Trade Marketing Director

Director of Trade Marketing | B Corp Haircare Brand

New York City
· Hybrid (2 days/week in office) | $155, base + 20% bonus

We are searching for a Director of Trade Marketing on behalf of our client, a b-corp haircare brand with a loyal following among stylists and consumers alike. Our client is known for clinically-backed formulas, standout in-store presence at major beauty retailers, and a strong sustainability ethos.

Our client is looking for a Director of Trade Marketing to lead and inspire their Trade Marketing function, overseeing a team of three managers responsible for channel marketing, customer programs, and visual merchandising. As a key member of the Commercial Leadership Team, you'll set the strategic direction for trade marketing in the U.S., aligning brand marketing, sales, and retailer partners to accelerate growth and strengthen the brand's positioning across every channel.

You'll be the critical link between Global Brand & Innovation strategies and U.S. trade execution, making sure promotions, events, merchandising, and customer engagement programs are both brand-right and commercially impactful. With a strong command of category insights and customer needs, you'll guide strategic decision-making and influence cross-functional priorities to maximize impact at retail.

You'll lead a team of three: a Professional Channel Trade Marketing Manager, a Retail Channel Trade Marketing Manager, and an International Trade Marketing Manager.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of managers, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture that drives results.
• Set clear priorities, allocate resources effectively, and ensure execution excellence across trade marketing programs.
• Own the Global Trade Marketing budget, sampling, promotions, visual merchandising, co-op media, and events, and evaluate ROI to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Define and oversee the annual trade marketing strategy, directing the adaptation of global campaigns into retailer-specific executions across in-store, digital, social, and experiential channels.
• Guide the team in delivering best-in-class trade programs: sampling, promotions, loyalty initiatives, visual merchandising, and seasonal activations.
• Lead trade insights and data-driven analysis to identify growth opportunities across accounts and channels, reporting on key programs against KPIs.
• Partner with Global Innovation and Brand teams to ensure U.S. customer needs inform product development and go-to-market plans.
• Serve as the trade marketing lead in senior-level retailer meetings (Line Reviews, Joint Business Planning), presenting strategy and results with executive presence.
• Act as the strategic bridge between Sales, Brand, Field, and Global Marketing teams, ensuring in-store and digital execution stays consistent with brand positioning and commercial goals.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in trade, or channel marketing the a beauty/haircare space.
• A proven track record leading trade marketing strategies that drive measurable sales growth and brand awareness.
• Experience managing and mentoring high-performing teams
• Deep visual merchandising expertise, end caps, in-store placement, and a track record of driving results with retailers Sephora and Ulta.
• Strong financial acumen: proficiency developing and managing budgets, forecasts, and ROI analysis for marketing initiatives (this role partners closely with Finance leadership).
• Strong understanding of retail, distributor, and eCommerce channels, including 360 marketing campaign execution.
• Demonstrated ability to translate global brand strategies into market-relevant trade programs.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret sales and category data to inform strategy.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills across internal teams, retail partners, and vendors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with CRM, PIM, or retail marketing platforms is a plus.
• Must be based in the U.S. with the right to work in the U.S.