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Director, CRM Programs & Operations

Crate and Barrel • Northbrook, IL

CRM & LifecycleDirecteurOn-siteFull time$180K - $220K
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CRM StrategyTeam LeadershipB2C RetailOn-site (Hybrid Friday)$180K-$220KDirector Level

The Challenge

Crate and Barrel needs a seasoned CRM leader to architect and execute customer lifecycle strategy across key business domains. You'll shape how millions of customers experience the brand while building and mentoring a high-performing team.

Your Mission

First 3 Months
1

Audit current CRM strategy and identify 3-5 quick wins to improve customer lifetime value and retention metrics within assigned domains

2

Build trust with cross-functional leadership (Product, Engineering, Marketing) and establish governance framework for CRM program prioritization

3

Define 12-month CRM vision and strategy roadmap with clear KPIs tied to revenue, retention, and customer satisfaction outcomes

4

Assess team capabilities and create talent development plan, identifying hiring gaps and high-potential internal leaders

By 6 Months
1

Launch 2-3 major CRM initiatives from ideation through execution, demonstrating measurable lift in CLV or email engagement metrics

2

Build personalization strategy and framework for assigned business domain with clear success metrics and technology requirements

3

Establish vendor management process and evaluate/negotiate partnerships that improve CRM execution and ROI

4

Present quarterly business reviews to executive stakeholders showcasing CRM impact on retention, revenue, and brand loyalty KPIs

KPIs You'll Own

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

Track revenue generated per customer across their entire relationship with Crate and Barrel.

Retention Rate

Measure percentage of customers retained period-over-period within assigned domains.

Email Engagement Rate

Monitor open, click, and conversion rates across CRM-driven email campaigns.

Program ROI

Calculate return on investment for major CRM initiatives launched during the year.

Team Development Index

Track promotions, skill development, and team retention within your CRM organization.

Tools & Stack

CRM Platform (Salesforce/Oracle/Klaviyo implied)Marketing AutomationAnalytics & BI ToolsCustomer Data PlatformEmail Marketing PlatformProject Management (Jira/Asana)Vendor Management SystemsSQL/Data Analysis

Your Team

Your Manager

VP or SVP of Marketing/Customer Experience (not specified)

Current Team

CRM program managers and managers (team size not specified, likely 5-15 people)

Likely backfill or growth; team composition to be assessed

The Package

Salary

$180K-$220K base

Remote

On-site Monday-Thursday from Northbrook, IL office; remote flexibility on Fridays

Benefits & Perks

Executive leadership development and mentorship
Cross-functional collaboration with Product and Engineering
Strategic budget ownership and resource planning authority
Hybrid work flexibility (Friday remote)
Opportunity to shape customer experience for major retail brand

Company Intelligence

Crate and Barrel is a major lifestyle retailer specializing in home furnishings and decor with significant omnichannel presence. The company serves millions of customers and operates both physical and digital channels, requiring sophisticated CRM strategy to drive lifelong customer relationships.

Customers

Millions of home decor and furnishings customers

Culture

Customer-centric, data-driven, collaborative cross-functional environment

Is This Role For You?

For You If
  • You have 12+ years of CRM, marketing strategy, or customer experience work with proven ability to define and execute strategies that move revenue
  • You've managed teams of 5+ people and have a track record of developing managers and building high-performing cultures
  • You think in data and metrics—you don't make decisions without quantitative backing and you obsess over CLV, retention, and ROI
  • You can communicate strategy to C-suite executives and influence cross-functional teams to execute your vision
  • You have hands-on experience with marketing technology stacks and understand how tools enable (or constrain) CRM strategy
Won't Work If
  • You need 100% remote work—this is 4 days on-site minimum in Northbrook, IL
  • You prefer hands-on execution over strategy and leadership; this role is about vision and team leadership, not running campaigns
  • You lack management experience or aren't energized by mentoring and developing talent
  • You haven't worked in B2C or direct-to-consumer environments; retail CRM dynamics differ significantly from B2B

Interview Process

1

Phone Screening

Initial conversation with recruiter on CRM background, team leadership experience, and interest in Crate and Barrel

2

Hiring Manager Round

Deep dive with VP/SVP on CRM strategy philosophy, examples of past initiatives, and approach to team building

3

Cross-functional Panel

Meet with Product, Engineering, and Marketing leaders to assess collaboration style and strategic alignment

4

Executive Presentation

Present a 30-min CRM strategy proposal for a hypothetical Crate and Barrel business domain to senior leaders

5

Final Executive Round

Conversation with C-level sponsor to discuss vision, culture fit, and executive presence

Interested in this role?

Apply now and hear back within days, not weeks.

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About CRM & Lifecycle Roles

CRM & lifecycle marketers own the post-acquisition journey. They design onboarding sequences, retention campaigns, win-back flows, and loyalty programs that maximize customer lifetime value.

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Director, CRM Programs & Operations at Crate and Barrel (180K-220K USD) | Growth.Talent