Retail Activation Manager

Requisition ID: 72564 

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com. 

This role in summary

Whirlpool is seeking a qualified candidate for Retail Activation Manager to join our Retail Activation team.

The role can be based in Chicago, IL at World of Whirlpool ( WoW ) Studios or at the Riverview Campus in Benton Harbor, MI. This role is onsite 5 days a week.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and team player. This role is critically important for Whirlpool’s retail partners and ensuring in-store success. This role will help oversee the activation plan execution at the retailer level in collaboration with sales, brand and retailer’s teams. This role ensures our Brands and products are effectively promoted and well represented in the retail environment. The candidate in this role focuses on driving sales and enhancing consumer engagement through distinctive and relevant shopping experiences. This role focuses on making our brands stand out in a crowded retail environment, driving strong brand preference over competitors.

Your responsibilities will include

• Works with Retail Activation Senior Manager (RASM) to develop annual activation plan (JBP), in close collaboration with retailer, sales team and Brand Marketing, making sure priorities and strategic direction alignment. 

• Designs with RASM support and executes marketing campaigns and promotional activities at the retailer level (both: on the sales floor and on retailer.com), in collaboration with key strategic channels and in alignment with annual activation plan.

• Manage activation calendar, making sure on time and on budget execution.

• Coordinated with WoW (internal agency) and Brand team to create marketing materials, product information, and promotional content driving high visibility and high conversion at the point of purchase

• Creates compelling in-store experiences that capture shopper interest and encourage interaction with our brand’s products (driving high engagement and conversion rate). Ensures product displays and POP assets are distinctive, on brand and drive high engagement.

• Work closely with internal teams (brand, product content, sales, media), retail partners and vendors to coordinate and execute retail activation seamlessly

• Gather data on campaign and promotional performance (incl. Store visits), customer feedback, and market trends to inform future activation strategies and improve effectiveness.

• Manage budget for retail activation campaigns/promotions, co-marketing programs, ensuring cost efficiency and on budget spend.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3+ years of experience in one or more of the following: Marketing / Shopper Marketing, Product Development, Media, Brand, Management, eCommerce or Sales (Sales experience must include partnering with retailers to plan product marketing campaigns or promotions)

Preferred skills and experiences

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Marketing
• Experience in Trade Media/Marketing (Paid, Owned, Earned, Event)
• Project management, strong time management and organizational skills
• Owns a Straight Talk mentality 
• Strong oral, written communication, and presentation skills
• Proficient computer skills, Google Suite and Excel
• Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment, overcome challenges, and manage multiple priorities and stakeholders
• Strong influencing and consultative skills - includes advocating for the shopper, aligning objectives across teams and partnering internally and externally to grow the business and brand equity
• Proven ability to develop strong relationships
• Proven analytical skills and ability to successfully integrate different streams of information into conclusive next steps and shareable findings
• Ability to present marketing plans to teams not as proficient in marketing in a way that’s easily consumable 
• Proven strength in communication, prioritization and proactive management
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Experience with Big Box retailers
• Ability to work with teams cross-collaboratively

What we offer

Generous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).

Additional information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working

Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day.  We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

• Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed. 

• Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.

• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.

Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation

See what it's like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers. Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.