Manager, Category Marketing

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. We pump peanut butter into your jar, the oil in your car, glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows, and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house, and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

About the role

White Knight Fluid Handling Inc., a subsidiary of Graco, is a leading supplier of pumps and fluid transfer technology to the semiconductor, solar cells, LEDs, flat-panel displays, electronic, and industrial markets. As the Manager of Category Marketing for White Knight, you will develop and execute global marketing strategies for the Division’s assigned market category. This role requires deep knowledge of target industries to develop a strong voice of customer (VOC), set market size, develop go-to-market (GTM) strategies, and drive growth through strategic marketing planning.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Marketing and GTM Strategy
  • Develop and implement global 5-year strategic marketing roadmaps that align with the division’s global business strategies.
  • Lead in-depth research on divisional categories to understand market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive landscapes, and communicate customer engagement strategies to commercial and GTM teams.
  • Develop and execute strategies to effectively segment the market and establish buyer insights to define market size and capture opportunities within the categories.
  • Create and implement comprehensive category marketing strategies and GTM strategies that align with divisional goals and target customer personas.
  • Create detailed business plans to support the introduction of new products within the categories.
  • Lead team efforts in developing Customer Requirements Documentation (CRD).
  • Identify opportunities for inorganic growth and adjacencies within the categories.
• VOC and Value Proposition Development
  • Lead the execution and analysis of VOC insights to inform marketing strategies and develop market segmentation to define the buyer journey map for target personas.
  • Analyze VOC data to understand the customer's needs, preferences, and pain points, and incorporate insights into marketing strategies.
  • Develop compelling value propositions that resonate with target customers and address their specific needs.
• Pricing and Forecast Strategy
  • Develop and implement pricing strategies that reflect market conditions, customer value, and competitive positioning.
  • Develop accurate product forecasts based on market analysis, VOC insights, and historical data.
  • Use forecasting data to inform product development and marketing strategies.
• Product Brand and Launch
  • Define and manage product branding strategies to ensure consistency and alignment with company values and brand identity.
  • Oversee product branding efforts, ensuring alignment with category strategies, market positioning, and global Graco brand strategy.
  • Lead teams to manage new product trademarks and branding initiatives to enhance product visibility and recognition.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches and market penetration.
  • Lead team to determine the need for product-related events, such as trade shows, webinars, and industry conferences.
• Team Leadership and Financial Management
  • Lead, mentor, manage, and staff a team of marketing individual contributors, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and promoting a culture of excellence.
  • Drive team performance by setting clear goals, providing ongoing feedback, and facilitating professional growth opportunities.
  • Establish, manage, and be accountable for the annual marketing budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and alignment with organizational strategic objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; an MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in marketing, with a focus on category-specific strategies and market development.
• Excellent leadership skills; 2+ years of team leadership experience preferred.
• Proven track record in market research, GTM strategy development, and pricing strategy creation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret VOC insights, market pricing data, and product forecasts.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience reporting to senior leadership.
• Ability to identify and evaluate opportunities for inorganic growth and strategic adjacencies.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time, both domestic and international.
• Semiconductor industry experience and knowledge (accelerator).
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage.
• Stock purchase plan.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Career development opportunities across divisions.
• Graco has been named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022.

Pay

The base pay range for this position is $111,100.00 - $194,400.00, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation. The final base salary will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and experience, with consideration for internal equity.