Retail Strategy Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:

ITW Welding North America is comprised of a market-leading portfolio of best-in-class brands delivering premium welding, cutting, consumables, and accessory solutions. The platform includes Miller Electric, Hobart Welding Equipment, Safety & Accessories, Hobart Filler Metals, and Bernard / Tregaskiss MIG Guns.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, is wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW). With a legacy of innovation dating back to 1929, Miller and its businesses continue to set the industry standard for reliability, quality, and customer responsiveness—guided by a deep commitment to people, customers, and long-term value creation.

Role Summary

Miller Electric is seeking a Director, Retail Growth & Channel Development to lead the evolution and acceleration of our retail business, strengthening our presence across brick-and-mortar and eCommerce channels.

This role will define the retail go-to-market strategy, clarify brand and portfolio positioning, strengthen retail partnerships, sharpening value propositions, and build a scalable growth model that complements our industry-leading industrial distribution business.

The ideal candidate brings deep retail strategy expertise combined with strong tactical execution skills—someone who can architect the retail system end-to-end while leading teams and partners through disciplined execution.

How You Will Make an Impact

Retail & Multi-Channel Strategy Leadership

• Define and lead the retail go-to-market strategy, including channel roles, assortment architecture, pricing ladders, and value propositions.
• Shape a portfolio-based retail strategy, clarifying brand roles and channel boundaries while avoiding channel conflict.
• Identify and unlock underdeveloped growth opportunities across retail formats, marketplaces, and direct-to-consumer touchpoints.
• Establish KPIs for retail performance including revenue, margin, sell-through, inventory turns, conversion, and working capital efficiency.

Channel Development & Sell-Through Optimization

• Develop and scale strategic retail partnerships aligned with long-term growth objectives.
• Lead retail account strategy in partnership with sales, marketing, and product management.
• Oversee go-to-market execution for new and refreshed products.
• Drive digital shelf excellence including content quality, SEO/GEO effectiveness, and retail media ROI.

Brand, Marketing & Market Presence

• Represent the business at priority trade shows, line reviews, and industry events.
• Translate retailer and customer insights into actionable product, pricing, and marketing strategies.
• Ensure brand consistency and differentiation across all retail touchpoints.

P&L Ownership & Commercial Excellence

• Full ownership of the retail P&L.
• Lead pricing strategy development, contract negotiations, and margin management.
• Align inventory and supply chain strategies to retail demand patterns.
• Set staffing targets and lead talent development for retail-focused teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven senior leadership experience developing and scaling OEM retail or consumer-facing businesses.
• Demonstrated success shaping retail strategy, not just executing sales plans.
• Strong commercial and analytical acumen with P&L ownership experience.
• Experience negotiating with major retail and eCommerce partners.
• Ability to operate effectively within a predominantly B2B / industrial organization.
• Strong cross-functional leadership capability.
• Change-oriented leader with strong communication and executive presence.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field (MBA preferred).
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Why ITW Welding?

Here’s what we offer to help you build the future you want:

• Generous Retirement Benefits – 401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution to help you plan for the future.
• Paid Time Off – 11 paid holidays, 5 sick days, and vacation time to take time for what matters.
• Company-Paid Insurance – Life, AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance to give you peace of mind.
• Family-Friendly Benefits – 4 weeks of paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement to support your family journey.
• Education Assistance – tuition reimbursement because we believe in investing in your personal and professional development.

At ITW Welding, we’re not just a place to work – we’re a community that empowers you to grow and make a real impact. Join us and build a career that makes a difference!

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.