Position Summary:

Manage the planning, development and implementation of communication plans and programs that help accomplish Suzuki’s sales and marketing objectives. Ensure that all communication touch points (Advertising, Press Relations, Event Marketing, etc.) align with brand strategies and all messaging is appropriate and consistent across all media.

Manage Suzuki's relationship with communications agencies ensuring timely interaction and follow through. Forecast and manage the communication department’s budget and provide analysis and tracking on a regular basis. Lead the production, inventory and distribution of advertising and marketing and POP materials.

Serve as needed as the Motorcycle & ATV Division representative on strategic industry committees.

Principal Tasks

  1. Manage Communications Department budget ensuring tasks are completed on time and within established spending parameters. Provide timely budget reporting and reconciliation to executive management.
  2. Manage agency relationships to produce successful Advertising messaging in a time-sensitive and competitive environment, comprising traditional and digital media -- including print, TV, Internet, social and other media with both national and regional/local impact. Accountable for the strategic direction of the Motorcycle and ATV websites (suzukicycles.com).
  3. Manage Suzuki's Motorcycle and ATV division's Press Relation strategy to assure positive brand and product news. Pitch story ideas and plan/execute Suzuki's product introductions to the press.
  4. Lead the planning of Suzuki's Event Marketing direction to assure that consumers have a positive, educational and personal experience with Suzuki products.  Develop strategies to convert demos into sales.
  5. Assist with lead generation and tracking.
  6. Oversee the execution of Suzuki's brand and promotional messaging within Suzuki dealerships including Dealer Bulletins, POP materials, Co-Op budgets and advertising executions. These are designed to support sales efforts in stores, as well as events, and to attract customers directly to Suzuki-authorized dealers.
  7. Serve as needed as the Motorcycle and ATV Division representative on related industry committees.
  8. Produce reports and summaries as needed to executive management.
  9. Interact with legal department to ensure all produced materials are in compliance and within company guidelines and standards.
  10. Support Motorcycle and ATV Division marketing efforts with special projects as requested

Scope of Authority

  1. Manage outside communication agencies to successfully place and promote relevant Suzuki messaging before the buying public, Suzuki dealerships and employees.
  2. Manage in-house staff and interact with external sales personnel to achieve departmental goals.
  3. Conduct frequent contact with all levels of employees in various departments, including executive level management. Conduct frequent external contact with agencies and vendors to help deliver the best product exposure.
  4. Act as SMO representative on relevant industry committees.

Work Experience

Minimum five-ten years’ experience in the marketing and advertising field, with increasing management or supervisory experience. Minimum five years in the motorcycle/ATV industry, with appropriate knowledge of motorcycles and ATVs as well as the motorcycle/ATV industry structure. Demonstrate ability to manage significant budget. Familiarity with modern business communications processes and new media channels.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or equivalent, preferred.

Required Skills

A highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills; self-starter and goal oriented. Excellent creative competence and writing skills. Strong organizational skills that include budgeting, staff management, and long-range planning. Must have flexibility to work in continually changing environment, and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. High level of computer proficiency skills to include Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop and others. Understanding of photography and graphic design skills helpful.

Physical Requirements

General mobility to work in a standard office environment, and to use standard office equipment. Visual ability to read written and electronic correspondence. Hearing ability to conduct personal meetings and telephone communication. Must be able to travel extensively, both nationally and internationally, and to frequent off-site meetings. Must have strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Ability to ride motorcycles and ATVs for extended periods a plus.