Careers

The Brand Manager-Piano and Arrangers will lead the development and execution of the next phase growth plan for this product group. This is a leadership role that requires an experienced M.I. brand/ product/category manager to focus on this segment and drive sales, market share, retail share and overall brand awareness.  Candidates will be expert in not only the products but also in understanding the overall market, retailers, end users, artists, marketing messaging and sales strategies needed to attain success.     
 
This position combines creative, strategic and business skills into a role that is fast paced, fun and can have significant positive impact.  Want to be the main architect of a go forward success plan and be part of one the most highly respected brands and companies in M.I.?  For the right person, this is your chance.  
 
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understands performance status of the product group including market share, sales, P&L, inventory.  Communicates brand status and recommends plans for needed changes to appropriate persons including R&D, sales, marketing, AR, parent company, exec management.

• Expert in brand competitive standing and can proactively or reactively direct changes, modifications, long and short term plans to maintain competitive edge and successful performance in the market.

• Research, understand and anticipate market trends to develop and market successful products by creating business, strategic and sales plans for products including measurable goals for market share, revenue, top line sales and ROI.

• Responsible for driving marketing activities for the products including pricing, POP’s, bundling, websites, retail sales programs, quantity pricing, print ads, e-media, social networks, reviews, placement in dealer catalogs and websites, advertorials and collaborating with marketing, AR, mar-com to do so.  Teamwork necessary!

• Oversee ordering and maintaining sufficient stock and insuring stock levels are correct for steady state and/or launch volumes.

• Interact with retailers, DSMs to maintain expert awareness and knowledge of dealer network, retail environment, DSMs. Frequent travel to visit dealers/DSMs/National accounts.
• Develop & maintain relationships with key buyers, dealers and other influencers.

• Collaborate with marketing, sales, finance, logistics to insure the company is on plan.

• Creating and driving effective training on products, help with customer relations and problem solving.

• Working with sales and finance, creating budgets, forecasting, product setup, analyzing product profitability, cost of programs and other issues or opportunities.

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 5+ years brand/product/merchandising manager experience in the music industry.

• Live playing/performance/recording experience that is pertinent to the PM’s products a plus.

• Must have analytical skills sufficient to understand pertinent issues, opportunities.

• Be creative and “think outside the box” can suggest new ideas that propel growth.

• Work well under pressure, Good listening skills, Good presentation skills.

• Excellent communication and creative writing skills.

• Must have motivational/leadership skills and be able to motivate teams.

• Possess the people skills and diplomacy necessary to be able to develop good rapport and relationships with key accounts including dealers, buyers, department managers.

• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, web browsing/research, musical products and computer software within their area of expertise.

• Have a genuine and boundless enthusiasm for their products and achieving success.

 

 

SUMMARY:
 
Korg R&D is looking for an Audio Plug-In Software Engineer to join our  team developing professional audio software located in Milpitas, CA. You will be working with a small group of dedicated engineers in Silicon Valley responsible for top selling Korg synthesizers like the Kronos and Wavestate. In this role, you will architect and implement professional audio plug-ins and applications for musicians, sound designers, and producers. You must have proven experience delivering VST and AU plug-ins for macOS and Windows written in C++, along with a passion for synthesizers and music technology.
 
    
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Design, code, debug, and deliver new software synthesizers for macOS and Windows written in C++.
* Become an expert in our code base, and extend our existing frameworks to new products.
* Optimize and improve audio DSP algorithms on several platforms
* Manage all aspects of complex software product development from concept and design to coding, QC, release, and documentation. Work with other engineers, sound designers, and researchers to build inspiring, innovative musical instruments.
 
REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

* 3+ years of experience programming efficient, bug-free, real-time audio applications in C++
* Clear track record of audio plug-in development in various formats and operating systems
* Familiarity with multi-core, multi-threaded applications, JUCE, ARM NEON and Intel SSE instruction sets
* Must be able to work independently and learn new techniques and frameworks
* Experience with UI / UX design and tools
* Understanding and experience with embedded MCUs and DSPs
* BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar

The Public Relations and Events Specialist will lead in developing the strategic and tactical execution of integrated public relations materials and campaigns and events, including but not limited to new product launches, product reviews, trade and consumer media relations, high-profile executive and brand leadership profiles, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, promotions and events such as NAMM Shows and Brew Music Events. 

 

This individual will proactively plan in-store events (Specialist Clinics, artist visits) working cross-functionally with Sales, Brand managers, Artists and Artist Relations, Specialists and Dealers to ensure our partners and brands are positioned for success and plan the best possible experience for consumers.

 

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Strategic PR planning
• Write and distribute press releases
• Media relations
• Pitch and track product reviews
• Monitor, log and share media coverage
• Copywriting
• Update brand online newsrooms
• Manage media database
• Monitor, log and share media coverage
• Organize Dealer Events and Filed Events
• Trade show media management
• AD buy guidance and tracking with media partners

• Plan and write press releases for brands and product launches; coordinate content with brand managers Finalize verbiage, tone and facts with brand manager
• Seek out opportunities to position KORG USA and our brands in the media as leaders and innovators in the industry with hot/new products and industry happenings
• Always be looking for news-worthy opportunities and angles to generate media coverage
• Monitor editorial calendars to look for opportunities- IE Roundtables, Special issues etc
• Pitch story ideas, interview subjects and strategize placement opportunities
• Consistently Secure product reviews in all key publications and media outlets
• Coordinate with brand managers key push products to align with sales initiatives
• Develop targeted brand media lists and cultivate new contacts, including via social media, bloggers, vloggers and influencers
• Assist and lead trade show preparations such as the collection of necessary materials in collaboration with the Brand Management and Marketing Team.
• Manage trade show media appointments and coverage
• Assist with the development and execution of strategic public relations campaigns and impactful activations that build awareness for the Korg USA Roster of brands and enhance brand reputation
• Collaborate closely with internal partners in marketing, brand management and Sales on programs that drive buzz and brand relevance
• Assist in handling media relations efforts including pitching to media and managing incoming media requests
• Help develop key messages, statements, and executive briefings while ensuring consistency of the company’s brand, tone and message; decides the appropriate spokesperson to place in front of the media

 

Experienced professional with minimum of 5 years of public relations experience within an agency or corporate environment and a proven track record in media relations, ideally supporting a large, global company in the music or technology field.
• Outstanding writing, editing, proofreading and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, organization and the ability to work cross-functionally
• Results-oriented, customer-focused and enthusiastic, with a serious commitment to excellence
• Experience managing day-to-day relationship with brand leadership
• Ability to travel to at least two major trade shows a year (Nashville, TN and Anaheim, CA)
• The ability to lift 15-20 pound boxes/product to a height of 3-4 feet to set up for events