Location
Sioux Falls SD
Industry
Manufacturing

Job Overview

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the firearms and precision engineering industry, is seeking a strategic Director of Marketing to lead a 10-person team in driving brand growth, customer engagement, and market expansion. The ideal candidate will provide visionary oversight for all marketing initiatives, ensuring alignment with company goals while navigating the unique regulatory landscape of the firearms sector. This role demands a blend of creative leadership, data-driven decision-making, and industry knowledge to enhance visibility, foster partnerships, and support sales in a competitive manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee the strategic direction of the marketing team, including budgeting, planning, and execution of campaigns across digital, trade shows, content, and product launches.
  • Lead the 10-person team in developing and implementing integrated marketing strategies that promote firearms products, manufacturing capabilities, and brand storytelling, while ensuring compliance with ATF regulations and industry standards.
  • Analyze market trends, customer data, and competitor activities to inform product positioning, SEO/SEM efforts, and lead generation, targeting dealers, distributors, and end-users.
  • Collaborate with sales, product development, and executive leadership to align marketing with business objectives, measuring ROI and optimizing performance through KPIs.
  • Foster partnerships with industry influencers, media, and events (e.g., SHOT Show), while managing crisis communications and maintaining a positive brand reputation in a regulated space.

Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field; MBA preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum of 10 years in marketing leadership, with 5+ years in the firearms, manufacturing, or defense sector; proven track record managing teams of 10+.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo), analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau), and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
  • Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of firearms regulations (e.g., ATF, ITAR), B2B marketing in manufacturing, and digital strategies for compliance-sensitive industries.
  • Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire teams, drive innovation, and deliver measurable results in fast-paced environments.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills, with experience in stakeholder management and public relations.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with trade show management and content creation for regulated industries.
  • Familiarity with SEO/SEM for product-led growth in manufacturing.
  • Certification in digital marketing or project management (e.g., PMP, Google Analytics).

Why Join Our Client?

Our client offers a collaborative culture in a dynamic firearms manufacturing environment, with opportunities to shape industry-leading strategies. They provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth, including access to key trade events and leadership training. As a trusted name in precision engineering, the firm values innovation and integrity, making it an ideal place for a Director of Marketing to lead transformative initiatives.