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Activation Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Lead end-to-end execution of CPU / GPU cluster activation programs across OpenAI's global ... Manage deployment of storage systems supporting training and inference workloads, including ...

Senior Community Experts Program Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$132K - $132K/yr

Expert Engagement & Activation: Manage the lifecycle of Community Experts from recruitment through recognition - ensuring high engagement, sustained contribution quality, and structured channels for ...

Program Delivery Manager, AMER Activations

Seattle, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the Program Delivery Manager for AMER Activations on the Amazon GREF account, you'll lead the delivery of workplace programs that enhance the employee experience for Amazonians across AMER.

Marketing Manager, Retail & Events

Poulsbo, WA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requirements Responsibilities Retail Activation & Fixturing * Manage the program and vendor relationship of in-store displays, signage, and fixtures across retail partners. * Partner with the sales ...

Posted today

Marketing Manager, Retail & Events

Poulsbo, WA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requirements ResponsibilitiesRetail Activation & Fixturing * Manage the program and vendor relationship of in-store displays, signage, and fixtures across retail partners. * Partner with the sales ...

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Activation Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$27.6K

$72K

$152.6K

How much do activation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for activation manager in Seattle, WA is $72,019.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,457.00 and $89,831.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do activation managers face when launching new campaigns?

Activation Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning cross-functional teams, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring campaigns resonate with the target audience. Coordinating between creative, sales, and digital teams requires strong communication and organizational skills. Additionally, adapting to last-minute changes in client objectives or market trends can test flexibility and problem-solving abilities. Successfully navigating these challenges allows Activation Managers to execute impactful campaigns and demonstrate their value to both clients and internal stakeholders.

What is an activation manager?

Activation Managers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing marketing campaigns or brand activations. They work closely with clients, creative teams, and vendors to ensure that marketing initiatives are delivered effectively and on time. Their role often includes developing strategies to engage target audiences, managing budgets, analyzing campaign performance, and optimizing future activations. Activation Managers play a key part in bringing brands to life through memorable experiences and ensuring that marketing goals are met.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an activation manager?

To thrive as an Activation Manager, you need expertise in project management, marketing strategy, and event execution, often backed by a degree in marketing or business. Familiarity with CRM platforms, digital marketing tools, and analytics systems like Salesforce or HubSpot is typically required. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and effective communication help drive cross-functional collaboration and deliver impactful campaigns. These abilities are crucial for ensuring seamless campaign rollouts that meet client objectives and maximize brand engagement.

What is the difference between Activation Manager vs Marketing Coordinator?

AspectActivation Manager
Primary RoleOversees brand activations, experiential marketing campaigns, and event execution to engage consumers directly.
Required SkillsProject management, event planning, vendor coordination, marketing strategy, communication skills.
Work EnvironmentOften works on-site at events, in marketing departments, or with agencies.
Common CertificationsMarketing certifications, event management credentials, project management certifications.

While both roles involve marketing activities, an Activation Manager focuses on executing live brand experiences and events, whereas a Marketing Coordinator handles broader marketing tasks, including campaign support and administrative duties. Activation Managers typically lead specific experiential projects, requiring specialized event skills, while Marketing Coordinators support overall marketing strategies across channels.

What are popular job titles related to Activation Manager jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Activation Manager jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Activation Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,019 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Columbia Distributing rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

258th of 419 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

Summary

The Business Activation Manager (BAM) is a key contributor to the growth and evolution of the Wine & Spirits division. Acting as the primary liaison between the Brand Development team and Account Managers across all branches, the BAM is responsible for driving alignment, execution, and visibility of the portfolio both internally and externally. This role is designed to maximize sales impact, strengthen supplier relationships, and ensure long-term portfolio success.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Help develop and execute distribution strategies that align with brand goals and market opportunities
  • Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring satisfaction through consistent communication, performance tracking, and issue resolution
  • Actively participate in management staff meetings, presenting timely and relevant sales and marketing materials to ensure the Wine & Spirits portfolio remains "top of mind" across the organization
  • Clearly and consistently communicate sales priorities and initiatives to internal teams
  • Identify and implement opportunities to increase brand volume and expand distribution footprint across channels
  • Design training programs, including Sales training, Wine & Spirits Retail Standards, Waitstaff education and engagement
  • Manage Point-of-Sale (POS) ordering, allocation, and usage to maximize effectiveness
  • Support Direct Sales with opportunity accounts and assist in establishing new accounts (including re-engaging non-buy accounts or securing new openings)
  • Hold sales teams accountable for Annual Business Plan (ABP) and branch goal achievement by following tracking set by the Director, BDD, and/or supplier
  • Maintain a designated set of "pet accounts" and regional on-premises call points while remaining flexible in supporting ASRs across territories as needed
  • Assist in preparing accounts for supplier visits to ensure professional execution
  • Design and execute seasonal wine and spirits features, menus, and promotional activations
  • Conduct buyer meetings, tastings, and staff training sessions to elevate brand knowledge and drive sales
  • Partner with suppliers to develop and activate programs such as "Stock Your Locker" and wine/spirit night events
  • Identify new liquor licenses at account openings and promptly establish relationships with owners to secure early placements

Key Competencies

  • Solid knowledge of the beverage alcohol three-tier system, including compliance
  • Strong leadership and collaboration skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Effective organizational and time management skills
  • Strong analytical and project management skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite

People Management

None

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and sit. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Physical Demands

  • Lift/Carry and Push/Pull up to 25lbs.
  • Bend/stoop/crouch/squat/use arms/wrists/hands/grasp
  • Use of industry tools: hand truck, six-wheeler, manual pallet jack, box cutter
  • Work indoors and outdoors
  • Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle

Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, days and hours of work vary and may include weekends.

Travel

Ability to travel throughout the day for visits to customer accounts.

Required Education and Experience

  • High School diploma or GED required
  • Valid driver's license and auto insurance required -- position is subject to Fleet Safety Policy
  • Minimum of 21 years of age

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, or related field preferred
  • 4-6 years of experience in account management, sales, or distribution within the beverage industry
  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
  • Proficiency in iDig/VIP and data analysis tools

Compensation

  • Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and specific location.
  • Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees can enroll in our company's 401k plan. Employees are also eligible for 80 hours of vacation every year and 7-8 days of paid holidays throughout the calendar year (depending on location).
  • Hired applicants may be eligible for [incentives/ bonuses/ annual bonuses].
Classification: Outside Sales Exempt
Reports to: Director of Sales

What Columbia Distributing employees say

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About Columbia Distributing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

In 2008, Columbia Distributing, Mt. Hood Beverage, and Gold River Distributing united to form Columbia Distributing as we know it today. With this merger and the 2018 acquisitions of Marine View Beverage and General Distributors, Inc., our company is now one of the country's largest malt beverage distributors. Size is not our only distinction, however. Columbia Distributing boasts an extensive selection of beverages, including craft beer, wine and spirits.

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1935

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