Director Strategic Marketing at Yaskawa America, Inc. Drives & Motion Division

About the company
Yaskawa America, Inc. - Drives & Motion Division is a U.S.-led and managed corporation, created to provide Automation Solutions and Support to our customers in North America, Central America, and South America. Yaskawa is the world's largest manufacturer of AC Inverter Drives, Servo and Motion Control, and Robotics Automation Systems. Products are marketed through direct sales, partners, representatives, dealers, and distributors. Yaskawa America, Inc. - Drives & Motion Division is a wholly owned corporation of Yaskawa Electric Corporation of Japan. Since 1915, Yaskawa Electric has served the world needs for products to improve global productivity through Automation.    

To match Yaskawa’s growth, we are looking for a Director, Strategic Marketing, to join our growing organization, reporting directly to the CEO.

This role will champion data-driven, high-impact initiatives that align with evolving market and customer demands, partnering closely with cross-functional leaders to shape go-to-market strategies. The ideal candidate brings deep marketing expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to influence across complex global organizations.

The ideal candidate would be based in Wisconsin near our newly announced campus in Franklin, WI.   Regular travel to Yaskawa America, Inc. facilities and customer sites is expected as needed.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic marketing plans that fuel growth in key segments such as building automation, Water/Wastewater, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, and Industrial applications.
• Monitor emerging technologies, customer pain points, and industry shifts to inform forward-looking business strategies and investment priorities.
• Lead market sizing, segmentation, and competitive landscape analysis to support entitlement share goals and strategic planning efforts.
• Partner with product management and engineering to define differentiated value propositions, positioning, and product roadmaps that reflect market needs.
• Provide strategic guidance and high-value content to regional marketing and sales teams to enhance campaign impact and customer engagement.
• Create and oversee development of white papers, technical presentations, and training materials that build brand authority and support sales.
• Lead or contribute to co-marketing programs, key partnerships, and M&A evaluations to expand market reach and business capabilities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (e.g., Engineering, Applied Sciences, or related field) required
• Industrial Automation industry experience, particularly in strategic marketing or product/market development
• 10+ years of progressive global marketing experience
• Proven success in developing marketing strategies, enabling sales, and growing market share
• Willingness and ability to travel 30–50% domestically and internationally

Desired Qualifications

• MBA or other advanced degree
• Variable Frequency Drive, PV Drive, Robotics or Motion Control experience is highly desired.
• Experience with market modeling, competitive strategy, or partnership development
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and leadership skills
• Experience influencing across complex, matrixed global organizations
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to create compelling content for thought leadership, technical presentations, and customer engagement
• Proven business strategy development and execution.

A successful candidate will be a proven leader of marketing strategy with the ability to not only lead but also guide and effectively communicate with all internal and external stakeholders and teams.

Key advantages of working at Yaskawa include career opportunities in diverse areas, a highly competitive benefit package, including a generous 401(K) plan, profit sharing, corporate wide bonus plan and educational assistance program offering up to $10,000 a year for graduate courses as well as a full suite of benefits. Additional information regarding the benefit package can be found at the following link. 

If you are a Strategic Marketing Leader looking to shape the future of an organization, we would like to hear from you!!

 Yaskawa America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.