If your dream job consists of spending time on social media, sharing products you love with friends, and using your creativity at work, then marketing manager is the job for you.
Being a marketing manager offers an escape from the humdrum of the workday.
A marketing manager’s day is varied, allowing for many opportunities to learn, create, meet people, and explore.
From research and analytics to creative video and content development, the position offers something for every personality.
Enjoy a fun, flexible career that provides confidence-boosting challenges and lets you try something different from week to week.
Marketing Manager Information
| Official Job Title | Marketing Manager |
| Average Salary | $114,604 |
| Stress Level | High |
| Work/ Life | High |
| Job Satisfaction | Average |
| Career Advancement | High |
Marketing Manager Job Description
What Is A Marketing Manager?
A marketing manager provides solutions that link customers and businesses together.
The marketing manager plans, reviews, and executes marketing campaigns to drive business and create positive brand associations.
What Does A Marketing Manager Do On A Daily Basis?
No day is ever the same for the marketing manager, who must exhibit flexibility, quick thinking, and self-motivation.
Marketing managers take on a significant number of duties, such as developing impactful strategies to advertise new lines of products and phasing out or updating older, less effective campaigns.
A marketing manager must perform regular audits of the company’s social media presence, website, and ad campaigns to make sure they resonate with audiences.
In some businesses, marketing managers are responsible for maintaining the company’s image.
They will need to monitor the company’s websites or social media accounts to remove comments or mistakes which could reflect poorly on the brand.
Marketing managers can expect to meet with the marketing team regularly to develop and plan campaigns.
In addition, they are likely to discuss finances, staffing, and product development with various other department heads.
They will need to consult with outside agencies and vendors to craft and execute flawless advertising and marketing solutions.
A part of the day may be spent drawing up plans for a new video while other time is spent researching customer feedback, updating the company’s social media pages, or discussing a new print campaign.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Marketing Manager
The responsibilities of a marketing manager vary from company to company.
Generally, they include leading the marketing team in building an attractive brand image and generating customer interest in the company’s products.
- Audit and research to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns
- Develop fresh marketing strategies for new product lines
- Maintain or create positive brand associations in the minds of clients
- Collaborate with the marketing department, outside agencies, and vendors
- Create innovative content and promotional materials
- Perform damage control and keep the company image strong
Marketing Manager Salary
Average Salary
The average salary for a marketing manager is $114,604/year, according to Salary.com.
However, this figure varies greatly depending on where you live, your level of experience, and the type of company you work for.
In many cities, such as New York or Los Angeles, the average salary is higher, about $120,000/year. In rural or impoverished areas, it can be significantly lower, from $45,000/year.
Starting Salary
According to PayScale, $49,000/year is the average starting salary for an entry-level employee with a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
The starting salary increases to $65,000+ for those candidates possessing a master’s degree or professional work history.
Senior Salary
Senior-level salaries average $146,955/year, according to Salary.com.
The highest salaries for senior-level employees top out at around $175,000/year.
How To Become A Marketing Manager
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
To become a marketing manager, possessing a university (3-4 year) degree is all but essential.
While some individuals with less academic qualifications do go on to work in this position, having a minimum of a bachelor’s degree provides you with the basics you’ll need for beginning this type of job.
An MBA or similar tertiary qualification is recommended but not required.
Major fields of study to consider include marketing, communication, and business management.
An internship or entry-level marketing position during or right after college will prepare you for embarking down this road.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
Being a marketing manager requires the ability to communicate with many different people.
You should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The ability to read and retain information is also essential.
It’s also important that you are familiar with computers and comfortable using a variety of social media and business software.
You’ll likely be planning ad campaigns and collaborating with others online, and you may work some of the time remotely.
Familiarity with the social media and web platforms your dream employer utilizes will help you tremendously.
On-the-job marketing experience is essential before you can become a marketing manager.
Marketing managers are typically mid-level or higher employees, so you will need to start your marketing career and build up from there.
The American Marketing Association offers professional certification for marketers, including marketing managers.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Marketing Manager?
Becoming a marketing manager typically takes 6-8 years, according to Study.com.
You will need to have completed several years of secondary education or attained a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, plus spent several years working in a related job position.
Is It Hard To Become A Marketing Manager?
It isn’t difficult to become a marketing manager as long as you are self-motivated.
Having a university degree in a relevant field is a tremendous asset that will move you along your career path quickly.
Typically, someone with 2-4 years of marketing experience can become a marketing manager who reports to the department head.
Someone with more experience may have underlings and be in charge of the department.
Marketing Manager Career Paths
The Marketing Manager Roadmap
Most marketing managers will begin their journey to achieving the position by completing a relevant university degree, such as a bachelor’s in marketing, business, communication, or a related field.
However, much of what you need to know about marketing comes from hands-on experience, so it is possible to join a marketing department as an entry-level employee and train on the job.
You will need to work in marketing for several years before being considered for a marketing manager position.
Joining a professional association, such as the American Marketing Association, and attaining additional education or certification will help on this journey.
Projections For Growth In Marketing Manager Jobs
According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics, the job growth rate for marketing managers is 10%, or slightly above average.
As more companies, including small businesses, embrace marketing and strive for unique, engaging marketing solutions, there are likely to be many openings for aspiring marketing managers.
In Summary: Is Marketing Manager A Good Career?
Being a marketing manager is a highly satisfying and attainable career.
Anyone who enjoys working with people but is also capable of time management and self-motivation will find this career rewarding.
Outstanding campaigns can bring a marketing manager recognition and awards, while watching sales figures climb is personally fulfilling.
The outlook for this job is good, and the position is not extremely competitive or overwhelming.
Most people working as marketing managers report being happy with their job.
Working Conditions
Can A Marketing Manager Work Remotely From Home?
Much of the work of a marketing manager can be done remotely.
Depending on the company you work for, you may be able to work from home several days a week or even full-time.
How Many Hours Does A Marketing Manager Work?
Because of the usual ebb and flow of marketing work, the hours per week vary for marketing managers.
During busy times, it is not uncommon for marketing managers to work 50-60 hours per week, sometimes even more.
There may be other times when the work is slack, requiring 35 or fewer hours per week.
Some marketing managers do not work 9-5.
Instead, they may work earlier, later, or in split shifts to accommodate the company’s needs and maintain communication with vendors and marketing agencies.
Can A Marketing Manager Work Part-Time?
There are openings for part-time marketing managers, especially remote workers.
Typically, these jobs pay significantly less than full-time, on-site work.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Marketing Manager?
According to Monster.com, the average marketing manager enjoys three weeks of paid vacation.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Marketing Manager
- Market Research Analyst
- Brand Strategist
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Marketing Consultant
- Content Creator
- Marketing Specialist
- SEO Manager
- Content Marketing Manager
- Marketing Coordinator
- Content Strategist
Marketing Manager Resume Tips
Showcase your creativity and ability to sell right from the start by using an innovative resume that markets you as effectively as you can market your employer’s products.
Begin on the right foot by presenting your work history in reverse chronological order.
This allows employers to immediately see what you have been working on without having to dig through old, irrelevant job histories.
Summarize what you can do up the top and explain how that will help the company if they choose to take you on.
Don’t forget to include a portfolio of your best work.
Letting the hiring manager see your work tells them more than they can glean from a resume.
Marketing Manager Interview Questions
Q1: What do you know about our target audience, and what do you think would reach them?
Why it works: This question explores whether the marketing manager candidate is truly invested in working for your company or just wants a job.
If they’ve researched your company, they should have an idea of your brand’s buyer persona or target audience.
The applicant should be able to identify offhand a few marketing techniques which will work for the kinds of people you’re selling to.
Q2: When was the last time a marketing campaign of yours failed, and how did you react?
Why it works: A successful candidate is someone who has faced difficulty and turned a setback into an opportunity for learning and improvement.
No one is “on” all the time.
However, how an applicant reacts to their failures says a lot about their ability to be flexible, to pivot quickly, and to take responsibility for their mistakes.
Q3. What are your goals for this position?
Why it works: An eager employee is ready to get to work and has begun thinking about what they hope to accomplish in the new position.
Asking the candidate to highlight their ideas shows their ability to take immediate action when presented with a question.
It also gives the hiring manager an understanding of how this candidate measures success.
Knowing your applicant recognizes the company’s KPIs makes for a good fit.
Q4. What led to your most successful campaign?
Why it works: You want to hire someone who has experienced success and understands how to continue meeting and exceeding their expectations (as well as yours).
The candidate should be able to describe ways the team collaborated as well as external factors which contributed to a positive outcome, such as pressure, deadlines, more independent control, etc.
Jobs Related To Marketing Manager
- Brand Strategist
- Content Marketing Manager
- Copywriter
- Corporate Communications Specialist
- Creative Director
- Digital Brand Manager
- Direct Mail Coordinator
- Market Research Analyst
- Marketing Associate
- Marketing Research Lead
- Media Director
- Media Relations Coordinator
- Merchandising Specialist
- Online Product Manager
- Public Relations Manager
- Sales Manager
- Search Engine Marketing Analyst
- Web Content Marketing Specialist
For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring A Marketing Manager
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Marketing Manager
#1 Significant Marketing Experience
The right marketing manager for your company needs to be someone with a strong background in marketing.
The candidate should possess a portfolio showing examples of past work and must be able to describe the tools, software, and strategies they’ve used to create compelling, engaging marketing campaigns.
The person being hired for this position will need familiarity with various types of marketing, such as social media, print, content, video, and SEO.
#2 Leadership Ability
Marketing managers often lead the marketing or sales departments for the company and may have dozens of marketing assistants and other staff who report to them.
A good marketing manager needs more than just marketing skills.
They also must understand how to take the reins and keep the team motivated for success.
Quality marketing managers will know how to perform management duties in a way that stimulates employees to contribute and stay on-task.
#3 Genuine Passion
If your company’s marketing manager isn’t interested in the company and its products, their advertisement campaigns and marketing solutions are likely to be ineffective.
For marketing to truly reach its potential, the marketing manager needs to be excited about the job.
Your company deserves a marketing manager who is dedicated to your success and truly invested in helping the company reach customers.
Marketing can be an exhausting job, but the right person will feel energized and engaged in their work and experience satisfaction from a job well done.
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
A marketing manager should have a bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of post-secondary education in marketing, business, or a related field.
The candidate needs to have at least 3-4 years of marketing experience and a track record of proven success as a marketing aide, intern, or other entry- to mid-level position.
A portfolio of work containing at least ten samples is the minimum expected by most hiring managers.