Category Marketing Specialist at J.D. Irving, Saint John, NB

AI Summary

J.D. Irving is seeking a Category Marketing Specialist in Saint John, NB. This role involves developing and executing marketing strategies to drive sales and brand awareness for home improvement products. Key duties include overseeing marketing campaigns and managing budgets. Candidates should have experience in marketing management, preferably in the retail or home improvement industry, and a strong understanding of product marketing.

About the Opportunity

As a Category Marketing Specialist for Building Material Categories at J.D. Irving, you will be instrumental in shaping the marketing landscape for home improvement products within the retail sector. This pivotal role requires a strategic approach to marketing, focusing on developing and executing comprehensive strategies that not only drive sales but also significantly enhance brand awareness. Your responsibilities will span the entire lifecycle of marketing campaigns, from initial strategic planning and meticulous budget management to the precise execution of initiatives and in-depth performance analysis. A core focus will be on effectively reaching and engaging target customers through innovative marketing efforts.

You will lead the planning, execution, and optimisation of integrated marketing campaigns across a diverse array of channels, including digital advertising, print media, social media, email marketing, and in-store promotions. Collaborating with both internal and external creative teams will be essential for developing compelling marketing collateral, such as advertising materials, product packaging, signage, and promotional displays. Furthermore, you will oversee the creation and curation of engaging content for category marketing campaigns, encompassing graphic design, landing pages, blog posts, and video content, all designed to educate and inspire customers. Utilizing market research and competitive analysis will be key to identifying growth opportunities, understanding customer preferences, and staying abreast of industry trends and best practices in product marketing and home improvement. Effective budget management for home improvement categories will ensure resources are allocated efficiently to achieve desired results and maximise return on investment. Performance tracking through key performance indicators (KPIs) will be a regular task, with results shared monthly with key partners across the organisation, fostering continuous improvement. Cross-functional collaboration with teams like product management, merchandising, sales, and operations will ensure marketing efforts are seamlessly aligned with product launches, promotions, and inventory management, ensuring a cohesive customer experience.

What You Bring to the Team

To excel in this Category Marketing Specialist role, a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred, providing a strong theoretical foundation for strategic marketing management. Significant experience in marketing management is highly valued, particularly within the retail or home improvement industry, with a distinct focus on product marketing and category management. An understanding of the customer journey and experience for Lumber and Building Materials is considered a valuable asset, demonstrating a practical insight into the target market.

Candidates must possess a strong understanding of home improvement products, current market trends, and evolving customer needs, coupled with the ability to translate these market insights into actionable and impactful marketing strategies. Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills are crucial, evidenced by a proven track record of driving results through innovative marketing initiatives and continuous improvement. A creative mindset is essential for developing compelling messaging and content that truly resonates with target audiences, enhancing the effectiveness of all marketing campaigns. Strong project management skills are also required, enabling the successful management of multiple campaigns and deadlines simultaneously. Proficiency in marketing analytics tools and techniques is expected for robust performance tracking and optimisation. Finally, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are paramount for effective collaboration with diverse cross-functional teams and external partners, ensuring all marketing efforts contribute to overall business success and an enhanced customer experience.

About J.D. Irving, Limited

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is a diversified enterprise operating across Eastern Canada and the USA, supported by a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At JDI, you will join a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. The company fosters a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, offering opportunities for career growth across its various operating divisions. JDI is committed to creating accessible environments for its colleagues, candidates, and customers, encouraging applicants to make their accommodation needs known to ensure equitable opportunities. They also promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated and empowered to contribute fully, encouraging applications even if candidates don't meet every single requirement. JDI utilises a combination of human screening and AI technology in recruitment, ensuring privacy and responsible AI use.

This role is specifically within Kent, which stands as the largest retail building supply chain in Atlantic Canada. With 48 locations and an e-commerce website, Kent's mission is to be the premier source of home improvement products, achieved through superior customer service and expertise, quality products, and consistently great prices. They prioritise customer and staff safety by hiring and training associates committed to their safety values. Employing over 3,700 people, Kent actively works to increase its market share through strategic investment in training and technology. A strong focus is placed on the development of their people and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. In addition to retail stores, Kent operates truss manufacturing facilities and a wholesale drywall company, and is a member of Independent Lumber Dealers Co-operative and the ARENA buying group, ensuring a great product selection and competitive pricing for their customers.