Sports Marketing Specialist

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, and Morton Williams banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About You

Summary

The Sports Shopper Marketer role is a critical role in the Marketing Division, responsible for the creation and execution of a broad range of shopper marketing programs and campaigns. This role will strategically identify sports partnerships in Wakefern’s trade area, which accelerate engagement and grow sales, profit and shopper count. This activity will support both the in-store and digital customer journey while aligning to Marketing and total Wakefern objectives. Programs will range from hyper-targeted activation to omni-channel, large-scale corporate programs. A major focus in this role is the ability to convert insights into actionable, shopper-first programs, and evaluate program performance. The Sports Shopper Marketer will collaborate and work closely with procurement divisions, local sports teams, customer org counterparts, CPG partners, and agency and data partners, to ensure effective program execution and results. The main priority in this role will be to drive a positive change in consumer behavior by creating meaningful programs, executing flawlessly and obtaining measurable results. This role reports to the Manager of Marketing and Vendor Planning.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Core Functions

The core functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Partner closely with key vendors to develop a joint yearly marketing plan that delivers against both the brand’s objectives and Wakefern’s objectives


• Manage the full lifecycle of campaigns, across all activation platforms


• Effectively and accurately manage a budget to deliver contribution to the organization


• Collaborate with internal analytics team, as well as 3rd party data providers (proprietary and syndicated sources), to identify business opportunities


• Create brand-specific, vendor-sponsored programs that ladder up to divisional objectives


• Create targeted, personalized savings campaigns, seasonally relevant or themed, to specific segments of our customer base


• Manage corporate-wide, omni-channel savings campaigns, with cost, basket sales and profit accountability


• Partner with division’s Marketing Analyst to ensure campaign tactics are executed accordingly


• Tailor national programs to meet the needs of our shoppers


• Act as liaison from marketing to product divisions, to further business relationships and ultimately, sales


• Create succinct presentations for delivery to membership and or committees


• Communicate program details internally, prior to launch, for buy-in and support


• Seek continuous improvement from programs to further optimum customer experience

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, with concentration in marketing and/or brand management


• 3-5 years of marketing experience


• Procurement experience preferred


• Driven self-starter, with the ability to work across various business units


• Ability to demonstrate analytical thinking and data-driven decision making


• Ability to measure, analyze and evaluate campaign performance


• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment


• Ability to negotiate vendor funding and manage a yearly marketing budget


• Ability to think strategically and plan tactically


• A passion for our business, and willingness to take calculated risks


• Strong communication skills


• Strong project management skills


• Strong versatility, adaptability and influencing skills


• Procurement experience a plus


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to participate in retail store visits


• Ability to sit/stand in front of a computer for long periods of time


• Ability to adhere to the company’s four day a week in office work requirement


• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time


• Ability to travel as required

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $80,000-$110,000 annually. Placement in the salary depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.