Marketing & Sales Support Specialist - Chicago

Objective of the position:  The Marketing Specialist supports the Americas region by coordinating marketing activities that elevate brand presence, enable product adoption, and drive commercial growth. This role focuses on the strategic planning and execution of trade show participation, end‑to‑end product introduction support, marketing materials development, and regional market analysis. Working closely with Sales, Product Management, and Global Marketing, the specialist ensures the seamless delivery of regional marketing initiatives aligned with business objectives.

This position is located in Chicago

Essential Accountabilities:

Trade Show Planning & Logistics

• Lead planning, scheduling, and operational logistics for trade shows, conferences, and customer events across the Americas.
• Coordinate booth design, vendor management, shipping, staffing support, and promotional activities.
• Track event performance, manage associated budgets, and oversee post‑event lead processing and reporting.

Sales Support

• Support new business opportunity acquisition projects from initial identification through commercial closure.
• Coordinate cross functional activities between sales, marketing, engineering, and operations to ensure opportunities progress on schedule.
• Track key opportunity milestones and maintain project timelines, status updates, and internal reporting.
• Facilitate delivery of product samples to customers and support communication during evaluation and validation phases.
• Ensure pricing, customer requirements, and related documentation are properly configured and communicated internally.
• Support execution of commercial agreements including NDAs, LTAs, and other required documentation.
• Identify potential risks or delays, escalate issues when needed, and help keep projects on track through award and onboarding.

Product Introduction Support

• Partner with Product Management and Sales on new product launches, ensuring timely and regionally‑relevant execution.
• Adapt global launch materials and messaging for local markets.
• Support internal communications, launch calendars, and sales training preparation.

Marketing Materials & Content Development

• Develop, update, and distribute marketing collateral including brochures, presentations, digital content, sales tools, and event materials.
• Create or adapt promotional assets tailored to the Americas region.
• Ensure all materials meet brand guidelines and global standards for quality and consistency.

Market & Competitive Analysis

• Conduct research on market trends, customer segments, and competitive activity within the Americas.
• Provide insights that support product positioning, campaign planning, and sales enablement.
• Track and communicate performance metrics for key marketing initiatives.

Cross‑Functional and Regional Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between global marketing, sales organizations, product management, and external vendors.
• Support regional campaigns, initiatives, and strategic priorities.
• Maintain clear, timely communication across stakeholders to ensure alignment and execution.

Budget Management & SAP Processes

• Manage the regional marketing budget, including forecasting, spend tracking, and alignment with financial controls.
• Enter and maintain purchase requests, purchase orders, and vendor payments in SAP (or the corporate ERP system).
• Maintain accurate financial documentation for marketing programs, events, and vendor activities.

CRM & Communications Management

• Use CRM platforms to draft, schedule, and distribute marketing bulletins, sales announcements, and regional updates.
• Draft, edit, and coordinate press releases, media statements, and partner communications, ensuring adherence to corporate messaging and approval processes.
• Maintain communication calendars and ensure timely delivery of all internal and external marketing communications.
• Support consistent messaging across all touchpoints to reinforce brand positioning and visibility.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in Marketing, Business or Communications, plus 5-7 years of experience in a marketing coordination role or equivalent combination.
• Experience with web-based tools and applications including Microsoft Office suite of applications, InDesign, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Acrobat, CRM database. SAP an asset.
• Experience in preparing marketing presentations, reports, customer analysis and coordinating events.
• Highly developed editing, copywriting skills, and / or creative writing skills.
• Professional experience working with social media (Facebook, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.).

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

• Post-secondary education in Marketing, Business or Communications, plus 5-7 years of experience in a marketing coordination role or equivalent combination