Director of Marketing

Position Summary

Makino is seeking an experienced Director of Marketing to lead our product management and marketing functions. This highly visible leadership position is responsible for developing and executing strategies that strengthen the Makino brand, support revenue growth, position our products effectively in the marketplace, and drive successful product launches.

The Director of Marketing oversees marketing communications, product marketing, market intelligence, pricing and product information, trade shows, seminars, public relations, advertising, digital content, sales tools, and lead-generation programs. The position also plays an important role in the product development lifecycle, working closely with Sales, Engineering, Customer Support, global affiliates, and external partners to identify customer needs and bring production solutions to market. 

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy and Business Growth

• Develop and execute strategic marketing plans that support company objectives for revenue, profitability, market share, and long-term growth.
• Build marketing strategies that strengthen Makino’s market position and clearly communicate the value of its products, technology, and manufacturing solutions.
• Evaluate industry conditions, economic changes, customer needs, competitive activity, and market trends to recommend adjustments to product and marketing strategies.
• Develop national, regional, and market-specific branding and image strategies that support company-owned operations and independent distributors.
• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant industry organizations and external partners. 

Product Marketing and Product Management

• Lead product marketing and market-readiness activities across Makino’s portfolio of machines, options, ancillary equipment, and production solutions.
• Participate throughout the product development lifecycle, including market reviews, product positioning, production-solution validation, launch planning, sales training, and post-launch feedback.
• Coordinate product launches and rollouts across target markets, ensuring internal teams have the product information, tools, training, and resources required for success.
• Maintain accurate product marketing information, technical specifications, pricing information, product configuration details, and sales proposal content.
• Partner with customers, Sales, Engineering, Customer Support, and global product teams to identify new product features, customer requirements, and market opportunities.
• Develop customer profiles and market-penetration strategies for key customer and industry segments.
• Organize case studies and customer success stories that demonstrate Makino technology and production capabilities. 

Marketing Communications and Brand Leadership

• Direct marketing communications strategies across digital content, advertising, public relations, video, multimedia, trade shows, seminars, sales tools, and direct marketing programs.
• Oversee the development of product presentations, promotional materials, technical content, and customer-facing communications.
• Serve as the executive sponsor for web, film, video, advertising, and multimedia projects.
• Plan and oversee trade shows, customer seminars, product demonstrations, and other industry events.
• Manage relationships with advertising agencies, public relations firms, web partners, show developers, and other outside service providers.
• Coordinate with global Makino affiliates to support consistent worldwide branding and marketing activities. 

Market Intelligence and Sales Support

• Lead competitive research and market analysis, including product positioning, customer trends, competitive advantages, pricing considerations, and historical market performance.
• Translate market intelligence into clear, actionable information for Sales and other internal stakeholders.
• Support customer-needs assessments and participate in customer presentations, seminars, and product demonstrations.
• Oversee customer, prospect, lead, product, and market information used by Sales and Marketing.
• Improve the tools, systems, processes, and information used to support product management and marketing activities. 

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing Product Management and Marketing team.
• Provide employees with clear direction, coaching, feedback, development opportunities, and performance expectations.
• Create a collaborative environment that promotes teamwork across Marketing, Product Management, Sales, Engineering, Customer Support, and global affiliates.
• Coordinate resources and competing priorities across product management and marketing functions.
• Manage departmental budgets for advertising, events, digital marketing, public relations, outside services, and related activities.
• Provide leadership to Product Line Managers and marketing communications personnel. 

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, engineering, industrial sales, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive marketing experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing multiple marketing or product-related functions.
• Strong analytical and strategic-planning skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Engineering, Customer Support, and global business partners.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, initiatives, and product launches.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel approximately 25%, including international travel. 

Preferred

• Marketing or product management experience within the machine-tool, industrial equipment, manufacturing technology, or capital-equipment industry.
• Global marketing experience.
• Experience with CRM platforms, marketing databases, and product-information systems.
• Experience developing go-to-market strategies for highly technical products or manufacturing solutions.
• Knowledge of CNC machining, automation, advanced manufacturing, or related production technologies.

What Success Looks Like

The successful Director of Marketing will combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution. This individual will understand how to translate technically complex products into compelling customer value, develop a strong and collaborative team, improve Makino’s market intelligence, and ensure product launches are coordinated, differentiated, and supported across the organization.