Marketing Specialist

‘Color the world’ isn’t just a slogan at Ball Horticultural Company, it’s our commitment as a global leader in horticulture. We are seeking a motivated candidate ready to take the next step in their marketing career by joining PanAmerican Seed, the world's leading breeder and producer of flower and vegetable seeds. PanAmerican Seed markets its products to both wholesale and retail distributors around the globe. The company continually strives to provide grower solutions with high-quality products whose benefits are carried all the way to the consumer level. Quality and innovation are the company’s primary goals. Consumers, growers and distributors worldwide rely on PanAmerican Seed for the newest and best seed products in the industry.

This role executes product promotion, market surveys, and data analysis under the guidance of the Marketing Manager, to contribute to the company’s drivefor continued increasing returns on our products and brands. The Marketing Specialist will lead marketing campaign planning and implementation for some of our key developing brands in the North American market including Kitchen Minis.

Our company is in the western suburbs of Chicago, IL (near Naperville, Geneva, Wheaton), where our 60-acre campus boasts recently upgraded and renovated office spaces, 10 acres of display gardens and restored natural areas. The gardens are primarily used as a sales and marketing tool but also provide a great relaxation opportunity for staff at the home office here in West Chicago.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage consumer campaigns from strategy to launch and maintenance with support from the Marketing Manager for global product marketing. 
• Manage the design, editing and publication of promotional materials and communications for allocated brands and campaigns 
• Develop and manage consumer brand campaigns like Kitchen Mini’s. 
• Develop marketing strategies to support the business needs 
• Coordinate with internal marketing communications agency to oversee planned activities and set targets are achieved 
• Execute the planning, organization, and implementation of market research surveys to obtain data that provides insight to market trends and customer requirements 
• Write outlines of email and blog content, and other content as required for product promotion 
• Organize and participate in promotional events as part of marketing strategy. 
• Assist with advertising planning and media coordination and execution. 
• Conduct customer surveys to determine reception of new products and marketing tools. 
• Prepare and present regular reports to Marketing Manager and management team on marketing activities and results. 
• Learn the company’s targets/values and employ this knowledge in product marketing 
• Take part in education (product training, industry networking, conferences) to gain a superior level of product knowledge and develop strategic marketing ability

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in marketing, preferably in B2B and B2C markets. 
• Horticultural Industry experience is a plus. 
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, agri-business, horticulture, or other related discipline is required. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills. 
• Strong customer-focus and demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into successful marketing ideas. 
• Team orientation and ability to work across multiple teams within a matrix structure, with a willingness to learn! 
• Strong organizational skills and ability and self-discipline to work accurately on detailed projects and data analysis. 
• Ability and willingness to travel 10% of time.

What we offer:

We deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, paid parental leave 
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan 
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays 
• Tuition assistance 
• An onsite subsidized café 
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs