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Product Marketing Associate - The Toro Company

The Toro Company
Full-time
On-site
Bloomington, Minnesota, United States
πŸ“¦ Product Marketing
πŸ“Œ Core Information

- Job Title: Product Marketing Associate - The Toro Company
- Company: The Toro Company
- Location: Bloomington, MN, USA
- Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
- Category: Marketing
- Date Posted: 2025-05-29
- Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

- Managing licensing and accessory products for The Toro Company's Landscape and Contractors Group.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and launch new products.
- Conducting market research and analyzing product performance.
- Ensuring products align with brand vision and meet market demands throughout their lifecycle.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. It also involves some travel, up to 25% domestically and internationally.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

- Product Management: Manage assigned licensing and accessory products, ensuring they align with brand vision and meet market demands.
- Product Development: Lead and assist in new product development projects, ensuring customer requirements are met, and schedule and financial targets are achieved.
- Product Launch: Launch new products crisply and successfully.
- Market Research: Conduct market research and analyze competitive landscape to identify trends and customer needs.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, marketing, sales, and legal, to ensure successful product launches.
- Compliance: Coordinate with licensing partners to ensure compliance with brand guidelines and contractual obligations.
- Performance Analysis: Analyze product performance and gather feedback to inform future product development.
- Documentation: Support product documentation creation, including specifications, packaging, and marketing materials.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and requires strong communication skills to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
- Experience: Prior experience or internships in product management or licensing are a plus.
- Required Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Basic understanding of financial principles, including ROI and profit margins.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
- Preferred Skills:
- Prior marketing experience in licensing and accessories in a related industry.
- SAP and/or Salesforce product knowledge and configurations.

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in marketing or a related field is required, The Toro Company values relevant experience and skills over formal education. Candidates with a strong background in product management or licensing are encouraged to apply.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

- Salary Range: $57,000 - $67,000 per year. This range takes into account skills, experience, education, and location. Actual compensation will depend on the facts and circumstances of each case.
- Benefits:
- Affordable and top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans.
- 401k plan.
- Onsite cafΓ© and fitness facility.
- Mental and financial health resources.
- 20 hours of paid volunteer time.
- Flexible summer hours (leave by noon on Fridays during summer).
- Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement.

ASSUMPTION: The Toro Company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including perks such as an onsite cafΓ© and fitness facility, to attract and retain top talent.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

- Industry: The Toro Company operates in the machinery manufacturing industry, focusing on outdoor environment solutions, including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, and underground utility construction.
- Company Size: With over 10,000 employees, The Toro Company is a large organization that offers opportunities for career growth and development.
- Founded: The company was founded in 1914 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.
- Company Description: The Toro Company represents a portfolio of global brands that span various markets, industries, and geographies. The company is committed to transforming how jobs get done by delivering market-leading innovation that is thoughtfully engineered and grounded in solving real human challenges and needs.
- Company Specialties: The Toro Company specializes in outdoor environment solutions, including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction, irrigation, and outdoor lighting solutions.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

- Career Level: This role is an entry to mid-level position within the marketing department of a large, global organization.
- Reporting Structure: The Product Marketing Associate will report directly to the Product Marketing Manager for the Landscape and Contractors Group.
- Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring 3 days on-site and 2 days remote, with the possibility of 5 days on-site as needed.
- Growth Opportunities: As a large organization with a diverse portfolio of brands, The Toro Company offers opportunities for career growth and development within the marketing department and across the company.

ASSUMPTION: This role provides an excellent opportunity for an entry-level or junior marketing professional to gain experience in product marketing and licensing within a large, global organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

- Office Type: The Toro Company's headquarters in Bloomington, MN, offers a casual, corporate environment with a focus on employee comfort and productivity.
- Office Location(s): Bloomington, MN (headquarters).
- Geographic Context: Bloomington, MN, is a suburb of Minneapolis, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and a strong job market.
- Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility and a better work-life balance, with the possibility of working remotely two days per week.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible work schedule at The Toro Company's headquarters provide employees with a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote work.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

- Typical Process: The interview process for this role may include phone or video screens, followed by on-site interviews with the hiring manager and other team members. A final round may involve a presentation or case study.
- Key Assessment Areas: Candidates will be assessed on their analytical skills, communication skills, and cultural fit with The Toro Company's values and work environment.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the product marketing and licensing processes, as well as your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Research The Toro Company and its products to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the organization.

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- SAP and/or Salesforce (preferred)
- Product lifecycle management software (e.g., Arena, PLM 360)
- Market research tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the product marketing and licensing industries, with a focus on collaboration and data-driven decision-making.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

- Company Values: The Toro Company values caring relationships, innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to helping customers build, shape, and care for the world around us.
- Work Style: The Toro Company offers a casual, corporate environment with a focus on employee comfort and productivity. The organization values collaboration, open communication, and a positive team dynamic.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with The Toro Company's values, particularly caring relationships and a commitment to helping customers?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid team environment, collaborating with both on-site and remote team members?
- How do you approach problem-solving and decision-making in a team setting, and how do you ensure that your ideas are effectively communicated and implemented?

ASSUMPTION: The Toro Company values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates who can demonstrate their alignment with the organization's values and work style will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

- Role-Specific Challenges: This role may require working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and organizational skills.
- Company-Specific Challenges: As a large, global organization, The Toro Company may have complex internal structures and processes that can be challenging to navigate for new employees.
- Industry-Specific Challenges: The machinery manufacturing industry can be competitive and fast-paced, requiring adaptability and a strong understanding of market trends and customer needs.
- Location-Specific Challenges: Bloomington, MN, can experience cold winters, which may impact outdoor work and travel for this role.

ASSUMPTION: While there may be challenges specific to this role, The Toro Company offers a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional growth and development to help employees overcome these obstacles.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

- Career Level: This role is similar to other entry to mid-level product marketing and licensing positions within the machinery manufacturing industry.
- Industry-Specific Context: The machinery manufacturing industry is competitive and fast-paced, requiring strong analytical skills, communication skills, and adaptability.
- Career Path Comparison: This role provides an excellent opportunity for career growth and development within the marketing department and across the organization.

ASSUMPTION: While this role is similar to other entry to mid-level product marketing and licensing positions, The Toro Company's large, global organization offers unique opportunities for career growth and development within the marketing department and across the company.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

- Product Development: Lead a new product development project from concept to launch, ensuring that customer requirements are met, and schedule and financial targets are achieved.
- Market Research: Conduct market research and analyze competitive landscape to identify trends and customer needs, and develop data-driven product strategies.
- Product Launch: Launch a new product crisply and successfully, coordinating with cross-functional teams and ensuring compliance with brand guidelines and contractual obligations.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the key responsibilities and required skills for this role, and provide an insight into the day-to-day tasks and challenges faced by the Product Marketing Associate.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

- Role-Specific Questions:
- How does this role fit into the overall product marketing and licensing strategy for The Toro Company's Landscape and Contractors Group?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the product portfolio, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- Team-Specific Questions:
- How does this role collaborate with other teams, such as design, engineering, marketing, sales, and legal, to ensure successful product launches?
- What is the dynamic like within the product marketing and licensing team, and how does this role contribute to a positive team environment?
- Company-Specific Questions:
- How does The Toro Company support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly in the marketing department?
- What are some of the unique aspects of working for a large, global organization like The Toro Company?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions during the interview process will help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the organization, and demonstrate their interest and enthusiasm for the position.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

- To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: [Application URL]
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare for the interview process by researching The Toro Company and its products, and practicing your responses to common interview questions.
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role.
- If you are offered the position, be prepared to discuss your salary expectations and benefits requirements.

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