At Hinkleyour mission is to create chic, innovative lighting that illuminates the special moments of life, from the hustle of day-to-day moments to the joyful glow of memorable occasions. We've been around a long time and learned a few things along the way... and one of the most important is that meaningful experiences with our products and our people are more important than business transactions. It's the relationships that matter: with our customers, colleagues and partners. We call it 'Life Aglow.
Hinkley is looking for an experienced Trade Channel Marketing Manager who will be responsible for developing and managing strategic sales and marketing initiatives that bring awareness to the brand and generate profitable sales relationships and growth within the trade market, focusing on Interior Designers. Collaborates with regional representatives to discover fresh business opportunities, enhance current trade partnerships, and ultimately boost sales. This position works closely with internal stakeholders when developing strategies for new business and works to ensure alignment.
This full-time position is based at Hinkley Lighting headquarters in Avon Lake, OH. It will have a hybrid schedule (onsite + remote) plus require domestic travel (see description below for details). While candidates in Northeast Ohio are preferred, we are open to considering applicants in other locations if their experience closely aligns with the role requirements.
Primary Tasks and Responsibilities
- Responsible for driving profitable sales growth within trade market for all brands
- Creates strategic sales and marketing initiatives that bring awareness to the brand and generate sales within the trade market, focusing on Interior Designers.
- Responsible for the identification, evaluation, development, execution and support of new trade partner relationships.
- Works with territory representatives to identify new trade accounts while strengthening existing trade partner relationships to drive increased sales.
- Manages incoming leads with goal of generating revenue and margin growth.
- Develop marketing campaigns to drive trade channel business strategy.
- Works with the marketing team in all aspects of campaigns for trade channel including but not limited to: media advertising, digital marketing, social media, literature development, trade shows and program development.
- Works with sales and marketing teams to develop best in class programs (including loyalty programs) to engage the targeted customer. Evaluates program performance to ensure timely and effective delivery of sales and margin goals.
- Collaborates with internal business partners including marketing, sales, product development and ownership to develop strategies to identify and address new business opportunities.
- Collaborates with Showroom Channel sales leaders to ensure trade programs and initiatives support showrooms by directing relevant trade sales to showroom channels.
- Develops cross functional relationships with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Care and IT to ensure integration and alignment.
- Responsible for the accurate planning and execution of budget for trade channel
- Maintains a comprehensive understanding of the trade channel. Conducts regular market visits to stay current on consumer and category trends, competitors, and shares channel/customer insights with the Company’s sales, Product, Marketing, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Presents business plans, leads quarterly business reviews for trade channel.
- Support related trade marketing events and shows. Coordinates events at shows to drive showroom visits. Works with Visual Merchandiser to maximize new and repeat visits to showroom during trade shows.
- Other duties as assigned.
Special Requirements: Ability to travel (domestic) up to 25% of the time.
Level and Type of Education Required: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications or Business Management required or Associates Degree plus 5+ years’ additional work experience.
Related Work Experience Required: 7 years of professional sales and/or marketing experience with increasing responsibility, preferably in the residential design industry.
Necessary Specialized Training, Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
- Understanding of the Trade/Interior Design market and can “speak the language” of the designer, i.e. interior design styles, techniques, materials, color palettes, key suppliers, etc.
- Outstanding professional writing and content development skills.
- Campaign management experience.
- Marketing communications experience: website, marketing automation, social media, email, etc.
- Understanding and insight of customer and competitor behavior, promotion process, product management and pricing.
- Strong marketing proficiencies, including business and market analysis.
- Strong analytical skills. financial acumen/ ability to manage budgets and understand financial models.
- Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and skilled at developing and delivering sales presentations.
- Demonstrated project management skills to deliver on time results.
- Expertise with vital business software: PowerPoint, Excel, Qlik, CRM, SharePoint, ERP, etc.
- Possesses teamwork/collaboration, leadership and facilitation skills.
- Experience negotiating, structuring, and implementing partnership agreements.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
The following descriptions are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to work in an office and perform in a corporate environment. While traveling work environment will vary (i.e. airports, showrooms, hotels, etc.).
- Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to view computer screen and type on a keyboard.
- Ability to converse over a telephone (hear, speak).
