📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Planning Specialist
🔹 Company: Rural King Supply
🔹 Location: Mattoon, Illinois
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Retail
🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing marketing plans and assets across various channels
- Transforming data-driven insights into actionable strategies
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing vendor CO-OP funds
- Ensuring tactical alignment with channel owners and flawless execution of marketing programs
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of retail business practices, excellent communication skills, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute marketing plans and assets across various channels (digital, social, email, store POP, print, TV/radio, public relations, experiential events, etc.)
✅ Transform data-driven insights into actionable strategies
✅ Present and align strategies with senior leadership
✅ Ensure tactical alignment with channel owners
✅ Provide precise creative guidance to both internal and external creative collaborators
✅ Ensure operational coordination with field teams
✅ Oversee the entire spectrum of execution details, from development to deployment
✅ Compile and effectively communicate results
✅ Interpret and optimize programs based on performance metrics
✅ Lead strategy development, internal socialization, and cross-functional execution of marketing programs for key brands, categories, and services
✅ Determine an appropriate integrated marketing support plan inclusive of CRM, digital, social, in-store environment, internal communication, and budget
✅ Ensure flawless execution of tactical elements of marketing programs
✅ Lead national events for key categories and brands, and other national merchandising events developed
✅ Partner heavily with Merchants and Leadership to ensure programs align with and support business priorities; report out on results and learnings
✅ Leverage internal resources and external partners for programs to provide the maximum return to the organization
✅ Proactively work with key vendor partners and merchants to fully leverage vendor assets and funds
✅ Lead associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program
✅ Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism
✅ Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars
✅ Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively
✅ Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement
✅ Perform other duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to coach and mentor team members.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field
Experience: At least 2 years of marketing planning experience
Required Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Strong understanding of retail business practices
- Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Demonstrated ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor team members
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
- Demonstrated behaviors must reflect integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with marketing planning software or tools
- Familiarity with the agricultural or retail industries
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a proven track record in marketing planning will be highly competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $48,250 - $56,000 annualized
Benefits:
- 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% of contributions and 50% of the next 2%
- Healthcare plans to support your needs
- Virtual doctor visits
- Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program
- 15% Associate Discount
- Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program
- Associate Assistance Program
- RK Cares Associate Hardship Program
- 24/7 Chaplaincy Services
- Company paid YMCA Family Membership
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on Rural King’s career leveling system and may vary depending on the candidate’s experience and skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail, specifically serving rural communities and the agricultural industry
Company Size: 10,001+ employees, providing ample opportunities for growth and career advancement
Founded: 1960, with a rich history and established brand in the rural lifestyle market
Company Description:
- Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities they serve
- With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 140 locations across 14 states and is constantly expanding
- Their annual sales exceed $2.5 billion, and their heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to their corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store
Company Specialties:
- Pet
- Livestock
- Agriculture
- and Automotive
Company Website: https://www.ruralking.com/
ASSUMPTION: Rural King’s extensive product range and commitment to rural communities make it an attractive employer for individuals passionate about serving the rural lifestyle.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level marketing role with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Director and may oversee cross-functional teams
Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or projects
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement within the marketing department or other areas of the organization
- Expanding skills and expertise through training programs and workshops
- Gaining experience in various aspects of marketing, including brand management, event planning, and vendor relations
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression and the opportunity to make a significant impact on Rural King’s marketing efforts.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office with a casual, friendly atmosphere
Office Location(s): Mattoon, Illinois
Geographic Context:
- Mattoon is a small city in central Illinois, with a population of approximately 18,000
- The cost of living in Mattoon is relatively low compared to larger cities in the region
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to outdoor recreation and natural beauty
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for remote work or adjusted hours
ASSUMPTION: The location of Rural King’s corporate office in Mattoon provides a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience, making it an attractive place to live and work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with the Marketing Director
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
- Understanding of retail business practices and marketing principles
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing planning experience and skills
- Provide specific examples of your ability to develop and execute marketing plans, manage vendor relationships, and collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Demonstrate your understanding of Rural King’s unique position in the retail market and the rural lifestyle
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the role’s responsibilities, growth opportunities, and company culture
ATS Keywords: Marketing Planning, Marketing Strategy, Cross-Functional Teams, Vendor Management, Retail Business Practices, Data-Driven Insights, Marketing Execution, Brand Management, Event Planning
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate’s problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and understanding of retail marketing principles.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing planning software (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, or similar)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant marketing planning software and tools is preferred but not required, as Rural King provides training and support for new hires.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- People First: Rural King prioritizes the well-being and success of their associates
- Integrity: The company upholds high ethical standards in all aspects of their business
- Attitude: Rural King fosters a positive, can-do attitude among their team members
- Initiative: Associates are encouraged to take ownership of their roles and be proactive in their approach to work
- Teamwork: Collaboration and mutual support are essential for Rural King’s success
- Accountability: Associates are held responsible for their actions and the outcomes they produce
- Continuous Improvement: Rural King is committed to ongoing growth and development in all areas of their business
Work Style:
- Casual, friendly atmosphere with a focus on teamwork and collaboration
- Fast-paced environment with a strong emphasis on results and performance
- Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment?
- Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including vendors, merchants, and cross-functional teams?
- Do you possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data-driven insights and optimize marketing programs?
- Are you committed to continuous learning and professional development?
- Do you align with Rural King’s core values, particularly People First, Integrity, and Attitude?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Rural King’s values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large volume of marketing programs and initiatives simultaneously
- Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including vendors, merchants, and cross-functional teams
- Adapting to a fast-paced, ever-changing retail environment
- Working with a tight marketing budget and maximizing the use of vendor CO-OP funds
- Managing the logistics of national events and merchandising promotions
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Planning Specialist role at Rural King presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional retail marketing roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the rural lifestyle and the unique needs of rural communities
- Rural King’s extensive product range and commitment to rural communities set it apart from other retailers in the industry
- Career progression in this role may differ from that of similar marketing positions in larger, urban-based retail organizations
ASSUMPTION: The unique aspects of Rural King’s business model and target market make this role distinct from similar marketing positions in the retail industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing campaign for a new product launch, targeting rural customers with specific needs and preferences
- Collaborating with vendors to create co-branded marketing materials and promotions that leverage their assets and funds
- Managing a national event for a key brand, ensuring flawless execution and maximizing brand exposure within the rural community
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Planning Specialist role at Rural King offers a diverse range of projects that allow for creativity, innovation, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company’s marketing efforts.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for Rural King?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the marketing department, and how can this role address them?
- What opportunities exist for growth and advancement within the marketing department and the organization as a whole?
- How does Rural King support the professional development of its associates?
- What is the company’s approach to work-life balance, and how is it implemented in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Rural King Careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing planning experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and understanding of retail marketing principles
- Research Rural King’s unique position in the retail market and the rural lifestyle to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its target audience
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the role’s responsibilities, growth opportunities, and company culture
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within a week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
