Overview
The Chicago White Sox are looking for a dynamic and results-driven Retail Marketing Manager to lead and elevate our retail marketing initiatives. This role is perfect for someone with a creative mindset, strong analytical skills, and a passion for expanding brand presence. As the Retail Marketing Manager, you will serve as the primary point of contact for our third-party retail partner, working collaboratively to drive revenue growth and amplify the White Sox brand through innovative activations, co-branded collaborations, and impactful product launches.
In this role, you will oversee the development and execution of retail marketing strategies across all channels, including social media, digital platforms, in-stadium promotions, and retail partnerships. You’ll work closely with our third-party retail partner and internal teams to launch campaigns from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives and maximizing sales performance.
The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment, with a strong track record of cross-functional collaboration, delivering creative campaigns, and using data-driven insights to track performance and ROI. Experience in managing retail budgets, brand consistency, and licensing will be key to success in this role, as will a deep understanding of fan engagement and market trends to drive product and marketing innovation.
Job responsibilities:
· Ensure the profitability of retail operations at Rate Field by partnering with the third-party retail operator on product buying, promotions, visual merchandising, and day-to-day operations.
· Oversee the annual retail marketing budget and MLB retail fund.
· Lead and execute retail creative campaigns from product ideation and design to production, collaborating cross-functionally with teams such as marketing, design, and operations for seamless campaign launches.
· Work closely with the social and digital marketing teams to amplify retail initiatives, including strategies for the @whitesoxstore Instagram account.
· Identify, secure, and manage co-branded licensed collaborations with influential partners to support business objectives and extend the reach of the White Sox brand.
· Collaborate with MLB and Nike on the development and launch of specialty jerseys, including Nike City Connect.
· Monitor industry and cultural trends, along with White Sox fan preferences, to guide the development of new licensed products and marketing initiatives.
· Administer logo usage to ensure brand standards are upheld in all commerce-related materials, including third-party collaborations, serving as the primary liaison with MLB Licensing.
· Develop and nurture relationships with key partners, agencies, and vendors, such as Fanatics, Nike, and New Era, to support retail initiatives and collaborations.
· Collaborate with Corporate Partnerships to identify and maximize retail-related sponsor opportunities that drive sales, visibility, and brand alignment.
· Lead the strategic creation and management of featured product launches, driving traffic and sales while ensuring customer engagement at retail locations.
· Collaborate with the retail operator to develop effective markdown strategies that minimize excess inventory and maximize revenue.
· Coordinate with internal teams such as Digital, Business Analytics, Sponsorship, and Design Services to execute retail strategies and measure key performance metrics.
· Partner with Business Analytics and retail partners to measure and report on sales and retail marketing initiatives, tracking key performance metrics such as sales growth, customer engagement, and ROI, and developing insights to inform future strategies.
· Manage internal retail orders, including coordinating custom jersey decorations for clients.
· Stay informed on Chicagoland market trends and White Sox fan preferences, as well as current fashion trends, to drive product development and marketing strategies.
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in marketing, retail operations, business, or a related field.
· 5-7 years of experience in marketing, retail operations, or a related area, with hands-on experience managing campaigns and overseeing retail functions.
· Experience in sports retail or working with licensed products is a plus.
· Proven track record in overseeing multiple campaigns, including budget management, goal setting, creative development, and messaging execution.
· Strong ability to develop retail products and marketing strategies that align with business objectives.
· Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to effectively communicate and present to internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
· Passion for continuous learning and staying ahead of retail marketing trends and innovations.
· Positive, proactive attitude with a strong work ethic and commitment to achieving results.
· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
· Highly organized, with strong attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
· Passion for baseball and sports is a plus, with an understanding of the fan experience and culture.
Compensation:
· $70,000 - $75,000
Benefits Include:
Chicago White Sox is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
APPLICATION DEADLINE January 31, 2025