Retail Activation Manager

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company drives meaningful innovation through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales, 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers.

About the role

Whirlpool is seeking a qualified candidate for the Retail Activation Manager role, which can be based in Chicago, IL at World of Whirlpool (WoW) Studios or at the Riverview Campus in Benton Harbor, MI. This role is onsite 5 days a week and is critically important for Whirlpool’s retail partners, ensuring in-store success. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and team player, focusing on driving sales and enhancing consumer engagement through distinctive and relevant shopping experiences.

Responsibilities

• Work with Retail Activation Senior Manager (RASM) to develop an annual activation plan (JBP) in close collaboration with retailers, the sales team, and Brand Marketing, ensuring alignment with priorities and strategic direction.
• Design (with RASM support) and execute marketing campaigns and promotional activities at the retailer level, both on the sales floor and on retailer.com, in collaboration with key strategic channels and in alignment with the annual activation plan.
• Manage the activation calendar to ensure on-time and on-budget execution.
• Coordinate with WoW (internal agency) and the Brand team to create marketing materials, product information, and promotional content that drives high visibility and conversion at the point of purchase.
• Create compelling in-store experiences that capture shopper interest and encourage interaction with our brand’s products, driving high engagement and conversion rates.
• Ensure product displays and POP assets are distinctive, on-brand, and drive high engagement.
• Work closely with internal teams (brand, product content, sales, media), retail partners, and vendors to coordinate and execute retail activation seamlessly.
• Gather data on campaign and promotional performance (including store visits), customer feedback, and market trends to inform future activation strategies and improve effectiveness.
• Manage the budget for retail activation campaigns, promotions, and co-marketing programs, ensuring cost efficiency and on-budget spend.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 3+ years of experience in one or more of the following: Marketing / Shopper Marketing, Product Development, Media, Brand, Management, eCommerce, or Sales (Sales experience must include partnering with retailers to plan product marketing campaigns or promotions).

Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Marketing (preferred).
• Experience in Trade Media/Marketing (Paid, Owned, Earned, Event).
• Project management, strong time management, and organizational skills.
• Straight Talk mentality.
• Strong oral, written communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Google Suite and Excel.
• Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment, overcome challenges, and manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Strong influencing and consultative skills, including advocating for the shopper, aligning objectives across teams, and partnering internally and externally to grow the business and brand equity.
• Proven ability to develop strong relationships.
• Proven analytical skills and ability to integrate different streams of information into conclusive next steps and shareable findings.
• Ability to present marketing plans to non-marketing teams in an easily consumable way.
• Proven strength in communication, prioritization, and proactive management.
• Entrepreneurial mindset.
• Experience with Big Box retailers.
• Ability to work cross-collaboratively with teams.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package.
• Whirlpool employee discount.
• Fitness and educational reimbursement programs.
• Kitchenettes at office locations.
• Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability, additional costs required).
• Always On Flexibility: Autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere: Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
• Sabbatical: Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.