Manager, Commercial Activation

Implus Footcare, LLC is an industry-leading global consumer packaged goods company with 16 brands in fitness and athletic performance, movement and flexibility, lifestyle hosiery and footwear accessories, and outdoor. Our product categories are sold in over 80,000 retail locations worldwide. Implus is headquartered in Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC with locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Japan. Our brand family includes SKLZ, Perfect, Balega, TriggerPoint, Harbinger, RockTape, Sport-Brella, Yaktrax, DryGuy, Little Hotties, Sof Sole, Spenco, Airplus, SofComfort, ForceField, and Sneaker Balls.

At Implus we are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture. We encourage & value different perspectives and are seeking a Commercial Activation Manager who shares our commitment to inclusivity and enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a Commercial Activation Manager, you will play a vital role in developing and executing commercialization strategies for specific retail channels. This role bridges brand marketing and sales, ensuring brand strategies are effectively translated into commercial‑specific programs that drive demand, improve sell‑through, and strengthen retail partnerships. This role plays a critical part in aligning promotions, merchandising, messaging, and timing with retailer and shopper needs while maintaining brand consistency.

Essential Job Function:        

Strategy Development

• Create and execute commercial activation plans to drive brand awareness and sell-through resulting in sales growth and revenue enhancement.
• Collaborates with department heads to develop commercial-specific marketing strategies for the upcoming year that includes budgets or contracts, and ensures all teams are aligned with the marketing plans.
• Evaluates existing marketing programs, and proposes ways to make improvements.

Commercial Enablement 

• Create marketing collateral, training tools, and promotional materials for sales partners, including: sell-in presentations, commercial decks and playbooks and product and promotional toolkits
• Support retailer line reviews, new item launches and seasonal programs

Project Management

• Work cross-functionally with multiple stakeholders to coordinate commercial activations.
• Coordinates campaigns, working with the marketing team and department heads in planning and conducting campaigns, trade shows, and other promotional events
• Own commercial activation calendars, ensuring alignment with sales cycles and retailer timelines

Commercial Expertise

• Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer insights to identify new opportunities and develop effective marketing strategies.

• Provides marketing advice and guidance regarding how to carry out the appropriate research and advertising for maximum effect.
• Informs management on potential competitive threats and recommends corrective actions.
• Gathers data on the results of marketing campaigns and creates reports to show what was most effective and what was less effective for different markets and audiences. Including, sell-in/sell-through, promotional effectiveness, ROI of channel programs
• Use insight to optimize future campaigns and improve execution

Other Functions:

• Manage commercial activation budgets and forecasts
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope
• Support intake and prioritization of commercial requests

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Detail oriented with excellent organization and planning skills
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to identify market opportunities and develop effective marketing strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications:      

• Experience using project management platforms a plus (Monday.com, SmartSheets, etc.)
• Familiarity with using AI tools to generate efficient project output (Microsoft CoPilot, ChatGPT, etc.)

Education & Experience:

• 4–7 years of experience in commercial activation, partner marketing, or B2B marketing (sporting goods / accessories or related industry preferred).
• Proven ability to build and execute successful marketing campaigns and programs.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong communication, storytelling, and presentation skills.

Relevant Working Conditions & Physical Demands:                    

• Hearing: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, customers and vendors.
• Operate: Write, type and use the telephone, copier, and computer systems.
• Mobility: Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, attend meetings, etc.
• Communicate: Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. 

Implus is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/belief, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected status under the law. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected].