At Switch, we work with some of the largest companies in the world and smallest companies in St. Louis.  Our clients are as diverse as our services … its soup to nuts, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof.  Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through.  You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either. Check out the requirements and let us know if you’d like to climb aboard.

Switch is currently hiring for a Digital Strategist/Planner. This individual is the strategic digital leader on a specific piece of business. As the strategic leader, you will be responsible for partnering with other leaders on the account to guide our most senior clients to bold and innovative digital solutions. You will be expected to demonstrate the highest standard of business and audience analysis that will lead to channel growth and measurable results. You will also be expected to have a proven track record of translating these discoveries and ideas into inspiring briefs and roadmaps for the brand. You will also be expected to work with creative, production and account partners to sell these innovative strategies to a client and industry partners.

A Digital Strategist should have solid craft skills in all areas of digital planning. This includes behavioral analytics and insights, business strategy, digital media purchasing, raw analytical conversions, cultural and digital trends, foundation in core languages (PHP, VP.NET, OOP, CSS, JS, HTML5) and related libraries, emerging technologies and social media strategies.

Responsibilities

1. Assess client business models while understanding their implication on the user experience and to suggest improvements, alternatives and additions to their revenue streams
2. Although this position will report into the Director of Technology and Chief Creative Officer, the Strategist will be accountable for their specific brand or business — and as such will require strong management and leadership skills
3. Effectively translate ideas in a digestible format
4. Communicate understanding of how to apply the methodologies of interaction design and research to interactive and product development
5. Plan for, delegate, oversee and polish all UX project deliverables (such as strategic vision briefs, concepts, wireframes, site maps, content inventories, etc.)
6. Champion principles of usability, responsible programming and user-centered design — and know when and how to break those rules

Got what it takes? Send us an email with your resume.

No third party referrals, please.

Switch is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Switch, we work with some of the largest companies in the world and smallest companies in St. Louis.  Our clients are as diverse as our services … its soup to nuts, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof.  Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through.  You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either. Check out the requirements and let us know if you’d like to climb aboard.

We’re currently looking for a Digital Architect. This person is accountable for providing the digital strategic context, direction, roadmaps and standards for the ongoing successful delivery of all digital solutions within Switch. This role is instrumental in establishing the process for achieving success and governing those roles as defined. The Architect will additionally contribute to the management team in the development of trending, knowledge, decisions, patterns and lessons learned to improve productivity and increase skills.

The Architect will additionally be responsible for articulating the vision and directions and govern the delivery of digital solutions and designs. Retaining a focus on the needs of the customer, this role will require you to work closely with external vendors, solution providers and IP holders, whilst maintaining excellent relationships with internal departments.

The Digital Architect should have extensive knowledge in behavioral trending, audience analysis, blue printing, content mapping, entry variables and translation into software, mobile and Web. The Architect is additionally required to have a foundation in core languages and working knowledge of UX design.

Responsibilities

1. Able to demonstrate significant experience of delivering high-quality digital architectural solutions, consultancy and support
2. Translation of customer requirements into functional and design requirements/specifications
3. Drive technology, architecture and content mapping discussions
4. Interface with internal and external IP/technology providers
5. Work with developers to provide accurate pricing and exploration prototyping
6. Any experience of working with architecture frameworks (e.g. Archimate, Sparxsystems) will be highly advantageous
7. Experience in software or platform development is a plus

Interested? Send us an email with your resume.

No third party referrals, please.

Switch is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Switch, we work with some of the largest companies in the world and smallest companies in St. Louis.  Our clients are as diverse as our services … its soup to nuts, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof.  Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through.  You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either. Check out the requirements and let us know if you’d like to climb aboard.

Switch is looking for forward-thinking, outgoing individual to fill the role of account manager.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Support strategy and growth of multiple, fast-paced entrepreneurial beverage accounts
2. Ensure client satisfaction and manage agency relationship to grow account revenue
3. Apply key learnings, insights and industry/customer knowledge to further entrench Switch within client base
4. Develop solid relationships with clients built on trust and insightful knowledge
5. Generate additional new business opportunities within account
6. Present proactive concepts, insights and strategic ideas to client base
7. Represent client’s strategic interests, personality and insights on behalf of agency
8. Help develop, understand and present program budgets and rationale on behalf of agency team
9. Ensure work presented to clients is strategic and on target creatively
10. Manage account(s) budget and profitability of approx. $10-14MM in sales
11. Grow base account budget(s) in terms of incremental dollars, gross income and new business gains

Qualifications

1. Proven experience developing and cultivating client relationships
2. Demonstrated experience effectively leading and managing a team of people
3. Possess excellent communication skills (listening, verbal, written and presentation)
4. Strategic, innovative, critical and constructive thinker
5. Works well under pressure, thrives in fast-paced working environment
6. Comfortable working in a collaborative setting
7. Bachelors degree in marketing, journalism or communications required
8. Minimum 7-10 years agency or brand marketing experience in sales, account service/management, marketing communications, field marketing, and/or promotions/events
9. Beverage category experience strongly preferred
10. Experience in developing and/or leading non-traditional marketing activities, including field marketing activation experience, preferred

If you think you’d be a a great fit for this position, send us an email with your resume.

No third party referrals, please.

Switch is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Switch, we work with some of the largest companies in the world and smallest companies in St. Louis.  Our clients are as diverse as our services … its soup to nuts, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof.  Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through.  You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either. Check out the requirements and let us know if you’d like to climb aboard.

Switch is looking for energetic, high spirited individuals who want to take our brand experiences to the next level. With teams available nationwide, your primary goal will be to create engaging and entertaining connections with consumers.

Primary Duties

1. Driver and host for one of Switch’s Mobile Display units.
2. Provide display set up for event promotions and educational venues.
3. On-site display host and management skills are required when dealing with clients, venue partners and guest.
4. On-site coordination of labor and event schedules

Qualifications

1. 21 Years of Age or older
2. Class A CDL required (this is not negotiable)
3. Clean Driving Record
4. Able to work in a team environment
5. Ability to lift 100+ lbs
6. Willingness to travel 250+ days per year
7. Ability to project a positive image for Switch and it’s clients
8. Mechanical or technical expertise, a plus
9. Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or related degree or background, preferred
10. Experience in multiple technical areas a plus
11. Prior mobile marketing experience preferred

Sound good to you? Send us an email with your resume.

No third party referrals, please.

Switch is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Switch, we work with some of the largest companies in the world and smallest companies in St. Louis.  Our clients are as diverse as our services … its soup to nuts, providing creative, research, strategy, production and execution all under one roof.  Switch prides itself on creating a fun, passionate, creative, nurturing, family environment where good ideas and our Midwestern warmth shine through.  You don’t have to make us your life, but you probably won’t mind us being a big part of it either. Check out the requirements and let us know if you’d like to climb aboard.

Switch is hiring for the position of Payroll Coordinator. We need someone who is friendly and detail-oriented, with some experience in the exciting world of payroll software. Because you will be in charge of employee payroll, it is guaranteed that everyone here will love you!

Primary Responsibilities

1. Responsible for payroll data entry: setting up new hires, making employee changes, processing employee terminations, W-4 changes, direct deposit changes
2. Assist with organization and input of timesheets
3. Assist with filing, storage and archiving of payroll records
4. Point of contact for login and password settings for on-line paycheck and timesheet systems
5. Assist with employee paycheck inquiries
6. Run reports via the payroll system
7. Work with Payroll Specialist on payroll system audits and payroll processing
8. Assist the Human Resources and Finance Departments, as needed

Qualifications

1. 1-2  years prior experience in Payroll/Finance Department environment
2. 1-2 years experience with ADP Workforce Now, or similar on-line payroll system
3. Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel and Word applications
4. Ability to create reports via the ADP payroll reporting system and manipulate the data in Excel
5. Ability to work with confidential data, and ability to work with senior management and department managers in a professional and reassuring manner
6. Possess excellent organizational skills and be detail oriented
7. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

If you think you’d be a a great fit for this position, send us an email with your resume.

No third party referrals, please.

Switch is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Google does a satirical take on what online shopping would be like if it took place in the real world. While i’m still convinced that the technologically challenged individuals attempting to work the self check-out stations at Target are worse, this accurately highlights just how painful the experience can be. You almost feel bad for our buddy, Nick4Ever.

It definitely makes me appreciate Amazon’s One-Click service much more.

What are your checkout horror stories? Do they occur more often online or offline?

The screens entice passer-by to interact with the message “because we love you too.” Those who stop to play are then provided with a touch experience around the famous Starbucks stars, revealing the various deals and rewards that the program will offer customers.

It is still too soon to see whether or not this will drive traffic inside and increase My Starbucks Rewards memberships. Regardless, the displays are catching the attention of anyone who happens to be looking up from their smartphone while walking the streets of urban Canada.

Click here to view the embedded video.

One of the ways to propel an upstart brand is by building a sampling army to get your brand in the hands of your consumers. Last week, Switch shared with you our first key to building a sampling army – clarity on and support of the mission, from top-down in the organization.

Today, Switch shares with you our second insight, in a 3-part series, highlighting keys to building a successful sampling army.

Part 2: A Well-Organized Plan of Attack

A well-organized plan of attack starts with a clearly defined program infrastructure, providing systems and tools to ensure your program runs smoothly. From a human resources perspective, a system is critical for hiring and managing field activation teams. Everyone must be on the same page about the types of candidates required for specific tasks at hand. That starts with a well-defined job description and a process for hiring the right candidates.

At Switch, we work collaboratively with clients such as Budweiser, vitaminwater, 5-hour Energy and Muscle Milk to scout and screen candidates that fit the heart and soul of each specific brand. That includes a robust interview process such as role playing, panel interviews, special driving tests, technology/aptitude screenings, or personal interviews by our clients – or all of the above. Never rush the hiring process because you can never underestimate the power of the perfect hire! A great hire will carry you far, avoiding the hassle and downtime turnover creates.

Once you find the perfect candidate, make sure there’s a well-oiled HR machine in place. At Switch, there’s a detailed system to manage the on-boarding of 700+ people in just a 2- 3 month time period. Just picture the number of employee files, paperwork, W-2 filing required and various state / municipal laws to navigate. Imagine the possible number of worker’s comp claims and personnel issues that surface on an on-going basis. Organization is critical. That’s why we have dedicated individuals assigned by brand to administer the HR aspects of just sampling programs alone.

Here’s the deal. If you don’t have sampling teams employed and engaged (that also pass drug testing and background checks), you essentially won’t have a program to operate in market. If you’re trying to create a household name for your brand, you need feet on the street.

Once you have the right team on board, provide thorough training to authentically represent your brand in the market. Training may be conducted in multiple waves, in local markets, on a regional/statewide-basis, or at a single nationwide location such as a corporate headquarters. For example, the gtv program Switch operates for glacéau, hosts a full 2-day session, on a regional basis, in multiple waves. Training is broken out into 3 main areas:  Brand Messaging, Program Administration and Vehicle Operations/Logistics.

To put training into a real world perspective, consider taking teams to select venues, events, retailers or on-premise to practice live sampling on the spot. Do role playing with brand managers on hand to coach and help reinforce core brand message points. Use scorecards, measure progress and provide honest feedback to ensure your brand is represented in the manner it deserves.

A well-organized plan of attack also includes a system to respond to vehicle needs, if yoursampling program is vehicle based. If it is, don’t forget training on actual vehicle operations – that is, how to drive and operate the vehicle. Set up driving courses within parking lots and do ride-alongs. Train individuals on how to park, load and secure product, change out graphics and operate vehicle systems, such as audio and refrigeration.

Just like you need feet on the street (and not having people in place is an opportunity cost), down time with vehicles or equipment is also an opportunity cost. Plan to have backup systems in place for when systems fail.

At Switch, our in-house fabrication and print studios allow us to keep vehicle templates on file for quickly adjusting or changing out the graphics on vehicles – 24/7. In addition, we operate with an established nationwide network of graphic wrap installers, auto dealerships, roadside assistance providers and Penske dealers to repair vehicles.

A well-organized plan of attack, with processes, systems and an organized team in place, is the second key to building a national sampling army. Check back soon for the last blog in this 3-part series –  3 Keys to Building a Sampling Army.

To learn more about the elements to field marketing, see Suntrup speak at the BevNET Live Winter 2011 Conference on December 5th & 6th.

How do you propel an upstart or virtually unrecognized brand into a common household name? One of the ways to get there is by building a sampling army to get your brand in the hands of your consumers. Building a sampling army to ultimately create a successful national brand takes a lot of things … and it’s not necessarily a big pile of money.

Switch shares with you the first in a 3-part series, highlighting the keys to building a successfully sampling army.

Part 1: Support and Clarity

Success requires clarity on, and support of, the mission within the brand’s organization. In Switch’s experience, successful brands who utilize sampling as a platform for brand trial and awareness, always have a singular focus. And this focus is supported and embraced from the very top of the brand’s organization.

For a long period of time, it was the sole way glacéau vitaminwater spread the word about their product. Their goal was to get vitaminwater in the hands of thirsty consumers, at the right time, with the right message … one cold bottle at a time. They quickly realized getting these bottles into peoples’ hands, while spreading brand love via actual word of mouth (face-to-face), was a critical component to building brand advocacy.

From the initial launch of vitaminwater, the brand made it very clear trial was crucial to their strategy. Because of the specific health benefits provided by vitaminwater, it was critical to have a face-to-face dialogue with their consumers to explain what vitaminwater offers and how it plays a role in their daily lives. Simply put, vitaminwater places a high value on educating consumers on what’s in the bottle. It’s not a fly-by-night mission organized and executed in a vacuum, but rather a strategically organized effort that demands many layers of resources. This comprehensive effort involves all levels of the field marketing organization across the country, as well as multiple levels of senior corporate management.

Since the initial launch of the brand, vitaminwater has grown tremendously and its commitment to sampling on a nationwide basis has only grown stronger. In 2007, vitaminwater was purchased by beverage powerhouse Coca-Cola; who immediately embraced and recognized the value of sampling. They continue to show support in this area for the entire glacéau portfolio of brands, including the expansion of field marketing sampling efforts for PowerAde.  And now, even though the brand has the marketing support of television advertising, various entertainment sponsorships and partnerships with famous athletes, vitaminwater’s commitment to sampling remains consistent.

To recap, clarity on, and support of, the mission is one of the key contributors to the success of building a national sampling army. Check out how sampling has helped build the vitaminwater brand – and be sure to check back here for parts 2 and 3 in:  The 3 Keys to Building a Sampling Army.

To learn more about the elements to field marketing, see Suntrup speak at the BevNET Live Winter 2011 Conference on December 5th & 6th.

It’s Friday! Time too see what the buzz has been around the Switch office this week.

Our St. Louis Cardinals snuck their way into the NL wild card spot this week after an amazing Atlanta/Philadelphia game resulted in the Braves losing in 13 innings. It appears playoff fever will grace St. Louis afterall.

Amazon announced a restructuring of the Kindle line-up, along with the release of the Kindle Fire. While not quite the iPad-killer, the Kindle Fire is getting some serious love around the office for its sleek design and aggressive price-point of $199.

We embrace celebrity gossip with open arms here at Switch. Ashton Kutcher created the most buzz this week with the apparent rumblings of marital issues with Demi Moore. Ashton also caused problems on the set of Two and a Half Men when he displayed stickers on the back of his laptop to subtly plug a handful of Internet start-ups he had invested in.

A new bacon-only bakery, called The Baconery, has caught our attention with such delicious sounding goodies as Bacon Pumpkin Spice Muffins and Bacon Blueberry Muffins. Rest assured, muffins have been ordered and our findings will be shared in the coming weeks.

Frank and Louie made headlines this week by celebrating their twelfth birthday. What makes Frank and Louie so special is that they are a two-faced cat that share the same body. Emotions around the office ranged from feeling really bad for the little guys to really happy that they’ve lived this long.

With the “Let’s talk iPhone” Apple Keynote next Tuesday, hopes are high for the iPhone 5. While we’re not taking bets on the what will be announced, most of us are combing the rumor mill for ideas.

Lastly, we wanted to share one of our favorite videos of the week. A school teacher takes charge and keeps his classroom in order when a fight is about to break out.