Retail Activation Manager,

This role in summary

Whirlpool is seeking a qualified candidate for Retail Activation Manager to join our Retail Activation team.

The role can be based in Chicago, IL at World of Whirlpool ( WoW ) Studios or at the Riverview Campus in Benton Harbor, MI. This role is onsite 5 days a week.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and team player. This role is critically important for Whirlpool’s retail partners and ensuring in-store success. This role will help oversee the activation plan execution at the retailer level in collaboration with sales, brand and retailer’s teams. This role ensures our Brands and products are effectively promoted and well represented in the retail environment. The candidate in this role focuses on driving sales and enhancing consumer engagement through distinctive and relevant shopping experiences. This role focuses on making our brands stand out in a crowded retail environment, driving strong brand preference over competitors.

Your responsibilities will include

• Works with Retail Activation Senior Manager (RASM) to develop annual activation plan (JBP), in close collaboration with retailer, sales team and Brand Marketing, making sure priorities and strategic direction alignment. 

• Designs with RASM support and executes marketing campaigns and promotional activities at the retailer level (both: on the sales floor and on retailer.com), in collaboration with key strategic channels and in alignment with annual activation plan.

• Manage activation calendar, making sure on time and on budget execution.

• Coordinated with WoW (internal agency) and Brand team to create marketing materials, product information, and promotional content driving high visibility and high conversion at the point of purchase

• Creates compelling in-store experiences that capture shopper interest and encourage interaction with our brand’s products (driving high engagement and conversion rate). Ensures product displays and POP assets are distinctive, on brand and drive high engagement.

• Work closely with internal teams (brand, product content, sales, media), retail partners and vendors to coordinate and execute retail activation seamlessly

• Gather data on campaign and promotional performance (incl. Store visits), customer feedback, and market trends to inform future activation strategies and improve effectiveness.

• Manage budget for retail activation campaigns/promotions, co-marketing programs, ensuring cost efficiency and on budget spend.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3+ years of experience in one or more of the following: Marketing / Shopper Marketing, Product Development, Media, Brand, Management, eCommerce or Sales (Sales experience must include partnering with retailers to plan product marketing campaigns or promotions)

Preferred skills and experiences

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Marketing
• Experience in Trade Media/Marketing (Paid, Owned, Earned, Event)
• Project management, strong time management and organizational skills
• Owns a Straight Talk mentality 
• Strong oral, written communication, and presentation skills
• Proficient computer skills, Google Suite and Excel
• Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment, overcome challenges, and manage multiple priorities and stakeholders
• Strong influencing and consultative skills - includes advocating for the shopper, aligning objectives across teams and partnering internally and externally to grow the business and brand equity
• Proven ability to develop strong relationships
• Proven analytical skills and ability to successfully integrate differen