Manager, Product Marketing - Somerset, NJ - Hybrid

Sysco•Somerset, NJ

1d•$123,400 - $185,200•Hybrid

About The Position

The Product Marketing Manager leads the development and execution of category strategies and go-to-market plans to grow designated product categories. The role determines product assortments, develops marketing strategy, manages supplier relationships, and supports sales training in partnership with internal sourcing and manufacturing teams and distribution partners. The position focuses on retaining and growing hospitality business and exploring opportunities in healthcare and education as trends, innovations, and standards evolve. The manager develops annual distribution marketing plans and budgets; identifies and supports suitable product portfolios for customer segments; manages vendor and partner relationships; promotes awareness of cleaning and operational trends and innovations; and ensures product positioning and programs are executed effectively. The role also manages Product Marketing Associates and ensures appropriate sales and supplier support across the category. The position is based in a normal office environment and is hybrid. It requires travel to internal and customer events as needed, approximately 10%, with limited overnight travel. The role may require evening or weekend work depending on business needs. If working remotely, the employee must have the required software and a dedicated, business-friendly workspace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or relevant years of experience.
5–7 years of work experience in a marketing or category management function.
Experience managing a product category through marketing, merchandising, category management, or brand management, including market and trend assessment, SKU rationalization, supplier management, pricing recommendations and analytics, supplier relationships, and negotiation.
Ability to assess and measure marketing effectiveness and coordinate development and delivery of creative assets, sales tools, and training.
Experience developing and executing business or category strategic growth plans and integrated marketing plans aligned with sales objectives and brand strategies.
General business financial acumen, strong analytical skills, and experience analyzing market and competitive pricing and developing pricing strategies to support growth and profit.
Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, and professional interaction skills; ability to engage and lead individual and team discussions and meetings.
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional colleagues and within a team structure.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including planning, prioritizing, and autonomously executing multiple initiatives and deadlines; ability to manage large, complex projects and shift priorities as needed.
Customer service skills, including prompt responses and follow-up.
Problem-solving skills, including gathering and analyzing information and developing alternative solutions.
Sound judgment, timely decision-making, professionalism, attention to detail, and accuracy.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and Publisher.
Ability to perform the described office duties, including sitting, standing, walking, using office equipment, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 20 pounds.
If working remotely, ability to use required software and maintain a dedicated, distraction-free workspace suitable for customer or conference calls.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

People leadership experience.
Knowledge of the hospitality industry.
Relevant category experience.
PeopleSoft ERP experience.
Copywriting experience.
Management experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of category growth strategies and commercialization of new products or programs through distribution channels.
Develop distribution marketing strategy to build awareness of the company’s manufactured and distributed product offerings, technologies, and innovations.
Identify and develop product portfolios for customer segments with manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution partners.
Partner with Sales and Corporate Accounts to develop annual marketing plans supporting category growth.
Coordinate with Sourcing & Manufacturing, Purchasing, Business Services, Sales, and Standards & Coding to prepare products and programs for commercialization.
Support private-label strategy and ensure strategic SKUs are positioned appropriately.
Analyze campaign results and recommend actions to optimize category performance, KPIs, and ROI.
Evaluate and update category go-to-market pricing recommendations; establish pricing guidelines through competitive analysis.
Manage vendor and partner relationships and associated products to maximize internal and external reach and support.
Influence company-wide execution, including product launches, inventory troubleshooting, communications and promotional calendars, and funding.
Develop category sales tools, training materials, services, product materials, and program materials.
Support category production needs across internal and external design services.
Identify category and segmented product opportunities, including green products.
Keep SharePoint product content and other internal libraries up to date.
Oversee and audit item setup and ensure product lines are accurately represented across customer-facing and internal systems and materials.
Participate in events and trade show execution, including attendance.
Document business processes and workflows as needed.
Serve as lead subject matter expert and key category contact for vendors, partners, and communications.
Coordinate awareness, promotion, and training for category products and services with internal departments and customers.
Coordinate with Business Services on contracts and rebates when relevant.
Align messaging and priorities with manufacturing and sourcing divisions to support distribution marketing plans and communications.
Set annual objectives and lead ongoing category and program business analysis through the category management process.
Lead product positioning and competitive pricing analysis; implement product and marketing innovations through distribution channels.
Research to expand product category knowledge and identify SKU rationalization and conversion opportunities and supporting sales strategies.
Manage Product Marketing Associates, including directing and monitoring daily activities and performance; coaching and developing the team; supporting employee relations, staffing, performance and compensation evaluations, corrective action, training, and conflict resolution; establishing goals and providing feedback; and consulting Human Resources as appropriate.
Conduct regular department meetings to support engagement, communicate policy and procedure changes, address concerns, and encourage ideas and suggestions for improvement.
Perform additional marketing and sales support tasks as required or assigned.