Director - Category Leadership & Product Marketing

Summary: As the Category Leadership and Product Marketing Director, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to drive category growth and enhance product marketing initiatives. You will lead cross-functional teams, manage category portfolios, and create marketing strategies that align with brand objectives. Your role will require a blend of strategic thinking, market analysis, and creative problem-solving to ensure our products meet and exceed market expectations. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Category Strategy Development: 

• Develop and implement category strategies that drive revenue growth and market share expansion. 

• Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to identify opportunities and threats. 

• Collaborate with sales, product development, and other departments to ensure alignment with overall business objectives. 

• Product Marketing Leadership: 

• Create and execute product marketing strategies that effectively position products in the market and differentiate them from competitors. 

• Oversee the development of product messaging, positioning, and go-to-market strategies. 

• Manage the product lifecycle from concept through launch, including market research, pricing strategies, and promotional activities. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

• Work closely with the sales team to support product launches, promotional campaigns, and sales enablement efforts. 

• Partner with the finance team to develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial performance related to the category. 

• Partner with Education in the development of product education strategies.  

Brand and Product Positioning: 

• Ensure consistent and compelling product messaging across all marketing channels. 

• Develop and execute product marketing plans that enhance brand awareness and drive consumer engagement. 

Team Leadership and Development 

• Manage and develop a Product Marketing Manager, providing ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to support their growth and success. 

• Set clear goals and expectations, while fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture. 

• Delegate responsibilities effectively to scale leadership impact while ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. 

• Support team development through regular check-ins, professional development planning, and active career pathing. 

Innovation and Continuous Improvement: 

• Identify and recommend new product opportunities based on market needs and competitive analysis. 

• Continuously evaluate and improve product marketing processes and strategies to achieve better results. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:  

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required 

Experience: 10+ years of experience in product marketing, category management, or related roles. 

Skills: 

• Proven track record of developing and executing successful category and product marketing strategies. 

• Strong analytical skills and experience with market research and data analysis. 

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. 

• Proficiency in marketing tools and platforms, including CRM systems, analytics tools, and digital marketing channels. 

Work Environment:   The work environment is indoors in a professional office environment.  The floor surfaces are carpeted in office areas and conference rooms with vinyl floor covering typical in hallways, break rooms and computer rooms. Occasionally, they may work in a warehouse environment, as part of a project, and/or in the field with outside sales. 

Work Hours: The work schedule is 5 days per week, 8 hours per day.  Initial start time may vary, with work hours typically from 8am-5pm.  Work hours and shifts are subject to change depending on operating business conditions and needs. The position resides in Orange County but is hybrid with 2 days being remote work. 

Physical and Mental Demands: Sedentary, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, or negligible amounts of force frequently, to move objects. This job also requires constant sitting. Constant use of the upper extremities is required to reach, handle, and position tools and equipment.  The employee must know and follow proper safety protocols and maintain a professional and polished appearance.  They must be able to efficiently use Microsoft Office Programs and Project Management systems to retrieve information, generate documents, organize project plans/schedules and coordinate meetings.  The employee must also be able to maintain and preserve confidentiality of company information, exhibit strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders, including international affiliates. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:   1-2 direct reports