JOHN J. MURRAY
521 Gunderson Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, 60304
708.445.9243, 708.359.6577 (mobile)



MARKETING STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL

Strong record of achievement in market research and analysis, product introduction, segmentation, channel management, competitive and marketplace analysis, and online/offline marketing communications
Broad industry experience and knowledge including steel, architectural/engineering services, manufacturing, commercial building, healthcare, technology (software and hardware), and financial services
Demonstrated success identifying and assessing market opportunities, developing actionable plans and coordinating efforts with sales and channel partners to achieve business goals


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Marketing Manager2007 to 2008
Ryerson, Inc., Chicago Distributor and processor of metals with over $6 billion in annual sales
Conducted analysis, prepared reports and provided direction and recommendations to CEO, COO and senior management for long and short-term market trends. Created and executed marketing plans for strategic products and vertical markets on a national and regional basis. Led cross-functional teams for marketing plan implementation.
Created customer segmentation and pricing strategy to reverse a long-term decline in sales and profitability of aluminum, a core product line accounting for over $1 billion in annual revenue.
Developed marketing program to regain share in the Southern California market through improved penetration of existing accounts and expansion of customer base. Campaign realized over $8.4 million revenue in a 16-week period and 4.5% incremental growth for L.A. office.
Analyzed shifting buying patterns of stainless steel consumers. Developed inventory and marketing programs to capitalize on the changing environment for the companys largest product line. Rolled out training program and provided sales support to sales force.
Performed in-depth research and analysis of $10 billion domestic office furniture vertical to identify opportunities for increased penetration.


Senior Marketing Consultant2004 to 2007
The Richmark Group (RS Consulting), Chicago B2B market research and strategy consulting firm
Managed projects and teams, conducted primary and secondary research, analyzed results and formulated conclusions, developed strategic and tactical plans, wrote reports, and delivered presentations. Clients included ADP, Emerson, ITT Industries, Bosch, Grainger and Zebra Technologies.
Devised a channel and sales strategy for the second largest manufacturer of electric motors seeking to enter the industrial motor replacement market.
Executed a comprehensive evaluation of the channel, pricing, promotion and product strategies of the leading suppliers of power tool and accessories.
Performed a competitive benchmarking study for a national distributor of building materials and industrial supplies.
Developed a market entry strategy and revenue model for a manufacturer of technology enabled medical carts.
Provided direction to a leading manufacturer of bar code equipment for the re-engineering of product line to better align product attributes with the current and changing needs of their reseller and end-user customer base.
Evaluated effectiveness of marketing programs targeting end-users and channel partners for the leading manufacturer of night vision equipment. Redirected marketing mix to focus on demand creation and driving product sales.
Marketing Manager2003
HyperVision, Ltd., Chicago XML-based software firm
Led marketing and business development efforts for a start-up company targeting the commercial real estate market. Developed a strategic and tactical marketing plan.
Implemented integrated marketing communications program. Created new Web site, product brochures and sales presentation.

Marketing Consultant2000 to 2003
Independent Marketing Consultant (while obtaining MBA)
Provided strategic direction and project management services for the Internet division of a media company. Services included new Web site, collateral materials and sales presentation. Delivered fast-track project on time and under budget.
Researched geographic market and interviewed prospective clients for a company that develops web sites and portals. Advised CEO and V.P. of Marketing on pricing and market potential.
Conducted market research and created marketing materials for an engineering firm seeking to enter a new market. Efforts led to a new practice area and revenues of >$1 million.

Account Executive2000
Bid Buy Build.com, Chicago Business-to-business on-line auction web site
Led sales efforts in the Chicago region and helped devise a go-to-market strategy for an online procurement and distribution service targeted at the commercial building materials markets.
Identified potential customers and established over 80 new accounts in a five-month period.

Marketing Manager1998 to 2000
American Hydrotech, Inc., Chicago Manufacturer of commercial building products
Directed all marketing efforts throughout U.S.A. and Canada and supervised in-house staff and outside talent. Developed and implemented strategic and tactical marketing plans, conducted market research, tracked and evaluated product sales, and promoted products to channel partners and end-users.
Developed marketing plan and segmentation strategy, created marketing materials, and collaborated with sales force and channel partners to implement plan. Grew sales by 20% ($2.5 million) in first year.
Managed all phases of a new product launch, including supplier negotiations, packaging and pricing. Directly secured $350,000 in first year revenue and exceeded forecasted volume.
Negotiated pricing agreements with media providers, printers and other service providers. Reduced marketing costs by over 20% annually.
Developed an integrated marketing communications program, including advertising, web site, direct mail, product catalog, and trade shows.


Other Positions

Business Development Coordinator1997 to 1998
Perkins & Will, Inc., Chicago Architectural firm with large international practice
Marketing Manager1996 to 1997 Marketing Coordinator1993 to 1996
Knight Architects Engineers Planners, Inc., Chicago Architectural/Engineering firm
Reporter/Field Market Researcher1988 to 1993
McGraw-Hill, Inc., Chicago Publisher of market research and industry analysis


EDUCATION

DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
M.B.A., Marketing concentration (Graduated with distinction - G.P.A. 3.94/4.0)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Arts