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Event & Retail Marketing Manager

5.11, Costa Mesa, CA, United States


Born in Yosemite, forged in Quantico and built for adventure. 5.11 is a purpose‑driven lifestyle brand, rooted in performance, durability, and versatility. Since 1979, we’ve created gear and apparel for people who live life without limits, delivering gear and apparel that empower them to push boundaries every day.

The Event & Retail Marketing Manager leads the planning and execution of brand events, retail store openings, and on‑site activations for 5.11. This individual brings structure, clarity, and proactive planning to all activations, ensuring cross‑functional alignment, strong execution, and measurable results. They partner closely with Marketing, Retail, and Pro teams to create cohesive and effective brand experiences.

What You'll Do:

Plan and execute events, store openings, and retail activations from concept through completion

Develop detailed event plans that align with marketing objectives and ensure consistent execution

Partner with Marketing Operations to maintain an accurate, up‑to‑date marketing calendar

Collaborate cross‑functionally with Pro Marketing and Retail teams to ensure strong and consistent brand representation

Identify and develop opportunities to engage target audiences through events and local partnerships

Manage event budgets, ensuring spend aligns with scope and business priorities

Define, track, and report on event KPIs; use insights to optimize future activations

Lead and manage Community Relations and Event Specialist team members, setting clear expectations for planning, communication, and execution

Ensure all activations are planned proactively, communicated in advance, and executed with precision

Maintain a high standard of brand consistency, quality, and professionalism across all activations

Communicate plans, updates, and results clearly to internal stakeholders

Operate in alignment with 5.11’s core values in all aspects of planning and execution

What You Bring:

5‑8+ years of experience in event marketing, retail marketing, or experiential marketing

Proven track record of planning and executing events, store openings, or brand activations end‑to‑end

Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

Experience managing budgets and tracking spend against defined scope

Ability to define, measure, and analyze event performance metrics

Experience leading and managing direct reports, with a focus on accountability and execution

Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills across Marketing, Retail, and external partners

Pay Range: $95,000‑$115,000 annually plus bonus based on experience

Benefits: 5.11 offers a best‑in‑class benefits program including: medical, dental and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; employer‑paid basic life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including: Hospital Indemnity/Accident insurance; Flexible Spending Account/Health Saving Account; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off/Paid Holidays/Sick Time; Casual Dress Code; and Employee Discounts.

*If you are a regular full‑time employee working at least 30 hours per week, you and your eligible dependents may participate in 5.11’s benefits program.*

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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