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Associate Director, Marketing Operations

Grunenthal
Full-time
On-site
Remote
βš™οΈ Marketing Operations

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Associate Director, Marketing Operations

πŸ”Ή Company: GrΓΌnenthal

πŸ”Ή Location: Remote

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Pharmaceuticals

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 21, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Remote

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Driving operational excellence to support brand strategy execution
  • Managing essential operational processes, including speaker program operations, conference planning, and budget tracking
  • Ensuring high-impact, compliant, efficient, and timely delivery of marketing initiatives
  • Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to enable day-to-day execution and maintain foundational operations capabilities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and operational excellence to ensure the successful execution of marketing initiatives.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Establish and maintain foundational operational processes, systems, and tools to enable seamless brand strategy execution

βœ… Act as the operational command center, aligning cross-functional priorities and leading integrated project management across teams

βœ… Streamline workflows, documentation, and marketing asset storage to improve operational efficiency and consistent delivery

βœ… Own the full lifecycle of budget strategy and stewardship, proactively shaping spend decisions, optimizing ROI, and guiding resource allocation

βœ… Ensure timely processing of vendor contracts and invoices, and oversee contracts/SOWs, PO creation, invoice processing, and vendor payment tracking

βœ… Ensure the infrastructure is in place to support compliant, well-executed speaker programs that align with brand objectives

βœ… Drive budget planning and support execution of national, regional, and local branded conferences and congresses

βœ… Build and lead a high-performing Marketing Operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and team leadership to drive operational excellence in marketing initiatives.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in marketing, communications, or a related field

Experience: 8+ years of experience in Marketing, Commercial Operations, or related strategic functions in the pharma/biotech industry; experience leading cross-functional commercial strategy preferred

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience leading commercial operations strategy at the portfolio level
  • Ability to influence senior leaders and contribute to cross-functional strategy development
  • Strong business acumen, with extensive experience in meetings management, sourcing, and procurement
  • Proven experience developing Marketing Operations strategies and tactically executing a brand strategy
  • Experience with Veeva PromoMats and Veeva Vault

Preferred Skills:

  • Lean Six Sigma, PMP certification, or operational excellence training
  • Previous line management and people leadership experience

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in marketing operations, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning will be best suited for this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $170,000 - $195,000 per year

Benefits:

  • Long-Term Incentive Plan (cash plan) of 20% base salary
  • Annual performance bonus target of 20% base salary
  • Comprehensive health benefits (employer funded)
  • Unlimited vacation time
  • 401k plan

Working Hours: Full-time, with the ability to travel up to 20% including overnights as dictated by business need

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the pharmaceutical industry. The actual salary may vary based on various factors, including the candidate’s relevant qualifications, skills, and experience.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: GrΓΌnenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases, operating in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry

Company Size: GrΓΌnenthal is a mid-sized company with around 4,500 employees worldwide

Founded: GrΓΌnenthal was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Aachen, Germany

Company Description:

  • GrΓΌnenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases
  • The company has a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide
  • GrΓΌnenthal is committed to changing lives for the better and has an entrepreneurial and proactive mindset

Company Specialties:

  • Pain management
  • Related diseases
  • Innovative treatments
  • State-of-the-art technologies

Company Website: http://www.grunenthalhealth.com/

ASSUMPTION: GrΓΌnenthal's focus on pain management and related diseases requires candidates with a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and a commitment to improving patients' lives.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring a high degree of strategic thinking, leadership, and operational excellence

Reporting Structure: The Associate Director, Marketing Operations will report directly to the Senior Director, Marketing Operations and work closely with cross-functional teams

Work Arrangement: This role is remote, with the ability to travel up to 20% including overnights as dictated by business need

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to grow into a more senior leadership role within the Marketing Operations team
  • Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive organizational goals
  • Chance to develop and lead a high-performing Marketing Operations team

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for candidates with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in marketing operations.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote

Office Location(s): Not applicable (remote work)

Geographic Context:

  • GrΓΌnenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, with affiliates in 29 countries across Europe, Latin America, and the US
  • The company's products are available in more than 100 countries worldwide
  • GrΓΌnenthal achieved sales of €1.3 bn in 2020

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the ability to travel up to 20% including overnights as dictated by business need

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement for this role allows for greater flexibility and work-life balance, while still requiring occasional travel for business needs.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Phone or video screening
  • Behavioral and situational interviews
  • Final interview with key stakeholders

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Cross-functional collaboration and leadership abilities
  • Operational excellence and project management skills

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in marketing operations, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning
  • Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your experience driving operational excellence in marketing initiatives
  • Demonstrate your ability to lead and develop high-performing teams

ATS Keywords: Marketing Operations, Budget Management, Speaker Program Operations, Conference Planning, Team Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Project Management, Compliance, Vendor Management, Data Analysis, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Agility

ASSUMPTION: GrΓΌnenthal's interview process focuses on assessing candidates' strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and operational excellence in marketing initiatives.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Veeva PromoMats
  • Veeva Vault
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Veeva PromoMats and Veeva Vault is required for this role, as they are industry-standard tools for marketing operations in the pharmaceutical industry.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Patient-centricity
  • Innovation
  • Integrity
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Performance

Work Style:

  • Collaborative
  • Agile
  • Results-driven
  • Patient-focused

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have a proven track record of driving operational excellence in marketing initiatives?
  • Are you able to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment?
  • Do you possess strong leadership skills and the ability to develop and motivate high-performing teams?

ASSUMPTION: GrΓΌnenthal values candidates who are patient-centric, innovative, and results-driven, with a strong commitment to operational excellence and a collaborative work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple external vendors and speaker bureaus
  • Ensuring compliance with Averitas policies and guidelines
  • Balancing strategic planning with tactical execution
  • Occasional travel requirements

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require candidates with strong project management, vendor management, and compliance skills, as well as the ability to balance strategic planning with tactical execution.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role differs from related positions in its focus on driving operational excellence in marketing initiatives for a specific brand (QUTENZA and future Averitas products)
  • Industry-specific context: GrΓΌnenthal operates in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, with a focus on pain management and related diseases
  • Career path comparison: This role offers growth opportunities for candidates with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in marketing operations

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on driving operational excellence for a specific brand within the pharmaceutical industry, offering growth opportunities for candidates with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in marketing operations.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a comprehensive speaker program strategy to support brand objectives and ensure compliance
  • Streamlining conference planning and logistics to optimize impact and customer engagement
  • Improving budget tracking and accruals processes to ensure real-time tracking, accurate reconciliation, and alignment with brand priorities

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic thinking, operational excellence, and tactical execution required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and reporting lines for this role?
  • How does this role collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as Sales, Market Access, and Patient Services?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does GrΓΌnenthal support the growth and development of its employees?
  • What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how are they tracked and measured?

ASSUMPTION: These questions help candidates better understand the role's expectations, team dynamics, and growth opportunities within GrΓΌnenthal.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in marketing operations, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning
  • Prepare for behavioral and situational interviews by reflecting on your past experiences driving operational excellence in marketing initiatives
  • Research GrΓΌnenthal's company culture and values to ensure a strong fit
  • Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.