📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Category Specialist
🔹 Company: HF Sinclair
🔹 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Intermediate (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting marketing management processes and product lifecycle management
- Leading market research and product line changes
- Managing category planning and executing marketing campaigns
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external agencies
- Working in a hybrid environment with a focus on stakeholder management
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and analytical skills, with a focus on project management and stakeholder engagement.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting the management system and corporate governance processes
✅ Managing the entire lifecycle of product SKUs in the product portfolio
✅ Developing segment plans and related marketing materials / events / programs
✅ Managing the Speed to Market process
✅ Supporting annual marketing category volumes and margin planning
✅ Managing prioritization of priority task lists for both Manager, Business Segments and Category Manager
✅ Managing, tracking, and reporting progress from initiation through to field execution
✅ Supporting Events / Tradeshows, Training / Webinars, Sales Enablement materials, Packaging and Labelling design, CRM
✅ Assisting market mapping and data insights
✅ Leading the execution of relevant campaigns in support of category plans
✅ Developing agency briefs to outline expectations and requirements for creative materials
✅ Leading contact for marketing agency to support plans, status updates and project management
✅ Supporting Segment / Category budgeting and tracking
✅ Providing ongoing support including preparation and execution of competitive tracking and expense management
✅ Ensuring our labelling and packaging meets industry standards
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and project management, with a focus on driving brand awareness, customer engagement, and business growth within assigned categories.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: An undergraduate or graduate degree in Marketing or a related field is preferred
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in a B2B Marketing or Product/Category role
Required Skills:
- Project management and business administration skills
- CRM experience (Salesforce preferred)
- Strong analytical and data-driven thinking
- Good project management skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Customer-focused mindset
- Strong research skills and understanding of geographical nuances
- Good understanding of CRM, Marketing Automation and Lead Generation
- Good Project Management and Market Research capabilities
- Analytical skills and problem-solving skills
- Advanced SAP and Business Warehouse Skills
- The ability to take technical information and translate it into customer-friendly terms
- The ability to take the lead on many items without direct supervision
- Creative and innovative thinker
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with 3rd-party vendors and agencies
- Previous experience of both understanding and executing business strategy
- Demonstrated experience executing lead / demand generation
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and analytical skills, with a focus on project management and stakeholder engagement.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 75,000 - 95,000 per year (based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels in Mississauga, Ontario)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee discounts on HF Sinclair products
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels in Mississauga, Ontario. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Oil and Gas
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees (Mid-sized)
Founded: 2022 (as HF Sinclair Corporation)
Company Description:
- HF Sinclair is an independent energy company that produces and markets high-value light products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel, and other specialty products.
- The company owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, Washington, and Utah, and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest U.S., the Rocky Mountains extending into the Pacific Northwest, and in other neighboring Plains states.
- HF Sinclair supplies high-quality fuels to more than 1,500 branded stations and licenses the use of the Sinclair brand at more than 300 additional locations throughout the country.
- Through its subsidiaries, HF Sinclair produces and markets base oils and other specialized lubricants in the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands, and exports products to more than 80 countries.
- The company provides petroleum product and crude oil transportation, terminalling, storage, and throughput services to its refineries and the petroleum industry.
Company Specialties:
- Refining and marketing petroleum products
- Production and marketing of lubricants
- Renewable diesel production
- Petroleum transportation, terminalling, storage, and throughput services
Company Website: www.hfsinclair.com
ASSUMPTION: HF Sinclair is a mid-sized company with a diverse range of products and services, operating in a highly competitive and dynamic industry. The company's size allows for significant growth opportunities and a broad range of career paths for employees.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The Marketing Category Specialist will report directly to the Manager, Business Segments or Category Manager, depending on the specific role and team structure.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote) with some business travel required
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Category Manager or similar role with increased responsibilities
- Expansion into other areas of the business, such as operations, supply chain, or business development
- Development of leadership and management skills through mentorship and training programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to advance within the marketing function or explore other areas of the business. The hybrid work arrangement and focus on stakeholder management also provide valuable experience for future leadership roles.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, professional office environment with collaborative workspaces
Office Location(s): Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Mississauga is the sixth-largest city in Canada and is located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- The city is home to a diverse and multicultural population, with a strong focus on technology, finance, and healthcare industries
- Mississauga offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, with flexible hours based on the role and team's needs
ASSUMPTION: Mississauga offers a dynamic and multicultural work environment, with easy access to major transportation networks and a wide range of amenities. The city's proximity to Toronto provides additional opportunities for professional development and networking.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final round interview with senior leadership or other key stakeholders
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
- Project management and stakeholder engagement
- Creativity and innovation
- Industry knowledge and market research skills
- Adaptability to a hybrid work environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the oil and gas industry and HF Sinclair's business
- Showcase your problem-solving skills and provide specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in previous roles
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company's culture, growth opportunities, and the team's dynamics
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Category Management, Product Lifecycle Management, CRM, Marketing Automation, Lead Generation, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Oil and Gas Industry, Hybrid Work Environment
ASSUMPTION: HF Sinclair's application process is designed to assess candidates' problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and cultural fit. Tailoring your application materials and preparing thoughtful questions for the interview will help you stand out to the hiring team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- CRM: Salesforce
- Marketing Automation: Pardot or similar platforms
- Project Management: Asana, Trello, or similar tools
- Data Analysis: Excel, Power BI, or similar tools
- Design: Adobe Creative Suite or similar tools
- Industry-specific software: SAP, Business Warehouse, or similar ERP systems
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are commonly used in marketing roles within the oil and gas industry. Familiarity with these tools and a willingness to learn new platforms will be valuable for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety: HF Sinclair is committed to making sure everyone returns home safely each day
- Integrity: The company has a long-standing commitment to ethical behavior and doing what is right for employees, investors, communities, and the environment
- Teamwork: HF Sinclair encourages employees to Step Up and Stand Out by championing a culture of teamwork and ownership
- Ownership: Employees are empowered to take initiative and drive results
- Inclusion: The company fosters a culture of inclusion by encouraging diversity of experiences, viewpoints, and backgrounds
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering value for customers and the business
- Adaptable and responsive to change in a dynamic industry
- Customer-focused and committed to providing an excellent customer experience
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you ensure the safety of yourself and others in a work environment?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated integrity in a professional setting?
- How do you approach working collaboratively with diverse teams to achieve common goals?
- Can you describe a situation where you took ownership of a project or task and drove results?
- How do you foster an inclusive work environment, and can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated this skill?
ASSUMPTION: HF Sinclair's culture is built on a foundation of safety, integrity, teamwork, ownership, and inclusion. Candidates who align with these values and demonstrate a strong work ethic will thrive in this environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The oil and gas industry is subject to market fluctuations and regulatory changes, which can impact the role's priorities and workload
- Working in a hybrid environment may present challenges in maintaining productivity and work-life balance
- The role requires managing multiple stakeholders with varying priorities and expectations, which can be complex and demanding
- The pace of work may be fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Category Specialist role offers a dynamic and challenging work environment, with the potential for significant growth and development opportunities. Candidates should be prepared to navigate the unique demands and complexities of the role and the industry.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Marketing Category Manager: This role involves more strategic decision-making and team leadership, with less day-to-day project management
- Product Manager: This role focuses more on product development and lifecycle management, with less emphasis on marketing and category planning
- Brand Manager: This role is more focused on brand strategy and positioning, with less involvement in category-specific marketing campaigns
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Category Specialist role offers a unique blend of strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on driving business growth within specific product categories.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing campaign to launch a new product line within a specific category
- Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities within a targeted geographic region
- Managing the product lifecycle of an existing SKU, from launch to end-of-life, including optimization and deletion
- Collaborating with external agencies to create compelling marketing materials and advertising campaigns
- Leading a cross-functional team to execute a successful trade show or event, driving customer engagement and sales
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Category Specialist role involves a wide range of projects, from strategic planning and market research to tactical execution and event management. Candidates should be prepared to take on diverse challenges and adapt to the evolving needs of the business.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
- How does this role fit into the broader marketing organization, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the marketing function, and how can this role help address them?
- How does HF Sinclair support the professional development and growth of its marketing employees?
- Can you provide an example of a successful marketing campaign executed by the company, and what made it effective?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and helps you better understand the expectations and requirements of the position.
📌 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 skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for the interview by researching HF Sinclair's business, industry trends, and the specific requirements of the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position
- If you are not selected for an interview, consider asking for feedback to improve your future applications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
