Director, Marketing & Brand

Salary: $129,000 - $140,000 per year (salary dependent upon experience of individual selected)

Posting closes on 4/15/24 at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time

About Klean Kanteen:

 

Klean Kanteen is not just a business; we're a movement. Founded with the mission to provide sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic, we've been pioneering the stainless steel, reusable bottle and food storage industry for over 20 years. Our products are designed to reduce waste and promote a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, both for our customers and the planet.

 

At Klean Kanteen, we believe in using business as a force for good. We're committed to ethical manufacturing, charitable partnerships, and advocacy for environmental conservation. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability has made us a leader in our field, and we're looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help us continue to make a difference.

 

As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, we donate a portion of our profits to environmental organizations around the world. We are also B Corp certified, reflecting our rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

We have a tight-knit, fun, team-oriented culture, with a casual open work environment, where you’ll find most people in jeans and t-shirts. We’re all here to make a difference, and enjoy plenty of exciting and rewarding challenges

General Purpose:

 

The Director of Marketing & Brand at Klean Kanteen is a strategic leader focused on aligning marketing initiatives with the company's financial goals across Retail, International Distribution, and E-commerce channels. This role is instrumental in delivering our commitment to providing clean, reusable bottles and food storage solutions that are beneficial for both human health and the planet.

 

As the steward of the brand story, the Director is tasked with inspiring the marketing team and the wider organization to embrace and contribute to the brand's vision. With a hands-on approach, the Director ensures that the brand messaging is consistent and potent across all categories and products, directly influencing the market.

 

Financial acumen is paramount, as the Director's decisions significantly impact inventory management, product launches, and global sales strategies. The Director of Marketing & Brand is responsible for meeting revenue targets in collaboration with the head of sales for Retail and International Distribution, while directly overseeing the e-commerce channel to ensure profitability and manage expenses within the company's budget.

 

Leading a nimble team, the Director of Marketing & Brand is expected to be a visionary who is also willing to roll up their sleeves to guarantee that the marketing strategy is not just envisioned but effectively implemented.

Organizational Chart / Reporting Relationship:

Direct Reports:            Graphic Designer, Non-Profit Outreach Manager & Marketing Coordinator

Reports To:                   CEO

 

Essential Functions:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies that align with Klean Kanteen's mission, financial goals, and global market presence. This includes overseeing all aspects of marketing from digital campaigns to product launches, ensuring they support the company's growth objectives and brand values.
• Brand Stewardship: Act as the guardian of the Klean Kanteen brand, ensuring all marketing efforts reflect and enhance the company's reputation for sustainability, quality, and innovation. Maintain and elevate brand standards, coherence, and visibility across all channels and regions.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing marketing team capable of executing the strategic vision. Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement. Ensure team members have clear goals and the resources needed to achieve them.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the sales, product development, and operations teams to ensure a cohesive approach to market expansion and product offerings. Partner with the heads of Retail and International Distribution to align sales and marketing strategies, while taking direct responsibility for e-commerce performance.
• Financial Management: Oversee the marketing budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources for maximum impact and efficiency. Collaborate with finance and sales to set and achieve revenue targets, manage expenses, and contribute to the company's overall financial health.
• Market Analysis and Adaptation: Continuously monitor market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape. Leverage insights to inform strategic decisions and adapt marketing approaches to meet evolving market demands and opportunities.
• Sustainability Advocacy: Champion Klean Kanteen’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility through marketing initiatives. Engage customers, partners, and communities in the brand's mission to make a positive impact on the planet.
• Performance Measurement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for marketing activities. Regularly review and analyze performance against these metrics to guide future strategies, optimize marketing effectiveness, and report on ROI.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

 

• Developing and executing the global marketing plan, ensuring it is in harmony with the strategic business and financial objectives.
• Collaborating with the head of sales for Retail and International Distribution to devise and implement sales strategies that drive revenue growth.
• Taking ownership of the e-commerce channel, optimizing marketing strategies to increase online sales and profitability.
• Crafting and maintaining a consistent brand message across all platforms and products to reinforce Klean Kanteen’s market position and values.
• Leading product launch campaigns and coordinating with various departments to ensure a seamless & successful entry into the market.
• Overseeing budget management for the marketing department, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and cost-effective project execution.
• Mentoring and developing the marketing team, promoting a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and alignment with the brand's vision.
• Monitoring market trends and consumer behavior to adapt marketing strategies and keep the brand ahead of the curve.
• Engaging in hands-on problem-solving and decision-making to keep projects on track and to address any challenges promptly.
• Representing the brand at industry events, in media communications, and during stakeholder engagements to promote brand values and initiatives.

 

Job Qualifications:

 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA is preferred.
• At least 8-10 years of experience in marketing and brand management, with a proven track record of successful product launches, brand development, and marketing strategy execution.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and working collaboratively with sales departments and international distribution channels.
• Prior responsibility for an e-commerce channel with demonstrated results in growth and profitability.

Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving a unified vision.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget management and the ability to align marketing strategies with financial objectives.
• Proficient in strategic planning and execution, with a hands-on approach to project management.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, capable of effectively presenting ideas and strategies to stakeholders and external partners.
• Creativity and innovation in developing marketing strategies and campaigns that resonate with target audiences and drive brand engagement.
• Adept at navigating market trends, consumer behavior analysis, and leveraging data to inform decision-making.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms, with an understanding of the latest trends in e-commerce and online marketing.

 

Personal Attributes:

• A visionary leader who is also pragmatic and results-oriented, willing to dive into the details to ensure effective strategy implementation.
• Committed to the brand’s ethos, with a passion for sustainability and creating products that benefit human health and the planet.
• Adaptive and flexible, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

 

Working Environment/Physical Activities:

• Standard business office / cubicle, and/or hybrid work environment with frequent periodic visits to Chico office

• Regular use of computers and office equipment, requiring fine finger dexterity and the ability to access files.
• Periods of sitting or standing for extended durations.
• Occasional physical activities including bending, reaching in various directions, and lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Travel requirements include up to 15% annually, potentially including international destinations, to support brand initiatives, meet with partners, and attend events.

 

KLEAN KANTEEN IS COMMITED TO CREATE A DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT AND IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER / WE ARE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANT / VETERANS’ PREFERENCE POLICY / DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE