Category Marketing Planning Specialist

Rural King Supply is seeking a Category Marketing Planning Specialist to anchor cross-functional campaigns from its Mattoon, Illinois campus. This onsite role leads vendor CO-OP funding, builds integrated plans across digital, social, email, in-store POP, print, TV/radio, PR, and experiential events to support promotions, product categories, and brands. The position offers a salary range of USD 48,250 to 50,000 per year and requires a bachelor’s degree along with at least two years of marketing planning experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute marketing plans and assets across multiple channels including digital, social, email, store POP, print, TV/radio, PR, and experiential events.
• Convert data-driven insights into actionable marketing strategies.
• Present strategies to senior leadership and ensure alignment with channel owners.
• Coordinate tactically with channel owners to maintain alignment.
• Provide precise creative direction to internal and external creative partners.
• Ensure operational coordination with field teams throughout execution.
• Oversee the end-to-end execution process from development through deployment.
• Compile, analyze, and communicate results clearly.
• Interpret performance metrics to optimize programs.
• Lead strategy development, internal socialization, and cross-functional execution for key brands, categories, and services.
• Determine an integrated marketing support plan that includes CRM, digital, social, in-store environment, internal communication, and budget.
• Ensure flawless execution of tactical elements of marketing programs, including promo setup, collaboration with Marketing teams, and communication to store teams and vendors.
• Lead national events for key categories and brands, and other national merchandising events as developed.
• Partner with Merchants and Leadership to align programs with business priorities; report on results and learnings.
• Leverage internal resources and external partners to maximize program ROI, including agencies, print suppliers, media agencies, packaging vendors, and consultants.
• Proactively work with vendor partners and merchants to fully leverage assets and funds.
• Lead associates in a manner that reflects Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Engage in learning initiatives such as training programs, workshops, and webinars to stay current and grow skills.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional support to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate Rural King values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of marketing planning experience with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Solid understanding of retail business practices.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor team members.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Physical requirements: ability to stay seated or standing for extended periods; ability to lift up to 15 pounds periodically; ability to navigate and access all facilities; effective verbal communication in person and via electronic devices; close vision for computer tasks.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% of contributions and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Healthcare plans with virtual doctor visits.
• Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program.
• 15% associate discount.
• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar program.
• Associate Assistance Program and RK Cares Associate Hardship Program.
• 24/7 Chaplaincy Services.
• Company-paid YMCA family membership.

About Rural King

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, delivering essentials to communities across more than 150 locations in 17 states and generating over $2.5 billion in annual sales. Our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store are located in Mattoon, Illinois. Customers value a unique shopping experience, including complimentary popcorn and coffee, as a token of appreciation for their support. Rural King prioritizes its associates, offering growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first culture that serves rural communities with dedication and purpose.