Marketing Manager (Softgoods)

Location: Chicago, IL USA

The Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies and tactics that drive Wilson's Racquet Sports Softgoods business. This position will serve as the Softgoods marketing category expert working cross-functionally with the Product Development Team and the Apparel Category Business Director. 

This position will lead marketing programs from inception through implementation and ensure consistency and effectiveness through cross-functional leadership. In addition, the position will execute and implement  initiatives associated with both consumers and the trade including: marketing plan development, media acquisition, collateral development, retail training, public relations, social media planning, merchandising and consumer promotions to deliver continuous improvement against key performance metrics. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility effectively:

• Lead marketing interface with key Softgoods team members, partnering to develop integrated category-specific marketing plans
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Finance, Creative Services and other departments to understand, develop and execute strategic consumer-centric programs focused on driving the business
• Lead the development of programs based on the marketing plan:
     - Write creative briefs, track progress and ensure on-time/budget execution
     - Quantify impact of marketing efforts, report performance and recommendations
     - Ensure alignment between Softgoods goals and Marketing strategies
• Analyze and determine insights from consumer research, becoming a category expert and the ambassador of consumer ideas
• Manage execution of public relation strategies through the development of annual, monthly and weekly PR calendars via outside agency
• Support and lead when directed, the annual development of Wilson's consumer/seasonal promotional activities
• Participate in the development of print and digital creative in support of annual communication campaigns
• Provide timely and relevant customer and consumer insights to marketing team and its partners to facilitate strong business decisions
• Update team on the results from various initiatives, including key measurements, key learnings and next steps
• Manage forecast, tracking and accuracy of assigned budget line items
• Identify research needs and partner with research team to initiate quantitative and/or qualitative studies as needed
  

Education/Experience

• Bachelors degree in Marketing, Business Administration or related field
• 5 years experience in marketing execution (digital, print, merchandising)
• Experience in the apparel industry is required
  

Qualifications, Skills & Abilities

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Knowledge of retail operations, store environment, merchandising, and consumer behavior
• Ability to analyze data, develop new ideas and test new programs to drive sales
• Strong project management skills are essential to manage a large number of projects and priorities simultaneously
• Ability to develop thoughtful strategies based on key learning's while still being able to manage day-to-day tactics involved in marketing management (proofing artwork, writing creative briefs, etc)
• Proven ability to understand customers, consumers and markets, and translate their needs into business strategies and initiatives
• Strong conceptual and creative problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft software applications
• Available for limited travel (about 5-10%)
• An awareness of training methodologies and a background in retail sales preferred

EEO - M/F/D/V