Vice President of Marketing, Product Development & Creative

Company Overview:

Trends International, LLC is a leading publisher and distributor of licensed products, including posters, calendars, social stationery, stickers, and related items. Serving major retailers through facilities in key locations, Trends is dedicated to delivering high-quality creative products that inspire and engage audiences worldwide.

Position Summary

Trends International is seeking a Vice President of Marketing, Product Development & Creative to lead marketing strategy, product innovation, brand management, creative direction, and consumer engagement. This executive will drive profitable growth by developing commercially successful products, strengthening brand awareness, and increasing consumer demand across retail and digital channels.

The ideal candidate combines creative vision with commercial acumen, translating consumer insights, market trends, and licensing opportunities into innovative products and measurable business results.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing & Brand Strategy

• Develop and execute integrated marketing strategies that drive brand awareness, consumer engagement, and revenue growth.
• Oversee brand positioning, campaigns, social media strategy, and consumer communications across all channels.
• Partner with Sales and Digital Commerce on retail promotions, product launches, customer acquisition, and e-commerce growth.
• Establish performance metrics and optimize marketing investments based on ROI and business impact.

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead product strategy and development from concept through commercialization and launch.
• Identify consumer trends, licensing opportunities, and new product categories that support profitable growth.
• Partner with Sales, Licensing, and Operations to develop competitive assortments aligned with customer needs, pricing, and margin targets.
• Manage product development priorities, timelines, and launch performance.

Creative Direction & Licensing

• Establish creative vision and oversee product design, artwork, packaging, retail displays, and marketing assets.
• Ensure creative execution aligns with brand standards, licensing requirements, and customer expectations.
• Collaborate with licensing partners to maximize existing properties and identify new product and promotional opportunities.
• Drive creative innovation, operational efficiency, and speed to market.

Social Media & Digital Engagement

• Lead social media strategy, content development, influencer partnerships, and consumer engagement across relevant platforms.
• Align digital campaigns with product launches, licensed properties, and key cultural and retail opportunities.
• Partner with Digital Commerce to improve product visibility, traffic, conversion, and customer retention.

Executive & Organizational Leadership

• Lead and develop Marketing, Product Development, and Creative teams, establishing clear priorities and accountability.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and performance against business objectives.
• Collaborate across Sales, Licensing, Digital Commerce, and Operations to execute growth initiatives.
• Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team on business strategy and organizational priorities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Product Development, Design, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in marketing, product development, brand management, or creative leadership.
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams and driving product innovation, commercialization, and profitable growth.
• Experience in consumer products, retail, licensed merchandise, entertainment, or e-commerce preferred.
• Strong understanding of marketing strategy, social media, digital commerce, and consumer trends.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, strategic thinking, creative leadership, and ability to deliver measurable business results.

Measures of Success

Success will be measured through revenue growth and profitability, new product performance, marketing effectiveness and ROI, brand awareness and consumer engagement, digital commerce performance, speed to market, and departmental budget management.

Trends International, LLC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). Per the ADA, Trends International, LLC will make reasonable accommodation for known physical or mental disabilities of a qualified and disabled applicant or employee. Trends International, LLC may decline to accommodate the request should it cause an undue hardship on the operations of the company. It is the responsibility of the employee or applicant to request accommodation. The individual should identify what accommodation they believe is needed to successfully perform the functions of the job above. Employees may be asked to provide medical evidence to support the need for the requested accommodation. Please contact the People & Culture department with any questions or requests for accommodation.