Director, Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Marketing

🔹 Company: FN America

🔹 Location: Columbia, South Carolina, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: July 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing strategic marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness, product demand, and market growth within the defense, law enforcement, and commercial firearms sectors.
• Overseeing all facets of marketing, including brand management, digital strategy, social media strategy, product marketing, content development, and trade show execution.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with sales, product development, and operations teams to ensure marketing efforts align with business goals and comply with industry regulations.
• Managing a team of marketing professionals and external partners to execute campaigns and events.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the firearms industry, its unique regulatory environment, and customer base. Candidates with previous industry experience will have a significant advantage.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute integrated marketing strategies aligned with business goals and compliant with industry regulations.

✅ Partner with product management and sales to develop go-to-market plans for new firearms and accessories.

✅ Manage annual marketing budgets and track ROI on key campaigns.

✅ Oversee brand consistency across all channels and protect and evolve the brand voice to resonate with core customers.

✅ Lead digital marketing initiatives including SEO/SEM, email marketing, social media, paid media, and web development/performance.

✅ Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform campaigns and product positioning.

✅ Plan and manage company presence at key industry trade shows and coordinate dealer and media events.

✅ Manage, mentor, and develop the marketing team, agencies, and freelancers.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and attention to detail to ensure marketing efforts are effective, compliant, and aligned with business objectives.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, or a related field required.

Experience: A minimum of eight years of progressive marketing experience, including at least two years in a leadership or supervisory role. Previous industry experience in firearms, defense, or outdoor sporting goods is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Thinking – Ability to contribute to developing long-term marketing strategies aligned with business goals and compliance standards.
• Market Analysis – Strong grasp of market trends, customer segmentation, and competitor analysis in the firearms or defense sectors.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making – Ability to interpret analytics to optimize campaigns and ROI.
• Event Planning – Capable of leading the planning and execution of trade shows, media events, and field marketing activities.
• Vendor Management – Experience sourcing and managing creative, media, and event partners.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Comfortable working with sales, product development, compliance, and operations teams.
• Team Management – Ability to lead a marketing team and external partners (agencies, freelancers).
• Project Management – Skilled at managing multiple campaigns, timelines, and budgets.
• Attention to Detail – Maintains high standards of quality, accuracy, and brand consistency.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and persuade across all levels of the organization.

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in a second language (Spanish, French, or German) would be an asset.
• Experience with SAP, design software, CRM systems (Salesforce), e-commerce platforms, dealer portals, and digital marketing tools (e.g., HubSpot, Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager).

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a proven track record in brand development, digital marketing, and product launches within the firearms or defense sectors will be strongly considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Director of Marketing role with 10+ years of experience in the firearms or defense sector, the estimated salary range is $130,000 - $160,000 per year. This estimate takes into account the company size, location, and the level of responsibility required for the role.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discounts on FN America products

Working Hours: This position is performed in a typical office environment and may require domestic and international travel (up to 30%). The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some flexibility for remote work.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. The final salary offer will be made by the company's human resources department.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: FN America operates in the defense and space manufacturing industry, focusing on the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for military, law enforcement, and commercial customers worldwide.

Company Size: FN America is a mid-sized company with 501-1,000 employees, providing a structured yet agile work environment where individual contributions can make a significant impact.

Founded: FN America was founded in 1980 and is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., a global leader in the firearms industry.

Company Description:

• FN America is committed to providing its customers with a portfolio of products, training, and support services under the FN brand name that enhance their performance and safeguard their lives.
• The company is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with manufacturing operations in Columbia, South Carolina.
• FN America is passionate about its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Company Specialties:

• Machining
• Gun barrels
• Assembly and light fabrication
• Heat treatment
• Surface finish
• Research and development
• Lean manufacturing
• Supplier quality

Company Website: www.fnamerica.com

ASSUMPTION: FN America's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction creates an environment where employees can grow both personally and professionally.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, reporting directly to the Vice President of Marketing and overseeing a team of marketing professionals.

Reporting Structure: The Director, Marketing will report to the Vice President of Marketing and will oversee the marketing team, agencies, and freelancers.

Work Arrangement: This position is on-site, with the potential for remote work flexibility. The role may require domestic and international travel up to 30% of the time.

Growth Opportunities:

• As a senior-level position, this role offers opportunities for career advancement within the marketing department or other areas of the organization.
• The company's commitment to employee development and growth provides opportunities for professional growth and skill-building.
• Working in a dynamic and evolving industry, the Director, Marketing will have the chance to stay current with industry trends and best practices.

ASSUMPTION: The Director, Marketing role offers a unique opportunity to lead marketing efforts for a well-established and respected brand in the firearms industry, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: FN America's headquarters in McLean, Virginia, and manufacturing operations in Columbia, South Carolina, provide a modern and collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): 797 Old Clemson Road, Columbia, SC 29229, US (manufacturing operations) and McLean, VA 22102, US (headquarters)

Geographic Context:

• Columbia, South Carolina, is a mid-sized city with a population of approximately 136,000, offering a mix of urban and suburban living.
• The city is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Columbia is centrally located in the state, providing easy access to both the Atlantic coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some flexibility for remote work. The role may require domestic and international travel up to 30% of the time.

ASSUMPTION: FN America's office environment fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, providing employees with the resources and support they need to succeed.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission and resume review
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or other department members
• Background check and reference check (if applicable)
• Final interview with the Vice President of Marketing

Key Assessment Areas:

• Marketing strategy and planning
• Industry knowledge and understanding of the firearms market
• Leadership and team management skills
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical skills
• Communication and presentation skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience, industry knowledge, and leadership skills.
• Be prepared to discuss your marketing strategy for a specific product or campaign during the interview.
• Research FN America's products, mission, and values to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, brand management, digital marketing, product marketing, trade show execution, team leadership, market research, data-driven decision-making, firearms industry, defense sector

ASSUMPTION: FN America's interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, ensuring the best possible match for the role and the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• SAP
• Design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma)
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
• E-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Magento)
• Dealer portals (e.g., FN America's dealer portal)
• Digital marketing tools (e.g., HubSpot, Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required. FN America provides training and support to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed in their roles.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer Focus: FN America is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of its customers, providing them with high-quality, reliable firearms and exceptional service.
• Innovation: The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and encourages employees to think creatively and challenge the status quo.
• Integrity: FN America upholds the highest ethical standards in all its business practices, ensuring transparency, honesty, and accountability.

Work Style:

• Collaborative: FN America encourages teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation and success.
• Data-Driven: The company uses data and analytics to inform decision-making and measure performance.
• Adaptable: FN America is committed to staying current with industry trends and evolving customer needs, requiring employees to be flexible and adaptable.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with FN America's customer-focused approach to business?
• How do you stay current with industry trends and best practices in marketing?
• How do you balance data-driven decision-making with creative and innovative marketing strategies?

ASSUMPTION: FN America's culture values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, providing employees with the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a highly regulated industry requires a strong understanding of and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Managing a team of marketing professionals and external partners can be challenging, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.
• Balancing multiple campaigns, timelines, and budgets requires exceptional project management skills and attention to detail.
• Travel requirements may impact work-life balance, particularly for those with family or personal commitments.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other marketing director roles in the firearms industry, this position offers a unique opportunity to lead marketing efforts for a well-established and respected brand with a global presence.
• FN America's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement provides more opportunities for professional growth and development than roles at more traditional or stagnant companies.
• As a senior-level position, this role offers more responsibility and autonomy than entry-level or mid-level marketing positions, allowing the Director, Marketing to make a significant impact on the company's success.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to lead marketing efforts for a well-established and respected brand in the firearms industry, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing campaign to launch a new line of firearms, including digital marketing, social media strategy, product marketing, and trade show execution.
• Conducting market research and competitive analysis to inform product positioning and pricing strategy for an existing product line.
• Planning and managing FN America's presence at a major industry trade show, including booth design, staffing, and event logistics.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the breadth and depth of the Director, Marketing role, highlighting the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company's success.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does FN America support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the firearms industry, and how does FN America plan to address them?
• How does FN America foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within its marketing department?
• What are the key priorities for the Director, Marketing role in the first 90 days?
• How does FN America measure the success of its marketing campaigns, and how does the company use data to inform decision-making?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.

📌 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 marketing experience, industry knowledge, and leadership skills.
• Prepare a portfolio or examples of your marketing work, demonstrating your ability to develop and execute strategic marketing initiatives.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role and inquire about the status of your application.
• If invited to interview, be prepared to discuss your marketing strategy for a specific product or campaign and demonstrate your understanding of the firearms industry and FN America's products and values.

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