Director - Category Leadership & Product Marketing

About the Role

As the Category Leadership and Product Marketing Director, you will develop and execute 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 requires a blend of strategic thinking, market analysis, and creative problem-solving to ensure our products meet and exceed market expectations.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ensure consistent and compelling product messaging across all marketing channels.
• Develop and execute product marketing plans that enhance brand awareness and drive consumer engagement.
• Manage and develop a Product Marketing Manager, providing ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 10+ years of experience in product marketing, category management, or related roles.
• 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 setting. The floor surfaces are carpeted in office areas and conference rooms, with vinyl flooring in hallways, break rooms, and computer rooms. Occasionally, you may work in a warehouse environment as part of a project and/or in the field with outside sales.

Schedule

The work schedule is 5 days per week, 8 hours per day, typically from 8 AM to 5 PM. Initial start time may vary, and work hours are subject to change based on business needs. This is a hybrid role based in Orange County, with 2 days of remote work per week.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Sedentary role, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or negligible amounts frequently.
• Constant sitting and use of upper extremities to reach, handle, and position tools and equipment.
• Must follow proper safety protocols and maintain a professional appearance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs and project management systems required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of company information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders, including international affiliates.

Supervisory Responsibilities

1-2 direct reports.