Chief Marketing Officer

Company Overview:

Ocean State Job Lot ("OSJL" or the "Company") is a dynamic $850+ million general merchandise retailer with a strong foothold across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With over 170 stores currently and ambitious plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL offers exciting opportunities for growth and contribution. We are an opportunity-driven retailer owning over 50% of our operating locations, totaling 8 million square feet, demonstrating our stability and long-term vision. At OSJL, you will be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving positive change and a more responsible future for retail within our communities.

Job Description:

The Chief Marketing Officer ("CMO") role at Ocean State Job Lot ("OSJL" and "Company") leads the Company's marketing efforts, overseeing advertising, communications, public relations, eCommerce, creative design, and branding. This role drives brand loyalty and customer engagement by creating compelling stories and experiences that bring OSJL's unique identity to life. Working closely with Company leadership, the CMO aligns marketing strategies with the Company's mission, vision, and values. Strong retail experience, outstanding storytelling expertise, and the ability to lead a high-performing creative team are critical for this role, ensuring OSJL's exceptional value, innovative programs, and philanthropic leadership position resonate with customers in-store and online. The CMO ensures that the customer experience aligns with the brand and that marketing resources are optimized to achieve strategic goals, including, but not limited to, customer loyalty, eCommerce growth, social media and continual digital adoption.

Key Responsibilities:

STRATEGY

• Skillfully and effectively craft the story of OSJL's differentiated offerings in an engaging and inspirational manner. Build compelling brand stories that highlight OSJL's 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), aligning with the Company's Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Develop strategies to drive customer 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 our Customer Data Platform to develop a roadmap for enhancements that increase engagement, transactions, and sales.
• Evolve and expand the Company's current social media footprint by creating engaging and compelling content that resonates with both current and not yet acquired customers.
• Develop and continually refine a long-term growth strategy to increase Buy Online Ship To Store sales and to utilize eCommerce as a tool to drive increased store traffic as well as brand awareness. Develop a roadmap for expanded online offerings.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on the Company's customers. Leverage research and customer data insights to build strategies for shaping 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 transforms 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 as well as act as a 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 as well as eCommerce channels. Continuously test new tactics, analyze results, and optimize accordingly. 
• Identify technology and process improvements across marketing and eCommerce ecosystems and advocate for change with ownership and department leadership.
• Oversee internal and external corporate communications, including, but not limited to, public relations to ensure customers, associates and other constituents are aware of OSJL's charitable efforts, business activities, and other relevant news. 
• Oversee the work of external vendors and agencies (i.e., advertising, media buying, digital strategy, search engine marketing, and search engine optimization) to ensure deliverables align with corporate strategy and 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 that we do.
• Collaborate with the OSJL Charitable Foundation, Human Resources, and Store Operations to enhance associate engagement with all charitable endeavors. 
• Organize and mobilize associates to support their local communities in creative and substantive ways.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of science degree in marketing or business is required; MBA is preferred.
• 10 or more years of experience in retail marketing and brand building with a demonstrated track record of success is required.
• 5 or more years of experience as a senior executive or C-level leader in a retail or similar company is required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, G-Suite, Adobe Creative Suite and a strong understanding of social media and digital platforms is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, clean driving record and auto insurance.

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in a climate controlled environment with minimal safety and health hazard
  potential. 
• Works in an office environment remaining stationary at a desk, table, or computer workstation for extended periods of time. Frequently uses near vision for reading and computer 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.
  
  

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other job duties and tasks, some of which may be essential to the position. Leadership has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract, either express or implied. You are an at-will employee, meaning either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without notice.

OSJL Featured Total Rewards & Perks:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Relocation assistance / reimbursement is available for eligible applicants.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including but not limited to Medical, Dental, Vision, and much more.
• 401K Program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Associate Store 30% Discounts
• Enjoy complimentary access to OSJL-owned vacation properties, along with discounted gym memberships and discounts at OSJL affiliated restaurants.
• Professional Growth: Executive Coaching & Mentorship