Director, Category Marketing

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country running strong and the weekend warriors who want to work like them. It’s our mission to make sure they have the right tools for the job, and an easy, hassle-free experience at our store so they can get in, get out and get on with the job at hand. Your top priority as Director, Category Marketing is to be responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing plans for Northern Tool + Equipment’s national and owned brand products. This role focuses on connecting with skilled tradespeople and trades minded customers—those who put their expertise to work—driving brand affinity, market share growth, and business impact. Success in this role requires a proven ability to build and lead high-performing category marketing teams, foster strong cross-functional and vendor partnerships, and translate customer insights into actionable strategies. Your positive, professional, roll-up-your-sleeves-to-help attitude contributes to our winning culture and makes sure we leave a lasting impression.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develops and executes comprehensive category marketing strategies to drive growth, awareness, and market share across product lines.
2. Leads a team of high-impact Category Marketers with clarity, vision, and accountability for results. 
3. Leads cross-functional teams to launch new products, campaigns, and go-to-market strategies.
4. Partners with national brand vendors to develop co-op marketing plans that deliver measurable value for both parties.
5. Collaborates with Merchandising, Creative, Sales, and E-Commerce teams to ensure consistent and branded messaging, effective channel support, and exceptional customer experiences.
6. Builds and executes category marketing plans that integrate product strategy, customer insights, audience targeting, and communication approach.
7. Leverages analytics and market research to identify emerging trends, competitive dynamics, and new opportunities within categories.
8. Cultivates strong vendor relationships with both product and service providers to drive business outcomes.
9. Manages category and brand-specific marketing budgets and tracks ROI of marketing initiatives. 
10. Establishes planning and execution processes in partnership with internal stakeholders to ensure operational excellence.
11. Monitors category performance and adapts strategies to meet evolving business needs.

What you will bring to the table:

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or related field. 
• 8+ years of experience in product/category marketing. 
• 3+ years of supervisory experience. 
• Experience bringing new and existing product lines to market across multiple channels. 
• Proven ability to develop co-op marketing plans with product vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to look for better ways to accomplish work and recognize when a situation calls for a different approach. 
• Proven history of creating effective product marketing programs. 
• Ability to prioritize effectively to meet established goals and project deliverables. 
• Large-scale event management experience a plus. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of customers, employees and others. 
• Demonstrates Northern Tool + Equipment’s Core Competencies. 

About Us

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family business with roots stretching back three generations to Minnesota’s Iron Range, where our blue-collar work ethic and commitment to serving the people who do the tough jobs was born. Our mission is to be the best in the world at serving the professional tradespeople and those who want to work like them. With over 130 retail stores across 24 states, top national brands and global manufacturing operations designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver the products, prices and advice our customers need to succeed. We’re looking for people who share our blue-collar work ethic. If you’re the kind of person who likes to put your nose to the grindstone to help your customers and company succeed, we’d love to talk to you about becoming a member of our team.

Northern Tool + Equipment is proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Top Midsize Employer in 2023. We are committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes: 

• Competitive Pay: Earn $127,000 to $194,310 annually, with your exact compensation personalized based on your skills, experience, and location. We believe in rewarding top talent with pay that reflects your value. 
• Variable Pay: Variable pay is a component of compensation that can fluctuate based on performance, results, or specific metrics, rather than being a fixed amount like a salary. Annual bonus tied to company performance are paid annually. Incentive plans tied to an achievement-based outcome are generally paid monthly to quarterly.
  • The NTE AIP plan pay ranges from 5% to 100% of base salary. Eligibility is based on grade and roles that manage performance. Eligibility and payouts are outlined in the NTE AIP policy.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Achieve the work-life balance you deserve with our full-time, 8-hour shifts, Monday – Friday, complemented by a hybrid work schedule that allows you to work both remotely and in the office. 
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well-being are our priority. We offer a variety of health plans, so you can choose what best fits your needs. Employees working 30+ hours per week enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with an enhanced company match to support your financial future. 
• Generous Employee Discount: Love our products? So do we! Enjoy a significant discount on the quality tools and equipment we offer, helping you save on the items you love to use. 
• Get Paid on Your Terms: With our Daily Pay option, you don’t have to wait for payday—access your earnings whenever you need them for added financial flexibility. 
• Paid Holidays: Take time to relax and recharge with 7 paid federal holidays, because we know how important it is to have time for yourself and your loved ones. 
• Incentives: Be rewarded for eligible incentive programs.

When you join Northern Tool + Equipment, you're not just starting a job—you're joining a community that supports your success. Come be a part of a team where your skills, dedication, and passion are recognized and celebrated. Your future starts here!