Senior Communications Specialist

Senior Marketing Communications Specialist

About AGCO

Founded in 1990, AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AG) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.agcocorp.com/" www.agcocorp.com) is a global manufacturer of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts. AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment and implements, which are distributed through more than 3,000 independent dealers and distributors in more than 140 countries worldwide. AGCO products include the following well-known brands: AGCO®, Challenger®, Fendt®, Gleaner®, Hesston®, Massey Ferguson®, RoGator®, Spra-Coupe®, Sunflower®, Terra-Gator®, Valtra®, and White™ Planters. AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance. The company is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, and in 2007 had net sales of $6.8 billion.

Position Summary:

The Senior Communications Specialist  (SCS) reports directly to the Brand Marketing Manager (BMM) and is responsible for developing and overseeing the execution of AGCO Corporation Massey Ferguson North American brand marketing plans at a strategic, operational, and tactical level.  The Senior Communications Specialist has joint supervisory responsiblity for the Communications Specialist.

Responsibilities:

Brand Communications

Works with CM to develop and oversee the execution of brand communication plans for the US and Canada that use any and all pertinent marketing communication tactics including advertising, direct marketing, event marketing, merchandising, promotion and public relations. 

Implement Marketing Plan 

Works with internal or external creative resources (copywriters, art directors, graphic designers, printers & service bureaus) and CM to plan and execute marketing materials called for in brand's marketing plan—e.g., product brochures, ad designs, direct mail pieces—for both national and dealer co op marketing programs. This includes seasonal promotional campaigns and new product introductions and enhancements.

Creative Briefs

Works with CM and other personnel as needed to generate creative briefs (writing & design guidelines for projects).

Product and/or Marketing Literature

Develop and implement product and associated marketing literature for new or updated products through coordination with PMM's, copywriters, art directors and CS. Coordinate photo shoot requests through Communications Specialist. Manage production and inventory reporting, and develop literature fulfillment process.

Co-op Advertising

Works with CM, Product Marketing Manager (PMM) and Product Marketing Specialist to execute each brand's individual and group dealer co-op advertising plan, including associated dealer marketing materials and dealership Point-of-Purchase kits plus product ads, inserts, billboards, radio scripts, tv spots, etc. 

Brand Magazine

Work with CM on content development and advertising strategies for customer loyalty magazine through external custom publisher.  

National Farm Shows and Dealer Events

Develop relevant marketing communications support (e.g., graphics & displays, tools to enhance the brand experience) for brand's participation in national and regional equipment shows as well as dealer training events and product launches.

Dealer Marketing Materials & Support

Design, development, and management of points program for dealer marketing materials for general branding and POP kits. Develop ways to improve dealer communication and streamlining of process. Create feedback mechanism (surveys, etc) to ensure products meet the needs of the dealers.

Dealer Communications

Manages development and execution of dealer communication regarding brand marketing: relevant, meaningful content coordinated through internal/external copywriting & design.

Brand Website

Manage content updates and administration of Massey Ferguson North American web site (www.masseyferguson.com/na), brand microsites, and oversee brands' representation on www.agcomediaplace.com 

PR

Coordinate with PR agency to trade publication editors, media relations and execution of media events. Ensure development of press releases for timely writing, photo selection, approval-process-completion, as well as media opportunities.

Financial management

Manage budgets for areas of responsibility, coordinating with Communication Specialist for monthly reconciliation of actuals against plan.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor degree required.  Degree should be in marketing, advertising, communications, journalism, agriculture, or business. Preference given to candidates with Masters degree. 

TRAINING & SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Brand marketing, marketing communications, training, and event marketing skills.

Experience managing agencies and external vendors

Leadership, public speaking and communication skills

Ability to matrix manage many, diverse, complex projects and tasks simultaneously

Ability to manage multiple, complex deadlines for multiple projects and tasks

Computer literacy (e.g., good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)

Finance skills to manage project funds and expenses and to negotiate with vendors.  

Ability to work in a socially diverse work environment

Confidence and a "can-do", positive attitude

Additional preference will be given to candidates who provide:

• Experience or knowledge of agriculture/agribusiness

• Knowledge of Canadian market

• Fluency in French and/or experience with Quebec, Canada

EXPERIENCE: 

Highest preference given to candidates with 7+ years working experience in marketing communications within a marketing department or agency. Experience in agri-marketing, agribusiness preferred. Experience in developing marketing programs at a national and dealer/franchise level preferred.

 

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

Position requires travel up to 15% annually to work at industry trade shows and events, product launches, and dealer meetings. Travel is seasonal in nature and defined in advance.

Contact Tammi Wecksler with interest: tammi.wecksler@agcocorp.com