DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a strategic, dynamic and results-driven Director of Luxury Category Marketing to join Estee Lauder’s high-performing 360 marketing team. This role will lead integrated, omnichannel marketing for AERIN and Re-Nutriv within the North America region.
This Director role is critical in shaping and executing regional marketing strategies that drive brand growth, increase market share, and elevate our luxury positioning across key retail and e-commerce channels. You will work across creative, digital, retail, influencer, and experiential channels to ensure an elevated and impactful brand experience that drives consumer engagement. The ideal candidate is a luxury brand builder with regional expertise, consumer obsession, and a proven ability to deliver results in a complex, omni-channel environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Regional Category Strategy:
• Develop and lead the North America marketing strategy for AERIN and Re-Nutriv in alignment with Executive Director, global brand direction and regional business objectives.
• Partner with global brand teams to localize product launches, storytelling, and 360° marketing programs for maximum regional relevance and impact.
• Identify regional white space opportunities and lead tailored activations that resonate with luxury consumers in the U.S. and Canada.
Go-to-Market Planning & Execution:
• Own the end-to-end go-to-market strategy for new product launches, hero accelerations, and seasonal campaigns across all channels (retail, DTC, specialty).
• Drive marketing program execution including media, social, influencer, events, sampling, and in-store experiences in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Partner closely with Visual Merchandising, Sales, and Education to ensure best-in-class retail execution, brand expression and consumer education/experiences.
Business Analytics & Performance Management:
• Manage AERIN Long Range Plan, P&L and monthly reconciliation across key cost centers.
• Monitor and analyze category, brand, and competitive performance within the region, leveraging insights to inform strategy and optimize performance.
• Drive retail and net sales growth by managing forecasting, promotional strategy, and key performance indicators across channels.
• Lead post-mortem analysis of launches and campaigns to inform future planning.
Category Management:
• With Executive Director, develop category and hero product seasonal Merchandise Financial Plan and three-year long range plan for portfolio strategy for Re-Nutriv and AERIN.
• Define New Product Launch ambition and annual priorities for skincare category.
• Lead overall assortment strategy, inclusive of net extra and discontinuation benchmarks.
Luxury Brand & Consumer Experience:
• Ensure that every touchpoint of the consumer journey reflects the brand's identity and luxury codes.
• Work closely with Global brands, Special Events and PR teams to develop and support execution of tentpole brand experiences and consumer activations that align with Category strategy, conceptual national campaigns and key objectives.
• Use consumer insights and data to refine strategies and ensure campaigns are driving customer acquisition, retention, and brand loyalty.
Retail & Channel Partnership:
• Build strong relationships with EL Sales Team and retail partners and collaborate on joint business plans, exclusives, and high-impact programs.
• Collaborate with e-commerce and retailer dotcom teams to optimize online presence and drive digital sell-through.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Manage and develop a high-performing direct report, fostering a collaborative, consumer-first, and performance-driven culture.
• Act as the key point of contact between North America and Global Brand, Sales, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure regional alignment and excellence in execution.
• Work closely with NA Media/PR, Creative, Trade Marketing, and Sales teams to ensure integrated planning and execution of marketing programs across all consumer touchpoints.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field; MBA a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive marketing experience, with a strong focus on prestige or luxury beauty in North America.
• Deep understanding of the North American luxury consumer, retail landscape, and omni-channel strategies.
• Proven success in leading 360° marketing plans, launches, and retail activations.
• Strong creative and strategic thinking abilities, with a passion for innovative brand storytelling.
• Proven leadership, collaboration, communication, and analytical skills.
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to analyze campaign results and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and manage multiple priorities