Sample Management Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

Lead the development, marketing, and go-to-market execution of RTC's proprietary product offerings, with an emphasis on the assigned product lines. Translate shopper, brand, and retailer insights into product roadmaps and development plans, partner with sales and marketing to bring products to market and provide hands-on program and project management support across RTC's display, sample, and trade show activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Product Development

• Conduct formal and informal research to determine shopper, brand, and retailer needs as they relate to current and future products.
• Define market gaps between the ideal solution and what is offered today, RTC's product line and competitors, and the levels of the RTC offering.
• Develop insights and strategies that identify the ideal combinations of features and quality necessary and/or desirable in the market.
• Develop product roadmaps that recommend the direction and scope of product improvements, product line extensions, and future product categories.
• Create product-specific development plans and schedules and continuously communicate and manage those schedules with contributing groups.
• Define parameters for product performance and ensure adequate testing has been done to limit risk, while aggressively managing cost to optimize product adoption and RTC's profit margin.
• Manage product development through the Stages and Gates process to satisfy company requirements and senior management expectations for risk mitigation and performance.
• Continuously redefine product and service solutions to address changes to the market, technology, and/or product lifecycle.

Product Marketing

• Work with Sales and Marketing Teams to define the go-to-market plan; quantify specific customer opportunities and prioritize activities needed to maximize penetration and profitability.
• Coordinate with sales management to ensure market engagement is completed on a timely basis, adjusting the market plan as needed.
• Partner with technical services and marketing teams to educate internal and external stakeholders on product features and benefits.
• Help create product collateral (e.g., brochures, case studies, product videos, website copy) to articulate product benefits.
• Work with account managers to understand customer needs, calibrate the sales story, and prepare presentations for client-specific meetings.
• Assist account managers on client calls, when appropriate, to provide deeper dives into the product.
• Join sales associates on customer calls when beneficial.

Program & Project Management

• Manage the display presentation program, including multiple product showrooms, sales sample inventory and fulfillment, and trade show activities.
• Participate in projects to identify, research, and execute deployment solutions, product development opportunities, and market research.
• Coordinate product testing and support installation events, including field visits.
• Support marketing development, including developing, organizing, and presenting source content.
• Project manage a range of sales, marketing, and development support activities in a hands-on capacity.
• Conduct business analysis, recommend solutions, and implement initiatives; prepare business reports for management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements: 

Education

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or a technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and technical/professional experience.

Experience

• 2-4 years of experience in Product Management, with knowledge of the assigned product line industry is a plus.
• Experience with research and new product development preferred.
• Knowledge of all aspects of product development and management.

Skills & Competencies

• Self-motivated with creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment; ability to work independently.
• Ability to organize and lead cross-functional meetings and people in a professional manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, organization, scheduling, follow-up, and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and financial skills.
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Detail-oriented, thought-provoking, and viewed as a functional expert within the team.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, cross-team capacity.
• Occasional travel required.

About RTC

RTC masters the design and detail of retail, helping brands and retailers improve the shopping experience and grow their bottom line.  We design retail programs and environments, execute them globally, and build products that improve retail performance.  We provide our clients with a cohesive brand experience, expanded retail presence, and consistently better results at a lower total cost.  Learn more at http://www.rtc.com/.

Why should you consider a career at RTC?

Benefits

• Hybrid schedule: at least two in-office days per week after onboarding
• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (options include 2 PPO plans and 1 HMO plan)
• Dental insurance (offered through 2 PPO plans)
• Access to BCBS Benefit Value Advisor and Member Rewards programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (for health and dependent care)
• Commuter transit benefit
• 401(k) plan with 6% contribution and 3% company match, including a Roth option
• Company-paid life insurance (3x salary, with the option to purchase additional coverage)
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance (long-term disability optional)
• 16 days of PTO each year
• 9 paid holidays
• Tuition assistance program

Perks

• Early Fridays year-round (finish at 2:30 PM)
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) plus company-sponsored volunteer activities

Wellness

• PTO is encouraged for vacations and mental health breaks
• Employee Assistance Program offering legal, financial, and counseling resources
• Discounts on fitness center memberships for employees enrolled in Blue Cross plans
• 100% coverage for preventive care, including annual check-ups and screenings
• Lactation rooms available for new mothers at the Rolling Meadows location
• Annual on-site flu clinics in Romeoville and Rolling Meadows for employees and covered dependents (or covered through insurance if off-site) 

Career Development & Training 

We encourage your professional growth and development.  We offer mentors with deep industry experience and management who will assist you in defining and realizing your short and long-term career goals and a variety of opportunities for training and advancement.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is budgeted for $86,166-$134,418 with eligibility for an annual bonus. The actual base salary depends on various factors and could be above or below the range depending on the applicant's qualifications, years of relevant experience, specific skills, level of education, business needs, and market demand. The full salary range for this role reflects this position's competitive labor market value and provides an opportunity to progress as associates grow and develop within the role.  Bonuses are paid based on RTC’s financial results.  Any payouts awarded in the first year of employment are pro-rated based on the start date.  Program rules are subject to change at management’s discretion. 

RTC is an equal-opportunity employer.  Women, individuals of all ethnicities, people with disabilities (intellectual and physical), and Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.  We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age (40 or older), disability or genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, religion or any other basis prohibited by law .RTC is in compliance with Child Labor Laws.

https://www.eeoc.gov/poster