Job Description

Affinity Group Retail is seeking a Marketing Specialist in the Buffalo, NY area.

BROAD FUNCTION AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:
The Marketing Specialist role supports the execution and coordination of sales and marketing initiatives by enhancing processes, tools, communication, and reporting, while producing and maintaining high-quality marketing materials. The position ensures the sales team is equipped with the resources, insights, and operational support needed to drive performance across assigned markets. Responsibilities include the creation and management of advertisement materials, managing key communications, social media content creation and management, supporting client onboarding and training efforts, maintaining sales materials and guides, coordinating and planning event logistics, and providing data-driven insights to inform strategy and planning. The role also fosters cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment with overall business objectives. This role requires strong creative development skills, research capability, digital competency, and consistent cross‑functional collaboration with marketing, sales, business operations, customers, and clients. The specialist ensures that all creative outputs meet brand standards, accuracy requirements, and approval processes.

PRINCIPAL CONTINUING RESPONSIBILITIES:
Creative Development & Content Creation

• Develop and maintain our social media content calendar and process.
• Develop original marketing materials from concept through completion, including digital assets, trade ads, sell sheets, flyers, one‑pagers, presentations, and social content.

Research & Insight Generation

• Conduct product, category, and industry research to support content strategy and development.
• Utilize tools such as Datassentials and industry resources to develop insight‑driven one‑page summaries and trend reports.
• Stay current on digital, creative, and grocery trends to enhance content relevance and performance.
• Be aware of industry award nominations and nominate team, customers, and clients where applicable.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Utilize syndicated data and Datassentials in conjunction with other reporting platforms to deliver actionable insights that support sales initiatives.
• Prepare reports to inform strategy, performance, and planning efforts.
• Create Retail Digest collaborating with the Analytics department.

Event & Administrative Support:

• Support planning and execution of corporate events and food shows as needed.
• Assist in organizing and supporting market meetings.
• Provide timely support for sales, customer, and client-related requests.
• Research and maintain dates of industry events and trade shows to ensure representation of our team.

Brand Alignment & Quality Control

• Ensure all content adheres to Affinity Group brand guidelines and required approval workflows.
• Review all creative work for accuracy, completeness, and brand consistency prior to distribution.

Content & Asset Management

• Assist with the organization and maintenance for the Retail Hub SharePoint Site.
• Maintain organized version control, file management, and documentation of creative deliverables.
• Manage digital platforms, marketing links, QR codes, and relevant content repositories.

Training and Development:

• Support business operations in onboarding of new clients and team members on systems, processes, and tools.
• Assist with developing training materials and resources to support the ongoing development of the sales team.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Manage and oversee the Retail division marketing communications.
• Foster collaboration across teams to support overall business objectives.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in sales, marketing, or sales support roles.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Analytical mindset with experience leveraging data to inform decision-making.
• Proficiency in syndicated data, sales support tools, reporting platforms (including Nielsen, Circana, Datassentials) and marketing systems.
• Creative mindset.
• Strong digital competency and experience with MS Office and digital marketing tools, including Canva.
• Knowledge of marketing content and the grocery industry.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Must be able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
• Occasional travel may be required for corporate events, food shows, market visits, and client meetings.

Salary Range: $55,000-$70,000

The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.