Overview

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) role at Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL). The CMO leads the Company's marketing efforts, including advertising, communications, public relations, eCommerce, creative design, and branding. This role drives brand loyalty and customer engagement by crafting compelling stories and experiences that align with OSJL's mission, vision, and values. The CMO collaborates with Company leadership to optimize marketing resources to achieve strategic goals, including customer loyalty, eCommerce growth, social media, and digital adoption.

Company Overview

Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a dynamic $850+ million general merchandise retailer with a strong presence in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With over 170 stores and plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL emphasizes value, customer service, and community involvement. The company focuses on delivering exceptional value to customers while driving positive change and responsible retail initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

STRATEGY
Skillfully craft OSJL's differentiated offerings into engaging brand stories that highlight value-oriented merchandise, innovative programs (e.g., Insiders Loyalty, Feed for Free, Crazy Deals), and philanthropic initiatives (e.g., Buy-Give-Get, Three Square Meals), aligned with the Company's Mission, Vision, and Values.
Develop strategies to drive traffic to Company retail stores, attract new customers, increase sales per transaction, and build brand awareness in new markets.
Drive growth of the Insider Loyalty Program by delivering an exceptional customer experience for Insiders, leveraging the Customer Data Platform to develop a roadmap for enhancements that increase engagement, transactions, and sales.
Evolve and expand the Company's social media footprint with engaging content that resonates with current customers and prospects.
Develop and refine a long-term growth strategy to increase Buy Online Ship To Store (BOSS) sales and use eCommerce to drive store traffic and brand awareness; develop a roadmap for expanded online offerings.
Serve as a subject matter expert on the Company's customers, using research and data insights to shape customer sentiment and shopping behavior.
MANAGEMENT / TACTICS
Build and lead the marketing department's strategy using Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to align departmental goals with company priorities and drive performance on key initiatives.
Inspire the creative team to produce engaging content that translates OSJL's stories into memorable customer experiences across digital and in-store channels.
Manage associate performance, write performance reviews, and provide coaching and feedback.
Assist with hiring, training, coaching, and disciplinary actions for team members; mentor to develop new teammates.
Create and manage the Marketing department's annual budget.
Drive innovative and cost-effective marketing campaigns with measurable outcomes across brick-and-mortar and eCommerce; continuously test, analyze results, and optimize.
Identify technology and process improvements across marketing and eCommerce ecosystems and advocate for change with ownership and leadership.
Oversee internal and external corporate communications, including public relations, to ensure awareness of OSJL's charitable efforts, business activities, and news.
Oversee the work of external vendors and agencies (advertising, media buying, digital strategy, SEO) to ensure deliverables align with brand identity; negotiate major vendor agreements and contracts.
ASSOCIATE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Broadcast Mission, Vision, Values, and brand identity across the Company to increase associate engagement and pride in the work.
Collaborate with the OSJL Charitable Foundation, Human Resources, and Store Operations to enhance associate engagement with charitable endeavors.
Organize and mobilize associates to support local communities creatively and substantively.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in marketing or business is required; MBA preferred.
10+ years of experience in retail marketing and brand building with a demonstrated track record of success.
5+ years of experience as a senior executive or C-level leader in a retail or similar company.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, G-Suite, Adobe Creative Suite; strong understanding of social media and digital platforms.
Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, clean driving record, and auto insurance.
Ability to work in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety and health hazards.
Works in an office environment; frequent use of computer and reading tasks; periodic travel (approximately 5%), including overnight and weekend assignments may be required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Note: This job description does not list all duties; leadership may assign additional duties as needed. OSJL is an at-will employer.

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Chief Marketing Officer for Retail

Job Type