Marketing & Business Development Manager

This is a structured hybrid position which requires working in ourOwatonna, MN facility: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Tuesdays and Fridays are home office workdays. Therefore, candidates must reside within reasonable drivable distanceto the facility.

Wenger Corporation is a privately held, leading manufacturer of high-quality music education, performing arts and athletic products. As an innovator, Wenger Corporation knows that great ideas can come from the fresh perspective of a new employee. So, we embrace the unique skills and expertise you bring to the table.We skip the micro-management and bureaucracy found in many organizations, and we create an environment of trust and autonomy that gives you the freedom to make decisions, use your talents and make your mark.

Wenger Corporation is seeking a Marketing & Business Development Manager to join our team in Owatonna, MN. As a Marketing & Business Development Manager, you will contribute to Wenger Corporation's strategy to inspire and enable great performances by designing and executing Lutefish's comprehensive marketing and sales development strategy. In this role you will manage and optimize Lutefish's marketing and sales development budget to ensure resources are effectively deployed to achieve aggressive sales and growth objectives.

At a minimum, you'll need:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in marketing, business development, or sales, ideally within music technology, consumer goods, SaaS, or creative tools industries.
• A proven track record of driving growth through direct marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience managing and developing small, high-performing teams.
• A background working with consumer or subscription-based business models.
• Proficiency with marketing, analytics, and design tools such as Google Analytics, Shopify, and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience in content creation, brand development, and digital marketing execution.
• Strong project management and budgeting skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives.
• Proven leadership in mentoring teams and managing agency or partner relationships.
• Strategic thinker with experience in business development, contract negotiation, and market analysis.

It would be great if you also have:

• Passion for music and understanding of the music creation process.
• Experience in influencer marketing, and PR campaign execution

A typical day may include:

Marketing Leadership:

• Developing and implementing marketing plans that actively incorporate customer insights and feedback, ensuring strategies are thoughtfully aligned with evolving user needs.
• Directing and executing integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social, and email platforms, closely monitoring campaign metrics to maximize user engagement, conversion rates, and revenue generation.
• Managing, coaching, and holding accountable the Content creator/social media coordinator and Digital content project manager, ensuring strong execution in alignment with sales targets and brand objectives.
• Driving successful launches of new products and features by leading marketing, events, sponsorships, promotions and PR efforts. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop and execute results-oriented go-to-market plan.
• Overseeing agency partnerships: assign projects, negotiate contracts, and rigorously evaluate agency performance to ensure marketing initiatives directly contribute to business goals.
• Negotiating and securing high-impact contracts with celebrities and influencers to obtain strategic endorsements that boost brand visibility and actively increase user acquisition and engagement.
• Planning, helping to organize, and leading events that capture the attention of potential users, foster credibility, and propel both engagement and sales conversion. Work closely with corporate events team to execute impactful industry shows.

Business Development & Sales:

• Develop and execute effective customer acquisition and retention strategies.
• Build and oversee a pipeline of business opportunities targeting both B2B and B2C customers.
• Proactively seek out and cultivate relationships with prospective partners, distributors, and institutional clients, including music schools, studios, and universities.
• Lead negotiations for partnership agreements and distribution contracts.
• Represent Lutefish at key industry events and online conferences to expand brand presence and foster strategic connections.

Benefit offerings include:

• Paid Time Off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Generous Profit Sharing
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Spending Accounts - HSA, FSA, DCFSA
• Company Paid Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

Pay information reflects the anticipated compensation range for this position based on current market data. Individual pay is determined by skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Wenger Corporation's core purpose is to ENRICH LIVES BY ENABLING AND INSPIRING GREAT PERFORMANCES.

Put your passion to work in an exciting, rewarding industry that inspires great performances today!

Wenger Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

All Qualified Candidates are Encouraged to Apply