Category Specialist I

Petro-Canada Lubricants Inc. (PCLI), an HF Sinclair company is seeking a temporary full-time (6 months) Category Specialist to join the Global Marketing team. The role of a Category Specialist requires a blend of strategic thinking, creativity, analytical skills, and a strong understanding of the specific market and products in their category. The goal is to drive brand awareness, customer engagement, and ultimately contribute to the growth and success of the business within that category. Ultimately they act as a support function to Category Managers and the Manager for Business Segments.

The Category Specialist will be responsible for the consistent and disciplined execution of the marketing management processes including: supporting the management system and corporate governance processes (IMS Policy, IATF and ISO), assisting in the management of the entire lifecycle of product SKUs in the product portfolio. The Category Specialist will assist in the development of segment plans and related marketing materials / events / programs in order to deliver the most value for our customers, distributors, associates and organization.

The Category Specialist will also have ownership of Marketing Process and support internal and external audit activities in addition to managing the Speed to Market process.

Job Duties

• Leads Market Research
• Lead the PLC process, assist in reporting of business results, product line performance and SKU rationalization
• Lead and manage monthly R&D agendas related to product development and project updates
• Steward internal Red Folder approval process for marketing collateral
• Coordinates regular reviews for SKU Optimization and Product Lifecycle
• Initiate Product Line Changes (PLC’s) and execution of SKU deletions
• Manage, Develop and Optimize Speed to Market process
• Manage annual marketing category volumes and margin planning and 5-year plans
• Lead and manage prioritization and weekly, monthly task list to support both Manager, Business segments and Category Manager
• Managing, tracking and reporting progress from initiation through to field execution
• Support Events / Tradeshows, Training / Webinars, Sales Enablement materials, Packaging and Labelling design, CRM
• Assists market mapping and data insight
• Supports relevant Campaigns in their segments / categories
• Develop agency briefs to outline expectations and requirements for creative materials
• Support Segment / Category budgeting and tracking
• Provide ongoing support including preparation and execution of competitive tracking and expense management
• Special assignments or tasks assigned to the employee by their supervisor, as determined from time to time in their sole and complete discretion

Experience

• 3+ years B2B Marketing or Product/Category Experience
• Experience in B2B marketing
• Knowledge of the lubricants and/or specialty products businesses and product lines is an asset
• Experience of CRM and Marketing Automation (Salesforce / Pardot) and sales enablement is an asset
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in Marketing or relevant work experience

Required Skills

• Requires a mix of strategic thinking, creativity, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across different teams.
• Experience managing and working with 3rd party vendors and agencies
• Previous experience of both understanding and executing business strategy
• Demonstratable experience executing lead / demand generation
• Strong Analytical and data driven thinking
• Good Project management skills - must be able to work to a strict timeline for all projects and stakeholder engagement
• Strong understanding and track record in using CRM and marketing Automation
• Excellent communication skills – imperative to manage Business Stakeholders
• Customer focused – ensure programs provide an excellent customer experience for external (B2B/B2C) customers and deliver on internal customer (business owner) requirements
• Strong research skills and understanding of geographical nuances.
• Have a good understanding of CRM, Marketing Automation and Lead Generation
• Good Project Management and Market Research capabilities
• Analytical skills and problem-solving skills
• Advanced SAP and Business Warehouse Skills
• The ability to take technical information and translate it into terms that our existing and potential customers will easily understand
• The ability to take the lead on many items without direct supervision/direction from the Manager Business Segments or Category Manager
• Creative and innovative thinker

Work Conditions

• This is a hybrid role with 3 days in office required
• This is a temporary full-time contract for 6 months