Manager, Affiliate Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Affiliate Marketing

🔹 Company: Quad

🔹 Location: Chicago, IL, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 19, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic leadership for assigned client accounts
• Budget optimizations and technology integration enhancements
• Upsell opportunities and cross-functional team management
• Growth mindset and client retention focus

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, client management, and team leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in affiliate marketing and experience working with various teams to achieve client goals.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Drive strategy and execution to meet budget, target revenue, and customer acquisition goals

✅ Serve as trusted advisor and consultant to clients on calls, emails, and in-person meetings

✅ Build deep, leadership-level relationships with partners and drive mutually beneficial value

✅ Develop and negotiate CPA media buys with favorable terms

✅ Act as initial point of escalation for all Affiliate-related projects across the full Rise portfolio

✅ Proactively consult with Account teams on areas of opportunity for clients to operate within the Partnerships space

✅ Create compelling and insightful client presentations

✅ Responsible for managing a team of direct reports with accountability for all aspects of team oversight

✅ Lead the learning and development process for the Affiliate team; mentor and train on Affiliate best practices

✅ Handle multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, client management, and team leadership. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and handling multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (communications, marketing, advertising, or business)

Experience: 4+ years experience with Impact, CJ Affiliate, Impact.com, Awin, Rakuten, or similar platforms

Required Skills:

• Proficient knowledge of the Microsoft Suite and Google Suite
• Confident presenting to internal and external stakeholders, including C-Suite executives
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Account, Analytics, Technology, and Finance teams
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Integrity to maintain strict confidentiality of projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Superior negotiating skills
• Demonstrated understanding of the eCommerce ecosystem
• Experience with new business development and upsells

Preferred Skills:

• Foundational/practical experience with Excel

ASSUMPTION: The required skills listed are essential for success in this role. The preferred skill is a bonus but not required for the position.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $78,000 - $100,000 per year

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts on Quad products and services

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. Occasional travel may be required (less than 5% or a few times per year for conferences and client meetings).

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market research and company data. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on employee eligibility and company policy.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Quad is a global marketing experience company that helps brands make direct consumer connections across various channels, including household, in-store, and online.

Company Size: Quad has 10,001+ employees, making it a large organization with diverse teams and resources.

Founded: Quad was founded in 1971 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.

Company Description:

• Quad offers a suite of media, creative, and production solutions to streamline marketing complexities and remove friction from the marketing journey.
• The company serves approximately 2,700 clients, including industry-leading blue-chip companies in commerce, financial services, and health sectors.
• Quad is committed to ongoing innovation, culture, and sustainable impact, employing approximately 13,000 people in 14 countries.

Company Specialties:

• Packaging
• Digital Marketing
• Direct Marketing
• In-Store
• Print
• Data and Analytics
• Technology Solutions
• Media Services
• Content Services
• Consulting
• Strategy
• Managed Services
• Creative Services

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

ASSUMPTION: Quad's large size and diverse client base offer ample opportunities for growth and learning. The company's global presence and commitment to innovation make it an attractive employer in the industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a management position, requiring strategic thinking, team leadership, and client management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Affiliate Marketing, will oversee a team of direct reports and collaborate cross-functionally with Account, Analytics, Technology, and Finance teams.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote-friendly, with occasional travel required for conferences and client meetings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a director or vice president role within the affiliate marketing department or related fields
• Expansion of responsibilities to include additional client accounts or team members
• Cross-functional growth opportunities within Quad's diverse service offerings

ASSUMPTION: The growth opportunities for this role depend on the individual's performance, the company's needs, and market conditions. The large size of Quad and its diverse service offerings provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Quad has a hybrid work environment, with employees working both on-site and remotely.

Office Location(s): Quad's headquarters is in Sussex, Wisconsin, with additional offices and remote workers worldwide.

Geographic Context:

• Chicago, Illinois, is the third-most populous city in the United States, offering a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.
• The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class museums, and iconic architecture.
• Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility based on the needs of the role and the team.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment for this role is flexible, with a mix of remote and on-site work. The geographic context of Chicago offers a diverse range of opportunities for employees to enjoy outside of work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• Behavioral and situational interview with the hiring manager and a team member
• Final interview with the director or vice president of the department
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Client management and communication skills
• Team leadership and mentoring abilities
• Affiliate marketing knowledge and experience

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and achievements in your resume, focusing on affiliate marketing, client management, and team leadership
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they have prepared you for this role
• Research Quad and the affiliate marketing industry to show your enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview

ATS Keywords: Affiliate Marketing, Client Management, Strategic Planning, Budget Optimization, Team Leadership, Negotiation, Communication, Analytical Skills, eCommerce Knowledge, Media Planning, Performance Analysis, Project Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Presentation Skills, Training and Development, Upselling

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, client management, and team leadership skills. The application tips provided are tailored to help candidates succeed in the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Impact, CJ Affiliate, Impact.com, Awin, Rakuten, or similar platforms
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are commonly used in affiliate marketing and client management roles. The specific tools used may vary based on the company's preferences and the candidate's experience.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Accountability
• Customer Focus

Work Style:

• Results-driven
• Adaptable and flexible
• Strong communicator and team player
• Proactive and strategic thinker

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I have a proven track record of success in affiliate marketing and client management?
• Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and handling multiple projects simultaneously?
• Do I possess strong leadership skills and the ability to mentor and develop team members?
• Am I a strategic thinker with a growth mindset and a focus on client retention?

ASSUMPTION: Quad values employees who embody integrity, collaboration, innovation, accountability, and customer focus. The ideal candidate for this role will have a results-driven work style, be adaptable and flexible, and possess strong communication and teamwork skills.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple client accounts and projects simultaneously
• Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day client management tasks
• Working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders with varying priorities and expectations
• Occasional travel requirements for conferences and client meetings

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges listed are common to management roles in affiliate marketing and client management. The successful candidate will be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to an Affiliate Marketing Manager or Director role in other advertising agencies or marketing services companies
• However, Quad's diverse service offerings and global presence provide unique opportunities for growth and learning
• Career progression may include advancement to director or vice president roles within the affiliate marketing department or related fields

ASSUMPTION: While this role is similar to other affiliate marketing management roles, Quad's unique offerings and global presence provide distinct opportunities for growth and development.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a strategic plan to optimize a client's affiliate marketing budget and increase revenue
• Negotiating favorable CPA media buys with affiliate partners to maximize client ROI
• Creating and delivering compelling client presentations that showcase Quad's capabilities and drive new business opportunities

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed are representative of the types of initiatives the successful candidate may undertake in this role. The specific projects may vary based on the client's needs and the company's priorities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
• How does this role fit into the overall affiliate marketing strategy for the company?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the affiliate marketing department currently, and how can this role address them?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within this role and the company?
• How does Quad support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview are designed to provide insight into the role, the team, and the company's priorities and culture. The answers to these questions will help the candidate determine if this role is the right fit for their career goals and personal preferences.

📌 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 and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they have prepared you for this role
• Research Quad and the affiliate marketing industry to show your enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

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