VP, Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: VP, Marketing

🔹 Company: GORUCK

🔹 Location: Jacksonville Beach, FL

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site

🔹 Category: Retail, Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 5, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-Site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Setting the high-level strategy for marketing to drive revenue growth
• Overseeing performance marketing and aligning marketing with business objectives
• Leading and mentoring a high-performing marketing team
• Collaborating with sales and growth teams to align marketing with business expansion efforts

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in DTC marketing and e-commerce to drive growth and brand awareness for GORUCK's unique products and community.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and oversee the marketing budget, ensuring efficiency and maximum ROI

✅ Lead performance marketing strategy to scale profitable growth

✅ Drive go-to-market strategies for product launches, campaigns, and brand initiatives

✅ Oversee brand strategy and positioning, ensuring alignment with business goals

✅ Build and mentor a high-performing marketing team

✅ Partner closely with sales and growth teams to align marketing with business expansion efforts

✅ Optimize the marketing tech stack, analytics, and data-driven decision-making

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in managing cross-functional teams, prioritizing what matters, and focusing on what matters most to drive quantifiable results.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 10+ years of experience in DTC marketing, ideally in e-commerce with premium brands and/or fitness, outdoor, premium consumer goods

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of driving revenue growth and scaling success through brand and performance marketing
• Strong leadership experience in managing cross-functional teams (content, digital, performance, partnerships)
• Expertise in digital marketing channels (paid social, search, email, SMS, affiliate, influencer, and partnerships)
• Data-driven decision-maker with strong analytical and ROI-focused mindset
• Strong strategic thinker who can align marketing with business objectives
• Experience working with agencies and in-house teams, optimizing spend, and scaling growth

Preferred Skills:

• Passion for fitness, rucking, training, veterans and/or strong military supporter, experienced with team sports and/or gear dorks into outdoor fitness

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have experience growing an emerging brand and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for a VP of Marketing role in the retail sector)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee discount on GORUCK products

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday - Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a VP of Marketing role with the required experience level. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail, specifically focused on premium outdoor fitness gear and apparel

Company Size: 51-200 employees, which means a mid-sized company structure with opportunities for growth and impact

Founded: 2008, with a strong focus on community, fitness, and military support

Company Description:

• GORUCK specializes in rucking events, gear, apparel, and footwear, with a strong emphasis on community and fitness
• The company executes over 1,000 rucking events per year, led by current and former Special Forces members
• GORUCK offers a lifetime guarantee on its products, reflecting its commitment to quality and durability

Company Specialties:

• Rucking events and training
• Made in USA products
• Gear, apparel, and footwear
• Community building and military support

Company Website: https://www.goruck.com/

ASSUMPTION: GORUCK's unique focus on rucking and community sets it apart in the retail industry, offering applicants a chance to work in a dynamic and purpose-driven environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Executive, reporting directly to the CEO or another senior executive

Reporting Structure: This role will oversee the marketing team and collaborate with sales, growth, and other departments

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position at GORUCK's headquarters in Jacksonville Beach, FL

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to shape the marketing strategy and direction of the company
• Opportunities to mentor and develop team members
• Possibility to expand the role's scope as the company grows

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a high level of responsibility and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company's growth and success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: GORUCK's headquarters is a casual, collaborative workspace that reflects the company's focus on fitness and community

Office Location(s): 415 Pablo Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, US

Geographic Context:

• Jacksonville Beach is a coastal city in Florida, offering a pleasant climate and outdoor lifestyle
• The area has a growing tech and startup scene, with a strong focus on fitness and wellness
• GORUCK's location provides easy access to beaches, parks, and other recreational activities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed to support events and campaigns

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at GORUCK is fast-paced, collaborative, and focused on results, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-depth interview with the CEO or another senior executive
• Case study or presentation to showcase strategic thinking and marketing skills
• Final interview with key team members or stakeholders

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Marketing expertise and industry knowledge
• Cultural fit and alignment with GORUCK's values and mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss specific marketing campaigns or initiatives you've led and their outcomes
• Demonstrate your passion for fitness, rucking, and GORUCK's mission in your application materials

ATS Keywords: DTC marketing, e-commerce, brand strategy, performance marketing, leadership, digital marketing, data-driven decision making, analytical skills, strategic thinking, team management, budget management, customer acquisition, brand loyalty, go-to-market strategy, collaboration, marketing technology

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at GORUCK is designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on marketing expertise and industry knowledge.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
• SEO and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush)
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with marketing automation platforms, CRM software, and other relevant tools to drive growth and optimize marketing efforts.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Earn it: GORUCK believes in earning success through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence
• Lead from the front: The company encourages its team members to take initiative, be proactive, and lead by example
• Rewards boldness, ownership, and relentless execution: GORUCK values team members who take calculated risks, take ownership of their work, and consistently deliver results

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic: GORUCK operates in a fast-paced environment, requiring team members to be adaptable, responsive, and proactive
• Collaborative: The company values teamwork, open communication, and a culture of collaboration
• Mission-driven: GORUCK is focused on its mission to build gear that lasts, support the military community, and foster a sense of belonging among its customers and team members

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and are you comfortable with ambiguity and change?
• Are you passionate about fitness, rucking, and GORUCK's mission to support the military community?
• Do you possess strong leadership skills and the ability to mentor and develop team members?

ASSUMPTION: GORUCK's unique culture and mission-driven approach require candidates who are passionate about the company's values and committed to its success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities
• Balancing the need for strategic, long-term planning with the demands of day-to-day operations
• Adapting to a company culture that values boldness and calculated risks
• Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including military members, event participants, and customers

ASSUMPTION: The VP of Marketing role at GORUCK presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a candidate who is comfortable with ambiguity, adaptable, and capable of driving results in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional retail marketing roles, this position requires a strong focus on community building and military support, as well as a deep understanding of GORUCK's unique products and mission
• This role offers the opportunity to shape the marketing strategy and direction of a growing, mission-driven company, rather than simply executing on established plans
• Career progression in this role could include opportunities to expand the scope of the position or take on additional responsibilities as the company grows

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic, leadership, and operational responsibilities, with a strong focus on community building and military support.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a go-to-market strategy for a new product launch, including market research, segmentation, positioning, and promotional planning
• Analyzing marketing performance data to identify trends, optimize spend, and drive ROI across multiple channels
• Building and managing a high-performing marketing team, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills required to succeed in the VP of Marketing role at GORUCK.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does GORUCK plan to support the growth and expansion of its rucking events and community initiatives in the coming years?
• What are the key priorities for the marketing team in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
• How does GORUCK approach collaboration and communication between marketing and other departments, such as sales and growth?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the marketing team, and how can this role help address them?
• How does GORUCK support the professional development and growth of its team members, particularly in the marketing department?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of GORUCK's unique business model, marketing strategy, and company culture, as well as their ability to drive results and contribute to the company's success.

📌 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 experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your passion for fitness, rucking, and GORUCK's mission
• Prepare a case study or presentation showcasing your strategic thinking and marketing skills, demonstrating how you've driven results in previous roles
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the position

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