Golf Marketing Manager

Support the Commercial Division business objectives by developing, implementing, and managing long-range and annual marketing plans, programs, and strategies to grow the Golf business! Scope of responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Customer segmentation 
• Analysis and reporting 
• Managing industry and association agreements and relationships 
• Conducting customer and industry research and serving as the customer expert/advocate within Toro 
• Managing customer relationship events 
• Successfully launching new products to the market 
• Achieves approved annual plan objectives with regard to retail sales, shipments, profit contribution, and asset management

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Golf Market -

Work cross-divisionally and cross-functionally with irrigation, corporate accounts, product managers, commercial sales, finance, marcom, and education and training teams to develop, present and execute both short and long-range business plans; and lead the golf business strategy.

Collaborate with product managers, marketing communications, sales, customer care, and distribution on all major events for the golf market including major tournaments, industry events, trade shows, business meetings, customer events and more.

Build and manage relationships/agreements with key industry associations and influencers.

Conduct research and Voice of the Customer activities to fully understand the trends, needs, challenges and issues facing golf customers: superintendents, club managers and club owners.

Help identify, prioritize and win support for new golf products/categories, based upon quantified market opportunities. This may be done:

• In partnership with product managers via MGPP and 1PDS
• In partnership with business development team via partnerships, alliances, or acquisitions

Successfully launch new products in collaboration with product managers and marketing communications teams.

Collaborate with marketing communications team to execute an effective communication strategy for the golf business, including website, print, digital, public relations, collateral, etc.

Oversee the continued development, maintenance, and utilization of a segmented customer database.

Monitor, analyze, and report on competitive activity, industry information, and market share.

Create targeted campaigns and programs with distribution, to grow share of mind and expand share of market with end users.

Represent the Commercial division and lead special projects as assigned.

Complete other assignments, duties, and tasks as required.

JOB DIMENSIONS:

Lead the long-range and annual plans; and market analysis efforts for Golf.

Manage industry and customer relationships, agreements and events.

Work closely with:

• Director of Marketing, Commercial
• Worldwide Product Managers, Commercial
• Regional Business Managers & District Sales Managers, Commercial
• Marketing Communications Manager, Commercial

Own customer and database segmentation, profiles & reporting.

Advocate for customers inside Toro and at distribution.

Prudently manage marketing budgets and travel expenses.

Travel requirement 20% - 25%.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related discipline and 4+ years of marketing experience (or MBA with 2+ years marketing experience) to include new product development in durable, service oriented goods.

Successful track record in market and/or product management.

Experience developing strategic plans, conducting voice of customer research, managing customer relationships, and developing marketing communications plans.

Business to business experience through a dealer/distribution system is required.

Excellent verbal/written communication skills, influencing ability, and effective participation in cross-functional teams.

Demonstrated ability to understand markets, segments and customer needs.

Strong analytical skills.

Strong relationship building skills with key industry entities, sales and channel.

Golf knowledge and interest is highly preferred.