Associate Manager, Partnership Marketing Activation

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Associate Manager, Partnership Marketing Activation

🔹 Company: Circle K

🔹 Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 2, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting the management of partnership development and activation strategies for CPG companies across all marketing channels.
• Building and maintaining relationships with media agencies, brands, and key stakeholders to maximize CPG partnership growth.
• Collaborating cross-functionally to create alignment on organizational strategies and customized activations in support of key partner needs.
• Guiding advertising and digital marketing teams to create compelling programs across various channels.
• Acting as a catalyst for innovation, extraordinary presentation, and best-in-class performance.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive successful partnership marketing activations.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Supporting the development and activation of Omni-Channel and customized marketing plans for CPGs and Giant Eagle across Giant Eagles’ content and in-store ecosystems.

✅ Building comprehensive partner recap documents for each campaign in collaboration with analytics, marketing, merchandising, and other key LOBs.

✅ Managing relationships with key partners and internal stakeholders, while building effective communication strategies and synergy across teams.

✅ Defining, developing, and executing key campaigns in collaboration with marketing operations, marketing, and eCommerce merchandising.

✅ Supporting key internal stakeholders in setting annual marketing and partnership campaigns.

✅ Exploring and developing additional revenue streams across all channels.

✅ Guiding advertising and digital marketing teams to create compelling programs for .com, mobile app, email, social media, loyalty, off-platform, OOH/DOOH, etc.

✅ Managing development and day-to-day workflow with domestic and international teams.

✅ Maintaining strong awareness of online and offline competitive landscapes.

✅ Actively collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure innovative ideas are surfaced and acted upon, and that the team feels ownership in the business.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder communication to drive successful marketing activations and partnership growth.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: 3 to 5 years in partnership sales/activation, eCommerce, convenience store, or large format shopper marketing within CPG/retailer or other comparable experience

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in partnership marketing, sales, or activation.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and collaborate effectively with various teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CPG brands or retailer marketing.
• Familiarity with convenience store or large format shopper marketing.
• Knowledge of marketing analytics and reporting tools.

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's Degree is desired, relevant experience and skills may be considered equivalent. Candidates with experience in related fields may also be suitable for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Marketing Manager role with 3-5 years of experience in the Charlotte, NC area)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee discounts on Circle K products
• Opportunities for career growth and development

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project needs

ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Circle K is a leading convenience and fuel retail company, operating in over 14,200 stores across 26 countries worldwide. They offer a wide range of products and services, including fuel, convenience store items, and foodservice options.

Company Size: Circle K is a large organization with over 10,000 employees globally. This size provides opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse teams and projects.

Founded: Circle K was founded in 1951 and has since grown into a multinational corporation, operating under its parent company, Alimentation Couche-Tard.

Company Description:

• Circle K is committed to making customers' lives a little easier every day through its convenience stores and fuel offerings.
• The company operates under the mission to grow together, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Circle K is dedicated to sustainability and community involvement, implementing eco-friendly initiatives and supporting local causes.

Company Specialties:

• Convenience retail
• Fuel retail
• Foodservice
• Loyalty programs

Company Website: www.circlek.com

ASSUMPTION: Circle K's large size and global presence offer applicants diverse career opportunities and exposure to international markets.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the manager level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department and the organization as a whole.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Manager, Partnership Marketing Activation will report directly to the Manager, Partnership Marketing and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing operations, merchandising, and other LOBs.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation of working from the Charlotte, NC office. However, some flexibility may be available for remote work, depending on the company's policies and the candidate's needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Manager or Director role within the Partnership Marketing team or other marketing departments.
• Expansion into international markets, given Circle K's global presence.
• Development of leadership and management skills through cross-functional collaboration and mentorship opportunities.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career growth within the marketing department and the organization, with opportunities for advancement based on performance and demonstrated skills.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Circle K's Charlotte, NC office is a modern, professional environment with collaborative workspaces and amenities to support employee productivity and comfort.

Office Location(s): 2550 W Tyvola Rd, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28217

Geographic Context:

• Charlotte is the most populous city in North Carolina and the 17th most populous city in the United States.
• The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities.
• Charlotte is home to several Fortune 500 companies and has a thriving job market, particularly in the finance, energy, and healthcare sectors.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project needs and deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The Charlotte office provides a supportive and collaborative work environment, with access to resources and amenities to help employees succeed in their roles.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission and review
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the Director of Marketing or another senior leader
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Project management and organizational skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Circle K's values and mission

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and achievements in partnership marketing, sales, or activation.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences that match the required and preferred qualifications for this role.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Research Circle K's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the organization.

ATS Keywords: Partnership Marketing, CPG, Retail, Marketing Activation, Campaign Development, Stakeholder Management, Project Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as their cultural fit with Circle K's values and mission.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Marketing analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau, Power BI)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant marketing, project management, and communication tools is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer focus
• Integrity
• Respect
• Teamwork
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Collaborative and inclusive
• Results-driven and innovative
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Customer-centric and focused on delivering exceptional experiences

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate customer focus in your daily work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change, and how did you handle it?
• How do you approach building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with Circle K's values and work style, as well as a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day project management
• Adapting to a dynamic and evolving retail landscape
• Meeting and exceeding performance expectations in a high-growth, competitive environment

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role focuses more on partnership marketing activation and less on sales compared to a Partnership Marketing Manager role.
• Unlike a Marketing Manager role, this position has a stronger emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.
• Career progression in this role may lead to a Manager or Director position within the Partnership Marketing team or other marketing departments.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique focus and requirements of this role compared to similar marketing positions and be prepared to highlight their relevant skills and experiences.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing campaign for a major CPG partner, including digital and in-store activations, promotions, and events.
• Managing the day-to-day workflow and communication with domestic and international teams to ensure project timelines and deliverables are met.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners, internal stakeholders, and external agencies to drive successful campaign execution and partnership growth.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, project management, and stakeholder management aspects of the Associate Manager, Partnership Marketing Activation role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Partnership Marketing department and how this role fits into the broader marketing organization?
• How does Circle K support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in marketing roles?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?
• How does Circle K approach innovation and staying ahead of industry trends in partnership marketing?
• What are the most rewarding aspects of working in partnership marketing at Circle K, according to current team members?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's culture and priorities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing partnership marketing, sales, or activation, project management, and stakeholder management.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Research Circle K's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the organization.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.