'Color the world’ isn’t just a slogan at Ball Horticultural Company, it’s our commitment as a global leader in horticulture.  We are seeking a motivated candidate ready to take the next step in their marketing career by joining Darwin Perennials, the world's leading breeder and producer of vegetative perennial inputs. Darwin Perennials markets its products to both wholesale and retail distributors throughout North America. The company continually strives to provide grower solutions with high-quality products whose benefits are carried all the way to the consumer level. Quality and innovation are the company’s primary goals. 

This role will manage many of the key marketing initiatives under the guidance of the Sales & Marketing Manager, to contribute to the company’s drive for continued increasing returns on our products. These marketing initiatives are widely recognized in the industry as being among the most influential campaigns. This makes this a crucial role for the success of Darwin Perennials.

Our company is in the western suburbs of Chicago, IL (near Naperville, Geneva, Wheaton), where our 60-acre campus boasts recently upgraded and renovated office spaces, 10 acres of display gardens and restored natural areas. The gardens are primarily used as a sales and marketing tool but also provide a great relaxation opportunity for staff at the home office here in West Chicago.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Learn the company’s targets/values and employ this knowledge in product marketing
• Take part in education (product training, industry networking, conferences) to gain a superior level of product knowledge and develop strategic marketing ability
• Support the Marketing Manager in the development of strategies and tactics for product marketing in North America
• Manage the planning, budget and collaboration with internal marketing service to create promotional materials & communications such as our yearly catalog, trade ads, sales collateral & e-blasts
• Manage the planning, budget, and execution of our annual Darwin Perennials Day Event by collaborating with our Ball Seed Distribution Company and Internal Marketing Agency
• Manage the planning, organization, and execution of national & regional Tradeshows through collaboration with internal trade show team, and regional growers. On site setup is required of this role
• Coordinate with our internal digital team & sales team to execute bi-weekly email campaign and blog content
• Manage the planning, organization, and execution of our Retail Sample Program through collaboration with our product development team and National grower
• Manage the planning, organization, and execution of our Distribution Rep Sample Program by collaborating with our operations and grower team
• Coordinate with internal marketing communications agency to oversee planned activities and set targets are achieved
• Execute the planning, organization, and implementation of market research surveys to obtain data that provides insight to market trends and customer requirements
• Organize and participate in promotional events as part of marketing strategy
• Conduct customer surveys to determine reception of new products and marketing tools
• Prepare and present regular reports to Sales & Marketing Manager 

• Bachelor’s degree in  marketing, business, agri-business, horticulture, or other related  discipline 
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in marketing, preferably in B2B and B2C markets. Horticultural Industry experience is a plus
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Strong customer-focus and demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into successful marketing ideas
• Team orientation and ability to work across multiple teams within a matrix structure, with a willingness to learn! 
• Strong organizational skills and ability and self-discipline to work accurately on detailed projects and data analysis
• Ability and willingness to travel 10% of time
• Collaborates: Ability to build  partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
• Organizational Savvy: Ability to maneuver comfortably through complex policies, processes, and people-related organizational dynamics
• Action oriented: Ability to take on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs 
• Ability to sit/stand up to 100% of the day 
• Ability to use hands/fingers up to 100% of the day

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000/year

Our promise to you:

Ball is a global leader in horticulture: we develop, produce, and sell plants around the world. Our vision is to color the world through our customers. We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable. 

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes: 

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking 30 acres of renowned display gardens and restored natural areas
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs