📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Retail Marketing Specialist
🔹 Company: STIHL
🔹 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing in-store marketing messages and materials for STIHL’s extensive retail network
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product displays and storytelling are accurate and effective
- Developing and implementing product content and communication strategies
- Leading the creation and delivery of in-store merchandising options and trade show displays
- Maintaining and updating STIHL’s retail laboratory and Ace Hardware concept store
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of retail marketing principles, proficiency in relevant software, and excellent communication skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure powerhead and accessory products are displayed appropriately and supported with compelling storytelling
✅ Develops flexible store display guides for implementation by territory management and regional merchandising staff
✅ Leads the development and execution of in-store marketing content for consumer and accessory market product launches
✅ Leads the creation and delivery of pallet displays and other incentive-based in-store merchandising options
✅ Collaborates with external branches and distributors to ensure market relevance and brand consistency across North America
✅ Coordinates with external design agencies and STIHL’s in-house Events Team to lead the design of STIHL’s regional and national tradeshow displays
✅ Collaborates with STIHL’s retail development team in Germany to communicate market specificities and report North American progress and best practices
✅ Maintains and updates the STIHL Retail Laboratory located at North American headquarters in Virginia Beach
✅ Ensures the Ace Hardware STIHL concept store is maintained, updated, and always engaging
✅ Engages and collaborates with the merchandising leadership of STIHL’s largest retailers to ensure brand in-store messaging leads in all categories
✅ All other duties and responsibilities as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, retail design, graphic design, merchandising, business administration, or a related field is required.
Experience: 3-5 years of related work experience is required.
Required Skills:
- Proficient in planogram software and Adobe Creative Suite
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to present product marketing strategy
- Understanding of industry trends, consumer demographics, and STIHL’s product line and the Outdoor Power Equipment market (a plus but not required)
- Collaboration with cross-functional internal teams, external agencies, and various customers
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in telling the story of various products within niche and nuanced audiences
- Passion for pursuing new tactics and tools and educating fellow team members on latest trends and best practices
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong retail background and proven experience in managing in-store marketing campaigns will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level marketing role in the Virginia Beach area)
Benefits:
- Multiple bonus opportunities with potential annual merit increases
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Onsite Health & Wellness Center for employees and family members
- Company Paid Short & Long-Term Disability
- Company provided Life Insurance
- Fully vested after 5 years Pension Plan
- 401k Plan with employer match
- Vacation, and sick time with 11 paid holidays
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Machinery Manufacturing, specifically focused on outdoor power equipment
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Large enterprise)
Founded: 1926, with a rich history and strong global presence
Company Description:
- STIHL is a world leader in the portable outdoor power equipment industry
- Family-owned business with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability
- Offers a wide range of products, including chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, and other power tools
Company Specialties:
- Forestry and agriculture equipment
- Worldwide dealer network
- Power tools and digitalization
- Robotics and Internet of Things
Company Website: STIHL Career Website
ASSUMPTION: STIHL’s large size and global presence offer extensive growth opportunities and a diverse work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Product Marketing Manager
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with the possibility of occasional remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a senior marketing role within the organization
- Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and company growth
- International opportunities within STIHL’s global network
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear career path and opportunities for professional development within a large, established organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a modern, collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
Geographic Context:
- Virginia Beach is located in the southeastern corner of Virginia
- Known for its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Offers a mix of urban and suburban living with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas on the East Coast
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with a one-hour lunch break
ASSUMPTION: Virginia Beach offers a high quality of life with a pleasant work-life balance, making it an attractive location for both professionals and families.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and potential team members
- Final interview with the Product Marketing Manager
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Retail marketing experience and expertise
- Communication and presentation skills
- Collaboration and teamwork abilities
- Problem-solving and project management skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with STIHL’s values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of successful in-store marketing campaigns or projects you’ve led
- Research STIHL’s products, industry, and competition to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the position
ATS Keywords: Retail Marketing, In-store Marketing, Planogram Software, Adobe Creative Suite, Product Storytelling, Consumer Demographics, Industry Trends, Cross-Functional Teams, Merchandising, Display Design, Event Coordination, Market Relevance, Customer Engagement, Hospitality
ASSUMPTION: STIHL’s hiring process is thorough and designed to identify the best fit for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Planogram software (e.g., Planogram Pro, Visual Planogram)
- Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software and tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Quality and sustainability
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Customer focus and excellence
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on results and performance
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on communication and coordination
- Data-driven and analytical, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you an effective communicator and collaborator, able to work well with various teams and stakeholders?
- Do you have a strong customer focus and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences?
ASSUMPTION: STIHL values candidates who are proactive, results-driven, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines with competing priorities
- Working with a diverse range of teams and stakeholders, each with their own goals and objectives
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in retail marketing
- Adapting to a large, global organization with a complex retail network
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Retail Marketing Manager vs. Retail Marketing Specialist: The manager role involves more strategic planning and team leadership, while the specialist role focuses on day-to-day execution and tactical implementation
- Retail Marketing Specialist vs. Brand Manager: The brand manager role is more focused on overall brand strategy and positioning, while the retail marketing specialist role concentrates on in-store marketing and customer experience
- Career path comparison: Retail Marketing Specialist → Retail Marketing Manager → Director of Retail Marketing → Vice President of Retail Marketing
ASSUMPTION: These roles share many similarities, but each has its unique focus and requirements.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new in-store merchandising strategy for a major product launch
- Collaborating with external design agencies to create visually appealing and on-brand trade show displays
- Conducting market research to identify consumer trends and preferences, and incorporating findings into retail marketing strategies
ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of initiative expected in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the retail marketing team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams within the organization, such as product marketing and product management?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the organization?
- How does STIHL support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through STIHL’s Career Website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of successful in-store marketing campaigns or projects you’ve led
- Research STIHL’s products, industry, and competition to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
