Marketing managers assess the demand for the products and services a company offers and help to identify potential customers. They develop pricing strategies and seek to maximize company profits and/or the company's share of the market. Often they monitor product development and trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Tasks associated with the position include analysis of customer research, current market conditions and competitor information as well as creating, recommending and implementing marketing programs and campaigns for products and services of the organization. Marketing managers also collaborate with project managers to oversee the productivity of marketing plans and initiatives and assess and review marketing activity and results. If needed, they are also expected to recommend changes to marketing approaches based on performance. Marketing managers also routinely create marketing presentations and serve as a liaison with media and advertising departments. Often marketing managers are required to select, train and develop marketing sales staff, supervise their daily activities and conduct performance evaluations.
Typically the skills needed for a marketing manager include high-level presentation skills, an ability to analyze and solve problems, and excellent written and verbal communication. Additionally, marketing managers should be well organized, adaptable to various situations and creative. Marketing managers must be able to multitask and work well in a team environment.
Marketing manager positions usually have a requirement of a bachelor's degree or higher. Degrees in marketing and business administration are preferable and usually provide a background in management, finance, economics and statistics. Many marketing managers first complete an internship. Often employers seek candidates with several years of previous marketing experience for their management positions.
Marketing Manager Tasks
- Collaborate with product managers to implement new and modified programs and initiatives.
- Create, recommend and implement marketing programs and campaigns for products and services of the organization.
- Manage the selection, training and development of staff.
- Manage and analyze results of all marketing programs and recommend changes to approach based on performance.