Director of Product Marketing (Verticals)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Product Marketing (Verticals)

🔹 Company: Extreme Networks

🔹 Location: California, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-28

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading strategic marketing efforts tailored to key industries
• Crafting and executing go-to-market strategies for Extreme’s portfolio
• Collaborating with various teams to drive vertical-specific growth
• Accelerating market adoption of Extreme’s solutions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of enterprise networking technologies and the ability to develop actionable marketing strategies.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Conduct in-depth research on industry-specific trends, customer needs, regulatory environments, and technology adoption patterns

✅ Define vertical market priorities aligned with Extreme Networks’ growth goals

✅ Identify whitespace and competitive opportunities to differentiate Extreme’s solutions in each target sector

✅ Develop and execute vertical-specific go-to-market (GTM) strategies and campaigns to drive awareness, pipeline generation, and sales acceleration

✅ Create compelling, differentiated messaging and value propositions tailored to each vertical

✅ Build and deliver industry-specific playbooks, competitive insights, and training sessions to support global sales teams

✅ Develop relationships with customers and partners within verticals to gather insights, testimonials, and use cases

✅ Define KPIs and track performance of vertical marketing programs

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, execution, and analysis, with a strong focus on driving growth and market adoption.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field (MBA preferred but not required)

Experience: 7+ years in Product Marketing, Solutions Marketing, or Industry Marketing, ideally within enterprise networking, cybersecurity, or IT infrastructure sectors

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in launching and scaling vertical-focused programs
• Deep understanding of enterprise networking technologies
• Familiarity with technology challenges and buying processes specific to target verticals
• Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills
• Strong ability to influence and work cross-functionally
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities and projects under tight deadlines

Preferred Skills:

• MBA degree
• Experience with AI/ML applications for IT operations (AIOps)
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: While an MBA is preferred, a relevant bachelor's degree with equivalent experience is also acceptable. Familiarity with AI/ML applications for IT operations is a plus but not required.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for remote work)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Extreme Networks operates in the Software Development industry, focusing on cloud-driven networking solutions and services.

Company Size: Extreme Networks has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: 1996, with over 25 years of experience in the industry.

Company Description:

• Extreme Networks creates effortless networking experiences that enable progress
• Leverages machine learning, artificial intelligence, analytics, and automation
• Serves over 50,000 customers globally, driving their digital transformation efforts

Company Specialties:

• Switching
• Wireless
• Security
• Cloud Management
• Network Management
• Data Center
• Application Analytics
• Access Points
• Wi-Fi
• Routing
• Network Visibility
• Wi-Fi 6
• Edge Computing
• Cloud Computing
• Cloud
• Network Automation

Company Website: https://www.extremenetworks.com/?utm_campaign=00_Social_000_0000_CORP_LYN_SMA_LPG_WW_EN_LI_Visit-Website&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_content=Visit-Website

ASSUMPTION: Extreme Networks is a well-established company with a strong focus on innovation and customer success.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring strategic decision-making and leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Director of Product Marketing (Verticals) will report directly to the Senior Vice President of Product Marketing and work closely with various teams, including Product Management, Sales, Corporate Marketing, and Revenue Enablement.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the possibility of remote work for specific tasks or projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a VP or C-level role within the marketing organization
• Chance to expand the vertical marketing team and mentor junior team members
• Opportunity to drive significant business impact and contribute to the company's growth

ASSUMPTION: This role offers excellent growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a significant impact on the company's success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Extreme Networks has multiple office locations, with this role based in California, United States.

Office Location(s): 2121 RDU Center Drive, Suite 300, Morrisville, NC 27560, US; 6480 Via Del Oro, San Jose, CA 95119, US; 9 Northeastern Blvd, Salem, NH 03079, US; 55 Commerce Valley Dr W, Markham, Ontario L4B, CA

Geographic Context:

• The California office is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing ample networking opportunities
• The area offers a diverse range of industries, cultures, and recreational activities
• Extreme Networks' global presence allows for potential travel and remote collaboration with international teams

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for remote work)

ASSUMPTION: The California office location provides a dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and networking.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the Senior Vice President of Product Marketing
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Industry knowledge and vertical-specific expertise
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Leadership and team collaboration abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with Extreme Networks' values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant industry experience and vertical-specific achievements in your resume
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of Extreme Networks' portfolio and market position
• Prepare examples of successful vertical marketing campaigns or projects you've led in the past
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role

ATS Keywords: Product Marketing, Vertical Marketing, Industry Marketing, Enterprise Networking, Cybersecurity, IT Infrastructure, Strategic Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Communication, Storytelling, Collaboration, Project Management, Market Research, Go-to-Market Strategy, Sales Enablement, Customer Engagement

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's industry knowledge, strategic thinking, communication skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketo
• Salesforce
• Google Workspace (G Suite)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira)

ASSUMPTION: Extreme Networks uses a mix of marketing automation, CRM, and project management tools to streamline workflows and improve collaboration.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centric
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Inclusive

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Data-driven decision-making
• Continuous learning and improvement
• Results-oriented and focused on driving business impact

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you approach understanding and addressing the unique needs of customers within specific verticals?
• Can you provide an example of a successful vertical marketing campaign you've led, and how you measured its impact?
• How do you balance strategic thinking with tactical execution to drive results in a fast-paced environment?

ASSUMPTION: Extreme Networks values candidates who are customer-focused, innovative, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple vertical marketing campaigns simultaneously
• Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day execution
• Keeping up with the latest industry trends and technologies
• Working with diverse teams across multiple time zones

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike more general product marketing roles, this position requires deep vertical-specific expertise and a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within each target industry
• Extreme Networks' focus on cloud-driven networking solutions and services sets it apart from competitors in the enterprise networking space
• This role offers significant growth opportunities and the chance to make a substantial impact on the company's success, similar to other senior management positions within the marketing organization

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other senior marketing positions, its focus on vertical-specific strategies and industry-specific challenges makes it unique within the broader marketing landscape.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a go-to-market strategy for Extreme's Wi-Fi 6 portfolio tailored to the hospitality industry, focusing on improved guest experiences and increased operational efficiency
• Creating a competitive analysis and battlecard for Extreme's wired networking solutions in the manufacturing sector, highlighting the company's strengths and differentiating it from competitors
• Launching a customer engagement campaign targeting healthcare providers, showcasing Extreme's secure and reliable networking solutions for critical healthcare environments

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and tactical aspects of the role, requiring a strong understanding of vertical-specific challenges and Extreme's portfolio.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does Extreme Networks differentiate its solutions in the vertical markets compared to its competitors?
• What are the most significant challenges and opportunities in the target verticals for Extreme Networks in the next 1-3 years?
• How does Extreme Networks support the professional growth and development of its marketing team members?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?
• How does Extreme Networks foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within its marketing organization?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role's priorities, expectations, and the company's commitment to employee growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant industry experience, vertical-specific achievements, and marketing campaign successes
• Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of Extreme Networks' portfolio and market position, and explains why you're an excellent fit for the role
• Prepare examples of successful vertical marketing campaigns or projects you've led in the past, ready to present during your interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and ask any remaining questions

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