Marketing Planning Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing Planning Manager

🔹 Company: Calgary Co-op

🔹 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: June 25, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing strategic marketing plans to drive business growth
• Managing marketing strategies and leading major campaigns
• Ensuring alignment with business priorities and consumer trends
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with various teams.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ End-to-end management of marketing strategy, including planning, execution, and analysis

✅ Leading marketing planning for major campaigns and key moments

✅ Managing media buying agency and external creative agencies

✅ Managing marketing budget for media and production

✅ Responsible for in-store marketing and ensuring signage plans align with key campaigns

✅ Leading postmortem development for major campaigns

✅ Acting as the Co-op brand custodian and ensuring activities comply with brand guidelines

✅ Responsible for Calgary Flames and Stampede sponsorship

✅ Assisting in the overall management of the marketing team

✅ Identifying growth opportunities and new marketing initiatives

✅ Monitoring market trends and sharing best practices

✅ Providing leadership and direction while upholding confidentiality

✅ Participating in yearly competency performance work plan and development action plan

✅ Providing leadership in the areas of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) and Food Safety

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on campaign management, and team leadership, requiring a versatile skill set.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: At least 5 years of experience in comparable industries such as packaged goods and food & beverage

Required Skills:

• Understanding of consumer marketing principles and retail marketing best practices
• Knowledge and expertise in digital channels, particularly email and social media
• Strategic thinking and ability to evaluate options quickly
• Experience in senior-level communications and managing at both strategic and operational levels
• Competency in leveraging customer insight to introduce creative marketing approaches
• Strong analytical skills and ability to turn empirical data into strategic decisions
• Outstanding relationship-building skills and ability to work with various functional groups
• Understanding of media strategy and planning for both traditional and digital channels
• Understanding of ecommerce

Preferred Skills:

• Retail and/or agency experience
• Project Management certification and/or CAAP accreditation
• Strong understanding of digital technology and digital media

ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration, candidates with a strong educational background in marketing and relevant industry experience are likely to succeed.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Marketing Planning Manager role in Calgary, the estimated salary range is CAD 85,000 - 120,000 per year. This estimate takes into account the candidate's experience level and the company's size.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Employee discounts on products and services
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility based on business needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's skills and experience. Calgary Co-op offers a competitive benefits package to attract and retain top talent.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Calgary Co-op is a retail cooperative operating in the retail industry, with a focus on food centers, pharmacies, gas stations, and other retail services.

Company Size: With over 456,000 members, more than 3,530 employees, and $757 million in assets, Calgary Co-op is one of North America's largest retail co-operatives.

Founded: Calgary Co-op was founded in 1956 and has since grown to become an integral part of the Calgary community.

Company Description:

• Calgary Co-op is a member-owned cooperative that has been serving the community since 1956
• It operates various retail locations, including food centers, pharmacies, gas stations, and other services
• The company is committed to sourcing locally and supporting the community through various initiatives

Company Specialties:

• Retail services, including food centers, pharmacies, and gas stations
• Community support and local sourcing initiatives

Company Website: http://www.calgarycoop.com

ASSUMPTION: Calgary Co-op's cooperative structure and commitment to community support set it apart from traditional retail companies, offering applicants a unique work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the manager level, requiring strategic planning, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

Reporting Structure: The Marketing Planning Manager reports directly to the Marketing Manager and works closely with various teams, including content marketing, communications, and loyalty.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the expectation of working from the Calgary Co-op headquarters in Calgary, Alberta.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior marketing role or leadership position within the marketing department
• Expansion into other areas of the business, such as merchandising or operations
• Opportunities for professional development and skill-building through training and workshops

ASSUMPTION: Given Calgary Co-op's size and diverse operations, there are numerous growth opportunities for the right candidate to advance their career within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Calgary Co-op's headquarters is a modern, professional office environment with open-concept workspaces and collaborative areas.

Office Location(s): 110, 151 - 86th Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 3A5, CA

Geographic Context:

• Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and the fifth-largest city in Canada
• The city offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities
• Calgary has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility based on business needs and campaign requirements.

ASSUMPTION: Calgary Co-op's office environment is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with a focus on supporting employees' well-being and work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final round interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
• Communication and presentation skills
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with marketing strategy, campaign management, and team leadership
• Demonstrate your understanding of Calgary Co-op's business and the retail industry
• Showcase your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners

ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, campaign management, team leadership, retail marketing, consumer behavior, digital marketing, media buying, brand management, cross-functional collaboration

ASSUMPTION: Calgary Co-op's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for the organization's needs.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Marketo, HubSpot)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)

ASSUMPTION: Calgary Co-op uses a mix of industry-standard and specialized tools to support its marketing efforts, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and process efficiency.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Service: Our customers' needs drive us to deliver exceptional shopping experiences
• Caring: We are passionate about people - team members, member-owners, customers, and communities
• Excellence: A winning attitude in all that we do

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on open communication and information sharing
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Data-driven and analytical, with a focus on using data to inform decision-making and strategy

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I have a strong commitment to exceptional customer service and a passion for people?
• Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and adapting to change?
• Do I have a data-driven mindset and the ability to use data to inform strategic decision-making?

ASSUMPTION: Calgary Co-op's company culture is centered around exceptional customer service, collaboration, and a commitment to community support, with a focus on attracting and retaining team members who share these values.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple campaigns and priorities simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
• Working with diverse teams and external partners, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills
• Adapting to a dynamic retail environment, with changing consumer behavior and market trends
• Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day campaign management and execution

ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Planning Manager role presents unique challenges, requiring a versatile skill set and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other marketing planning roles, this position places a greater emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and team leadership
• In the retail industry, this role requires a strong understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, as well as the ability to work effectively with merchandising and operations teams
• Career progression in this role may involve expanding into other areas of the business, such as merchandising or operations, or advancing to a senior marketing role

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other marketing planning positions, its unique focus on cross-functional collaboration and retail-specific context sets it apart in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a major campaign, including media buying, in-store experiences, and promotions
• Conducting market research and analysis to inform strategic decision-making and identify growth opportunities
• Managing a team to execute a large-scale event or sponsorship, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and business objectives

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and hands-on nature of the Marketing Planning Manager role, requiring a versatile skill set and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the marketing department?
• How does Calgary Co-op support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will my work contribute to the overall business strategy?
• How does Calgary Co-op measure the success of its marketing campaigns, and what metrics are most important for this role?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employees' well-being?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's day-to-day responsibilities, team dynamics, and the company's approach to professional development and work-life balance.

📌 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 and skills
• Prepare for your interview by researching Calgary Co-op's business and the retail industry
• Be ready to discuss your experience with marketing strategy, campaign management, and team leadership
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

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