Trade Activation Manager (Raleigh, NC)

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Trade Activation Manager

Position purpose:  

The Trade Activation Manager translates commercial and brand strategy into scalable trade programs for independent stores and retail customers. The role equips Retail Sales and Field teams with the right programs, tools, platforms, and selling stories to win at the point of sale, drive execution excellence, and grow volume, share of market, distribution, and trial.

This position bridges Marketing, Retail Sales, Field, Wholesale, and Retailer-facing teams by developing practical, customer-centric activations adapted to independent retail. It owns program detailing, resource planning, agency management, budget control, and execution governance, ensuring all activations are compliant, effective, and measurable. Working closely with Retail Sales and Field teams, the role drives store-level execution, retailer engagement, and performance-based initiatives such as trial programs, retailer challenges, pay-for-performance mechanics, couponing support. Within defined strategic guidelines, the Trade Activation Manager supports retail activation planning, return on investment assessment, reporting, performance reviews, and continuous optimization to make trade activation a measurable growth lever across independent stores.

The role also manages the creation and implementation of NACS and trade shows, in collaboration with Head Office departments and external partners, from concept development and vendor coordination to contracting, execution, and post-event performance review.

What will you do – responsibilities: ​​

• Design, develop, and execute retail trade and consumer activation programs across assigned product categories.
  Ensure all programs are fully aligned with portfolio and brand strategies, with clear objectives to drive retail trial, clerk engagement, in-store conversion, and measurable business growth;
• Act as the primary activation partner for Retail Sales and Field teams.
  Translate retail realities into actionable programs, adapt mechanics when needed, provide clear execution guidance, and secure strong field adoption and execution quality;
• Develop and execute trial and performance-based retail programs.
  Design, pilot, and scale trade programs, including pay-for-performance initiatives. Define mechanics, Key Performance Indicators, and success criteria, monitor results, and recommend optimizations or broader rollouts based on performance;
• Own the end-to-end development cycle of retail activation programs, including budget management, legal approvals, agency briefing and management, Key Performance Indicator definition, and post-activation evaluation.
  Ensure timely delivery, budget control, compliance, and consistency across all retail executions;
• Manage the creation and implementation of NACS and trade shows in collaboration with Head Office departments and third-party partners.
  Lead concept development, vendor coordination, contracting, execution planning, on-site implementation, and post-event performance review.

Who are we looking for – requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or related field;
• Proven experience in Trade & Consumer marketing is desired;
• Fluent English

What We Offer

At JTI Liggett, we are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer and awarded the Global Equality Standards certificate, continuing our commitment to equal pay and equal opportunities.

Our culture is what makes JTI Liggett a fun and exciting environment to work in. We value integrity, trust, empowerment, and freedom – freedom of choice, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom to be yourself.

We ask for accountability, ownership, results, and collaboration.

And we care for our people's well-being- In addition to the salary, you might want to enjoy the following

• Annual Performance-based Bonus
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Personal Development
• Medical/Dental & Vision Plan for employees & family members
• Life insurance
• Matching 401(K)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Family Leave up to 20 Weeks
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Education/Tuition Assistance
• Flexible Dress Code
• Hybrid Work Setup
• Snacks & Drinks
• Office Parties
• Volunteering Activities
• Employee Assistance Program- counselling, for employees & family members

Are you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!

Next Steps:

After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.

At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.