📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Product Marketing
🔹 Company: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc
🔹 Location: Dedham, MA, USA
🔹 Job Type: On-site (Hybrid - 3-4 days on-site, 1-2 days remote)
🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: May 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic planning and coordination of marketing communication programs to promote company products and services
- Developing and executing strategies to grow revenue in the Space, Cyber, and Intelligence Systems (SC&I) products
- Directing the marketing team and initiatives, including periodic reviews with sales leadership
- Managing market analysis, competitive activity, and customer needs to drive business strategy
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including product development, support, engineering, and sales management
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to drive business growth and maintain the company's brand leadership in existing markets while entering new ones.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Leads the marketing team and all initiatives, including periodic reviews with sales/marketing leadership, presenting go-to-market materials, content, messaging, strategies, and results desired.
✅ Defines vision, strategies, and tactics for product marketing campaigns.
✅ Builds and protects the GD and GDMS brands, positioning the company to win top opportunities and enter new markets while maintaining brand leadership in existing markets.
✅ Manages market analysis, monitors competitive activity, and identifies customer needs.
✅ Participates as a key member of the business development, capture development, or product development process.
✅ Delivers consistent, professional product marketing and sales materials.
✅ Plans, creates, and disseminates information using appropriate distribution channels to drive business strategy for the company's capabilities and products.
✅ Plans and participates in trade shows.
✅ Performs analytical and research activities in support of business development, acquisition, strategic planning, proposal development, and/or marketing service functions.
✅ Ensures all advertising is consistent with company branding guidance and upholds the company's reputation.
✅ Ensures all company compliance and ethics standards are met.
✅ May supervise work of outside consultants.
✅ Develops and administers schedules, performance requirements, and budgets.
✅ Directs the development of short- and long-range objectives and recommends goals to higher management.
✅ Provides leadership in the planning, designing, due diligence, and implementing of strategic business objectives.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration to drive business growth and maintain the company's brand leadership in existing markets while entering new ones.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
Experience: A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 13 years of demonstrated leadership in the Cyber, Defense, and/or Aerospace products industry.
Required Skills:
- Strategic planning and development of marketing communication programs
- Extensive knowledge of marketing concepts, practices, and tools
- Ability to enthusiastically evangelize GDMS SC&I products and develop messaging to target markets and customers
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
- Demonstrated understanding of specific areas within assigned markets, to include budgets, customer priorities, mission gaps, market dynamics, and ROI on project endeavors
- Ability to thrive in a highly interactive team environment and work well under pressure
- Ability to simultaneously deliver on multiple tasks and/or priorities
- Comfortable interacting with executives and/or major customers
- Conducts business and technical briefings for senior and top management and for external representatives
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the defense and aerospace industry
- Familiarity with government contracting processes
- Experience working with cross-functional teams
ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the work performed within GDMS facilities, U.S. citizenship is required for this role. Additionally, candidates must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance within a reasonable amount of time.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: USD $173,587.00 - USD $187,827.00 /Yr. This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary.
Benefits:
- Highly competitive benefits package
- Flexible work environment
- Shared sense of purpose and recognition for contributions
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible remote work arrangements (1-2 days per week with manager agreement)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and other factors. The benefits package is highly competitive and includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing. GDMS specializes in developing mission-critical solutions for those that lead, serve, and protect the world we live in.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, GDMS offers opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: 1952. GDMS has a rich history and extensive experience in the defense and aerospace industry.
Company Description:
- GDMS engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products, and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation.
- The company partners with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas.
- GDMS values trust, honesty, alignment, and transparency, offering a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded.
Company Specialties:
- Communications / RF Networking
- C4ISR
- Cyber Security and Network Defense
- Maritime & Underwater Systems
- Platform Integration
- Training
- Modeling and Simulation
- Intel
- Intelligence
- Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV)
- Platform Integration
- Space Electronics
- Space Payloads
- Strategic Weapon Systems
- Avionic Systems
Company Website: gdmissionsystems.com
ASSUMPTION: GDMS is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the defense and aerospace industry. The company's size and experience offer applicants a stable and growth-oriented work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive. This role is a senior leadership position within the marketing department.
Reporting Structure: The Director of Product Marketing reports directly to the Vice President of Marketing and is responsible for leading the marketing team and initiatives.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid. The role requires on-site presence in Dedham, MA, for 3-4 days per week, with the remaining 1-2 days worked remotely with manager agreement.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression to Vice President of Marketing or other senior leadership roles within the company
- Opportunities to expand product marketing expertise and gain experience in related fields, such as business development or strategic planning
- Chance to work on high-visibility projects and contribute to the company's overall success
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the marketing department or explore other areas of the business.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a modern, collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 150 Rustcraft Road, Dedham, MA 02026, USA
Geographic Context:
- Dedham, MA, is located in the Greater Boston area, offering easy access to cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment options.
- The area has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
- The cost of living in the Greater Boston area is higher than the national average, with higher housing costs and taxes.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible remote work arrangements (1-2 days per week with manager agreement)
ASSUMPTION: The office location in Dedham, MA, offers a modern, collaborative work environment with easy access to cultural attractions and entertainment options. The flexible work arrangement provides a good work-life balance for employees.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager
- On-site or virtual interview with the Vice President of Marketing and other key stakeholders
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and leadership skills
- Marketing expertise and industry knowledge
- Communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple priorities
- Cultural fit and alignment with GDMS values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing experience, skills, and achievements
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Research GDMS and the defense and aerospace industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Product Marketing, Strategic Planning, Marketing Communication, Brand Management, Revenue Growth, Market Analysis, Competitive Activity, Customer Needs, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Business Development, Trade Shows, Analytical Skills, Compliance, Technical Briefing, Defense, Aerospace, Cybersecurity
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is comprehensive and focuses on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership, and marketing expertise. Applicants should prepare thoroughly and tailor their application materials to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
- Design and presentation tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Google Slides)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard in the marketing industry and can be learned or improved upon with relevant experience.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Trust
- Honesty
- Alignment
- Transparency
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
- Adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a highly interactive team environment and work well under pressure?
- Are you comfortable interacting with executives and major customers, and conducting business and technical briefings?
- Do you have a strong sense of purpose and align with GDMS' values and mission?
ASSUMPTION: GDMS values a strong cultural fit with its employees, emphasizing trust, honesty, alignment, and transparency. Candidates should assess their work style and values to ensure a good fit with the company's culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team and driving results in a large, matrixed organization
- Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Navigating the defense and aerospace industry's complex regulations and compliance requirements
- Adapting to changes in the market and competitive landscape
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development within the defense and aerospace industry. Candidates should be prepared to navigate a dynamic and complex work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other marketing roles, this position requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and industry-specific knowledge to drive business growth and maintain brand leadership in existing markets while entering new ones.
- GDMS' size and experience offer applicants a stable and growth-oriented work environment, with opportunities to advance within the marketing department or explore other areas of the business.
- This role is well-suited for experienced marketing professionals seeking to leverage their expertise in a senior leadership position within the defense and aerospace industry.
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique and offers a significant opportunity for the right candidate to drive business growth and maintain brand leadership in a large, established defense and aerospace company.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a go-to-market strategy for a new product line, including market analysis, competitive activity assessment, and customer needs identification
- Planning and executing a trade show or industry event, including logistics, vendor management, and on-site representation
- Creating and delivering a technical briefing to senior management or external representatives, showcasing the company's capabilities and products
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, leadership, and tactical aspects of the Director of Product Marketing role at GDMS.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the top priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as business development, product development, and sales?
- What are the key challenges facing the marketing department, and how can this role address them?
- How does GDMS support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the company's long-term vision for the marketing department, and how does this role contribute to it?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role, the company, and their commitment to driving business growth and success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing experience, skills, and achievements
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Research GDMS and the defense and aerospace industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after 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.
