Senior Marketing Manager - Contract

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Marketing Manager - Contract

🔹 Company: Storck USA, L.P.

🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

🔹 Job Type: Contract, Temporary

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 22, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing high-impact marketing strategies to drive growth, profitability, and brand strength
• Leading cross-functional teams to collaborate and drive consistent brand growth
• Managing key marketing budgets to optimize performance and fuel sustained brand growth
• Conducting in-depth analyses to refine marketing strategies and make data-driven decisions
• Supervising direct reports and providing routine performance feedback and coaching

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and analytical skills to succeed in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Developing and executing comprehensive annual marketing plans, including brand objectives, strategies, tactics, volume sales goals, and marketing expense budgets

✅ Translating brand insights, consumer behavior, market research, and competitive intelligence into actionable strategies

✅ Proactively identifying and pursuing opportunities to drive profitable growth and maximize market share

✅ Managing performance tracking and analysis, and proactively identifying emerging issues or opportunities

✅ Collaborating with cross-functional teams to expand brand accessibility, maximize in-store experience, drive consumer engagement, and increase sales in both traditional and digital channels

✅ Managing brand P&L and overseeing the financial performance of the brand

✅ Conducting in-depth analyses such as Situation Analysis and SWOT Analysis to continually refine marketing strategies

✅ Leading the management of brand forecasts and marketing expense budgets, incorporating forecasting and tracking models to make informed, data-driven decisions

✅ Overseeing the development of new product line extensions or brand innovations within the US market

✅ Managing the advertising development process and overseeing the execution of media plans

✅ Providing routine performance feedback, direction, and coaching to direct reports

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on execution to drive brand growth and success.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required; MBA degree with emphasis in Marketing preferred with experience in fast moving consumer goods industry

Experience: At least 7 years of related experience, with a preference for consumer packaged goods experience

Required Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Advanced knowledge of syndicated scanner data (e.g., IRI, Nielsen) strongly preferred
• Experience leading the development of new or existing products or strategies from conception to implementation
• Experience developing and implementing marketing plans and strategies, managing marketing initiatives including market research, consumer and trade promotions, packaging, advertising and selling materials/presentations
• Experience planning and executing non-traditional marketing tactics
• Experience developing national advertising campaigns including management of advertising development and media plans
• At least two years in a managerial capacity
• Resourceful, creative, curious, and an innovative thinker
• Energetic, proactive, and action-oriented individual with a customer-centric mindset
• Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt to different levels and communication requirements
• Consumer/business curiosity
• Creative idea generator
• Excellent problem-solving ability with demonstrated experience managing situations through facts and data to recommend and/or make business decisions
• Strong analytical aptitude with a proven ability to analyze and interpret data

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with Global/International business

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in marketing, with a proven track record of driving brand growth and success in a fast-paced environment.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75.00 - $88.00 per hour (6-month contract)

Benefits:

• Paid Company Holidays (up to 10 days)
• Vacation Days (up to 10 days)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is competitive for a 6-month contract role in the marketing industry, with benefits tailored to the temporary nature of the position.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Manufacturing, specifically focused on candy and confectionary products

Company Size: 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 1977, with a rich history and established brand presence in the market

Company Description:

• Storck USA, L.P. is a business unit subsidiary of The Storck Group, headquartered in Germany
• The Storck Group operates as a worldwide business in over 20 countries, including the US and Canada in North America
• At Storck, everything is about one thing only, and at all times: creating joy for consumers through their products

Company Specialties:

• Candy
• Confectionary
• CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods)
• Global CPG Manufacturer

Company Website: http://storck.us

ASSUMPTION: Storck USA, L.P. is a well-established company with a strong brand presence and a focus on creating joy for consumers through their products. The company offers opportunities for growth and collaboration in a mid-sized company environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Manager/Director level, with the opportunity to lead cross-functional teams and drive brand growth and success

Reporting Structure: This role will supervise direct report(s) during the contract period, with the potential for additional team members to join the marketing team

Work Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement, with 3 days in-office and 2 days remote, providing flexibility and a balance between collaboration and independent work

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for contract extension or full-time employment based on performance and business needs
• Opportunities to work on global marketing initiatives and collaborate with international teams
• Chance to gain experience in a mid-sized company environment and contribute to brand growth and success

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development, with the potential for contract extension or full-time employment based on performance and business needs.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Downtown Chicago, IL, providing a vibrant and dynamic work environment

Office Location(s): 325 N. LaSalle Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60654, US

Geographic Context:

• Chicago, Illinois, United States
• Midwestern city with a diverse population and a strong business ecosystem
• Accessible public transportation and numerous amenities nearby

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)

ASSUMPTION: The downtown Chicago office location provides a vibrant and dynamic work environment, with easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
• Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
• Communication and presentation skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your marketing strategies, campaigns, or initiatives that drove brand growth and success
• Research Storck USA, L.P. and the candy and confectionary industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role

ATS Keywords: Marketing Strategy, Brand Growth, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Data-Driven Decision Making, Consumer Insights, Market Research, Product Development, Advertising Strategy, Team Leadership

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is typical for a marketing position, with a focus on assessing strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and analytical skills.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Syndicated scanner data tools (e.g., IRI, Nielsen)
• Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Marketo)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with marketing automation and analytics tools, as well as project management tools for collaboration and task tracking.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Belonging: Foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity
• Passion: Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to creating joy for consumers
• Growth: Encourage continuous learning and development for both personal and professional growth

Work Style:

• Collaborative: Work closely with cross-functional teams to drive brand growth and success
• Data-driven: Make informed decisions based on data and analytics to optimize performance
• Adaptable: Embrace change and pivot strategies as needed to respond to market dynamics

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Storck’s values of Belonging, Passion, and Growth?
• How do you approach cross-functional collaboration and teamwork in a dynamic environment?
• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and consumer behavior to inform your marketing strategies?

ASSUMPTION: Storck USA, L.P. values a culture of inclusivity, enthusiasm, and continuous learning and development, with a collaborative and data-driven work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team remotely and ensuring consistent brand growth and success
• Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Adapting to changes in market dynamics and consumer behavior
• Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to drive consistent brand growth

ASSUMPTION: This role presents challenges related to remote team management, prioritization, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other marketing manager positions in its focus on driving brand growth and success in the candy and confectionary industry
• Industry-specific context and consumer behavior are crucial for developing effective marketing strategies
• Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth and development, with the potential for contract extension or full-time employment based on performance and business needs

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on the candy and confectionary industry, with opportunities for growth and development based on performance and business needs.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing plan to drive brand growth and success in the US market
• Conducting market research and consumer insights analysis to inform marketing strategies and tactics
• Managing the development and launch of new product line extensions or brand innovations within the US market

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the strategic, analytical, and collaborative nature of the role, with a focus on driving brand growth and success.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and teams to drive consistent brand growth?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the brand in the US market, and how can this role address them?
• What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within the company?
• How does the company support work-life balance for employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions help applicants understand the role’s priorities, challenges, growth opportunities, and work-life balance in a hybrid work arrangement.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your marketing strategies, campaigns, or initiatives that drove brand growth and success
• Research Storck USA, L.P. and the candy and confectionary industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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