The Associate Marketing Manager plays a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing in-store demo programs at Costco. This position serves as a central point of contact for clients, Costco partners, third-party demo vendors, and internal teams to ensure programs are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with client and brand expectations. The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
This is a Hybrid role. They Hybrid Schedule is working normal business hours, Tuesday through Thursday in office at our San Diego Office.
ResponsibilitiesClient, Costco, and Stakeholder ManagementServe as the primary day-to-day contact for all matters related to Costco demo activity.
Develop, nurture, and maintain strong working relationships with clients, Costco partners, demo vendors, and internal stakeholders.
Lead regular client status meetings for active programs and proactively prepare for upcoming initiatives.
Attend marketing and client meetings, capture key discussion points, and provide timely recaps and follow-up on issues, decisions, and next steps.
Support leadership with the coordination of key customer presentations, including market research studies and related materials.
Ensure recommended program solutions support client objectives, Costco requirements, and established brand standards.
Communicate program expectations, timelines, deliverables, and critical dates to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear manner.
Partner with Business Managers and Regional Management to develop marketing strategies that support successful program implementation at Costco.
Create and manage project timelines, due dates, and key milestones to keep programs on track and support flawless execution.
Collaborate with clients to help generate new ideas, strategic concepts, platform opportunities, and retail-specific promotional programs.
Work with client teams to ensure accurate program information, product details, and required materials are provided on time.
Coordinate product allocation needs for assigned timeframes while meeting established deadlines.
Identify, communicate, and resolve program issues, risks, conflicts, dependencies, and critical path items.
Support changes in project scope by identifying potential challenges and recommending practical contingency plans.
Review and analyze execution reports to confirm programs align with Costco and client expectations.
Support Regional Management and leadership in managing the overall success of accounts, including communication of critical cycle deadlines to client sales teams.
Assist with the completion, tracking, and follow-up of vendor commitment forms and related program documentation.
Help monitor program budgets, timelines, and deliverables to support accurate and efficient execution.
Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field; equivalent work experience may also be considered.
2–3+ years of experience in the club, retail, consumer packaged goods, marketing, promotions, or related industry.
Experience supporting client relationships, program execution, project coordination, or customer-focused marketing initiatives.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities at once.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to share updates, recap meetings, and communicate effectively with clients and internal leaders.
Collaborative team player with a positive, solutions-focused approach.
Self-starter with strong analytical, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
Ability to develop and present ideas clearly to leadership, clients, Costco partners, and cross-functional teams.
Comfortable working in a deadline-driven environment and available to support business needs outside of standard hours when required.
Research, analysis, customer service, or club industry experience is a plus.
We are looking for a motivated marketing professional who enjoys building relationships, keeping programs organized, and helping bring client initiatives to life in a retail environment. If you are detail-oriented, proactive, and energized by cross-functional collaboration, we encourage you to apply.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field; equivalent work experience may be considered.
- 2–3+ years of experience in club, retail, consumer packaged goods, marketing, promotions, or a related industry.
- Experience supporting client relationships, program execution, project coordination, or customer-focused marketing initiatives.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong organizational skills managing multiple projects, timelines, and priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client and internal stakeholder interactions.
- Collaborative, solutions-focused approach and ability to work effectively on a team.
- Self-starter with strong analytical, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
- Ability to develop and present ideas clearly to leadership, clients, Costco partners, and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and support business needs outside standard hours when required.
- Research, analysis, customer service, or club industry experience.
What We Do
Acosta is an integrated sales and marketing services provider that enables consumer packaged goods brands and retailers to win in the modern marketplace by delivering progressive solutions and exceptional service. With more than 90 years of experience, Acosta understands evolving consumer needs and helps its clients and customers stay a step ahead, fueling their accelerated performance. For more information, please visit www.acosta.com.
