.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Supervised activities of dining room staff to maintain service levels and support guest needs.
Education
A.A. - Business and Communications
Western International University
Skills
- Budget Management
- Event Planning and Management
- Cocktail creation and costing
- Photography
- CRM management
- Trade show management
- Brand ambassador partnerships
- Sales support
- Karma VIP
- Mondaycom
- MS Excel
- PowerPoint
- Acrobat
- Expensify
- Slack
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
Accomplishments
- Photography featured in Chilled Magazine
- Original cocktail featured in Imbibe Magazine
- Contributing writer for Pernod Ricard's BarSmarts education program
- Created the Whisky for Wildlife program at Starward Whisky USA
- Alumni at Finest City Improv Theater in San Diego
- Created the Spirit Sessions event series
- 2017 and 2018 Angel's Envy Toast the Trees Winner
- Runner-up in the National Bacardi/InterContinental Hotel Group cocktail competition
- Taught English at WEB, a private university in Xuzhou, China
Affiliations
- Photography
- Improv Comedy
- Surfing
Certification
- WSET 2 in Spirits
- WSET 1 in Wine
- Pernod Ricard's BarSmarts
- Bourbon Whiskey Steward
Languages
English
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Brand Development Manager
Mommenpop Aperitifs
09.2023 - Current
Brand Ambassador - USA West
Starward USA
09.2020 - 09.2023
Craft Activation Specialist
Pernod Ricard USA
08.2019 - 09.2020
Bar Manager
Hundred Proof
10.2018 - 08.2019
A.A. - Business and Communications
Western International University
Similar Profiles
Steve SobelSteve Sobel
VP OF CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT/Lead Copywriter at Critical Content/SK Global GroupVP OF CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT/Lead Copywriter at Critical Content/SK Global Group
IRIS LOPEZIRIS LOPEZ
Senior Improvement Coach at CORE DistrictsSenior Improvement Coach at CORE Districts
Liam FrankLiam Frank
Cart Attendant at Kemper Sports Management- Iron Horse Golf ClubCart Attendant at Kemper Sports Management- Iron Horse Golf Club
Carolina RamosCarolina Ramos
Crew Member at McDonald'sCrew Member at McDonald's
Pankaj DiwediPankaj Diwedi
Brand Development Manager at Wadsworth Distributor (T) Ltd.Brand Development Manager at Wadsworth Distributor (T) Ltd.