Associate Product Marketing Manager

Associate Product Marketing Manager

South Pittsburg, TN (hybrid)

ABOUT LODGE CAST IRON

We got our start over 125 years ago when Joseph Lodge founded the Blacklock Foundry in South Pittsburg, TN. His scrappy, hardworking spirit continues to lead us today. As a team, we believe cast iron is for everyone. We're dedicated to manufacturing American-made cookware that we're proud to use in our very own homes and excited to bring to kitchens, backyards, and campfires around the world. Day in and day out, we work together to stay safe, have fun, and be better than we were the day before.
WHAT FIRES US UP?

By now, you may have caught on to the fact that we're serious about spreading the joys of cast iron. And while we're always on the lookout for ways to innovate, we believe in the adage: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's why we stand by a simple recipe of just iron and oil (no forever chemicals, since forever!). It's also why we're passionate about keeping our campus in our hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, providing great jobs to our community. As we bring our cookware to the next generation of cast iron chefs, we're looking for people to help us stay true to our roots every step of the way. Does that sound like something you can get behind?
A DAY IN THE LIFE

Reporting to the Product Category Manager, the Associate Product Marketing Manager works closely with cross-functional teams to support the development, coordination and execution of new products and product-related initiatives that align with company goals and objectives. This position plays an important role in helping ensure projects move efficiently from concept through commercialization by supporting timelines, communication, organization and execution across multiple initiatives.

This role will primarily support Lodge's sourced products portfolio, including cookware accessories, kitchen products and other item categories that support Lodge's broader product portfolio. Working closely with Product Marketing, Sourcing, Sales and Finance teams, this individual will help manage numerous concurrent projects from concept through commercialization while ensuring timelines, samples, costing, product information and project details remain organized and on track.

Success in this role requires someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented and proactive, with the ability to effectively coordinate across cross-functional stakeholders while independently driving assigned projects forward. The ideal candidate enjoys wearing multiple hats throughout the day and is comfortable balancing a variety of product categories, retailer needs and project priorities in a fast-paced environment. In addition to supporting sourced product development, this role will manage select retail accounts and contribute to evolving business opportunities and special projects as needed.

The Marketing department is a highly collaborative team, and this role will work closely with Product Marketing, Ecommerce, Creative, Brand Engagement, Sales, Finance, Operations, Purchasing and Sourcing throughout the development process. Interest in cooking is a plus for this position.

Responsibilities:
• Serve as the primary project coordinator for sourced product categories, managing project timelines, milestones and deliverables from concept through commercialization
• Partner closely with Purchasing and Sourcing teams to track product development progress, samples, costing, packaging and production readiness
• Coordinate the review, organization and communication of product samples, specifications and project details across cross-functional teams
• Support the execution and coordination of new product launches, product updates and special projects
• Help manage project timelines within Asana, follow-ups and communication across cross-functional teams
• Coordinate project deliverables and maintain accurate project status updates within company systems
• Support commercialization efforts including packaging updates, product setup, product testing coordination and launch preparation
• Support costing analysis and retail pricing recommendations for sourced products and retailer-specific programs
• Manage assigned retail accounts and support seasonal line reviews, item launches and ongoing product maintenance
• Assist with retailer-specific product initiatives and seasonal projects
• Partner with Product Marketing leadership to support evolving product categories, innovation initiatives and miscellaneous business opportunities
• Help organize and communicate project objectives, timelines and next steps to stakeholders across the organization
• Assist in preparing presentations, reports and business proposals for internal and external use
• Participate in research related to products, consumers, market trends and competitive products
• Take ownership of assigned projects and help drive them through completion
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Finance, Creative, Operations, Purchasing and Sourcing teams to support successful project execution
• Maintain strong attention to detail across multiple concurrent projects and priorities
• Proactively identify project risks, delays or obstacles and communicate solutions and recommendations
• All other tasks as assigned

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
• 1-3 years of experience in product marketing, project management, product commercialization or a related field
• Experience supporting sourced and/or imported product development processes

Summary of Necessary Knowledge, Experience and Skills:
• Experience supporting product development, commercialization or project management within a consumer-packaged goods company, retailer or related industry
• Experience managing sourced and/or imported product development strongly preferred
• Understanding of product costing, margin expectations and retail pricing principles
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage numerous concurrent projects and timelines
• Ability to manage multiple products simultaneously while maintaining accuracy across specifications, costing, timelines and project documentation
• Ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams including Product Marketing, Purchasing, Sourcing and Sales
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and follow through on assigned responsibilities
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Comfortable learning and working within multiple systems
• Ability to prioritize between numerous tasks and shifting business needs
• Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel and Word
• Experience working with major retail partners is a plus
• Experience using project management software such as Asana is a plus
• Interest in cooking is a plus

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Pay
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life, and Short-Term Disability)

• On-Site Clinic and Fitness Center
• 401K Match and Deferred Profit-Sharing Program
• Quarterly Profit Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program
• Scholarship Opportunity and Tuition Reimbursement
• $150 Boot Allowance
• Employee Discount at Lodge Factory Store and Big Bad Breakfast
• Safety, Holiday, and Celebration Events

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Lodge Manufacturing does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law).