Product Marketing Specialist

Job Description:

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance based annual bonuses, stock options and training opportunities.

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better.

The Role:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Product Marketing Specialist to assist the team in campaign coordination, briefing in marketing assets, maintaining asset libraries, and product marketing research. Reporting to the Director of Brand and Product Marketing, the Product Marketing Specialist will work closely with research, product, and marketing channels to understand customer preferences and industry trends. They will have the opportunity to assist in the development of product positioning, brief the creative team on marketing assets, track campaign performance, and provide insights to improve future marketing efforts.

• Launch and Campaign Coordination: Assist in the planning, execution, and tracking of integrated marketing campaigns across various channels, including digital, social media, email marketing.
• Creative Briefing: Brief internal creative team on assets to support device launches, product photography, and other product marketing-led initiatives
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Support execution and coordination of deliverables in a timely manner, working closely with key stakeholders.
• Product Positioning: Assist in the development of product positioning and marketing materials aimed at customers, partners and internal teams. Maintain an in-depth knowledge of current product marketing best practices.
• Research: Work closely with research, big data and marketing channels to understand insights of customer preferences, competitors, and industry trends, and provide recommendations to improve marketing efforts. Analyze product and service competitive strengths and opportunities.
• Data & Analytics: Track and analyze the performance of any integrated marketing initiatives, providing insights and reports to the marketing team to improve future campaigns.
• Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to the marketing team, including managing calendars, preparing presentations, managing the robust asset library and handling various tasks to ensure smooth operation of the marketing department.

Educational Background:

• Post-secondary degree in Marketing, Commerce, Business, or a related field.
• Professional Experience:
• 3-5 years experience in marketing and/or product marketing, ideally in e-commerce or consumer technology
• Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as Product, Marketing, Sales, or Customer Success.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects with multiple stakeholders and deliver on deadlines.
• Experience working with creative designers, providing feedback, and shaping the final design of materials.

Communication Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts in a clear and engaging way.
• Confidence in public speaking and presenting to various audiences, including internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Excellent English skills (verbal and written)

Mindset and Attributes:

• Highly detail-oriented and organized, with a proactive and positive approach to identifying and solving challenges.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• A natural collaborator who thrives on teamwork and cross-departmental communication.
• Open to feedback and eager to contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and materials.
• Creative, curious, and critical thinker. Constantly searching for new approaches.

The Perks:

• Flexible hours and hybrid remote working environment
• Subsidized in-office lunches
• Full benefits starting from your first day
• Paid Volunteer days, unlimited sick days, and 3% RRSP matching
• Monthly commuting allowance for those who are hybrid
• Lifestyle spending account
• Talent and development training budget
• Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook
• Weekly Kobo Tech University sessions
• Maternity/paternity leave top up
• Dog friendly office

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.
Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

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