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.
