Manager, Channel / Partner Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Channel / Partner Marketing

🔹 Company: MariaDB plc

🔹 Location: Remote - US

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote (US)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and leading MariaDB's Partner and Channel Marketing program
• Building strong relationships with ISVs, OEMs, and Distribution partners
• Driving mutual growth and revenue through impactful joint marketing initiatives
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align partner marketing activities with overall business objectives
• Staying informed about industry trends and competitor activities to identify new growth opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in channel marketing to succeed.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Partner Program Development: Define, build, and evolve our partner marketing program framework, including tiers, benefits, and engagement models to drive partner loyalty and performance.

✅ Co-Marketing Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement joint marketing plans with ISV, OEM, and Distribution partners, including defining target accounts, key messaging, and shared goals.

✅ Content Creation: Collaborate with partners to create compelling co-branded marketing content such as webinars, case studies, joint solution briefs, blog posts, and social media campaigns that highlight the value of our combined offerings.

✅ Marketing Development Funds (MDF) Management: Develop guidelines, manage the allocation and utilization of MDF to support partner-led marketing activities, ensuring ROI and compliance.

✅ Field & Digital Events: Plan and execute joint marketing events, webinars, and digital campaigns with partners to generate leads, build awareness, and drive sales. This includes identifying relevant industry events and exploring opportunities for joint participation.

✅ Communication & Enablement: Establish clear communication channels with partners, providing them with the necessary marketing resources, training, and updates on our products and programs.

✅ Performance Measurement & Reporting: Track, measure, and report on the performance of partner marketing initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for optimization.

✅ Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key marketing contacts within our partner organizations.

✅ Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with our Sales, Product Marketing, and broader Marketing teams to align partner marketing activities with overall business objectives.

✅ Market Insights: Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and partner needs to identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong project management skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.

Experience: For Marketing Manager: 3-5+ years of experience in marketing, with a significant focus on partner or channel marketing. For Sr. Marketing Manager: 5-8+ years of progressive experience in marketing, with a strong and demonstrable track record of building and managing successful partner and channel marketing programs.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of marketing to and with ISVs, OEMs, and Distribution partners
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful co-marketing campaigns and content
• Experience managing Marketing Development Funds (MDF) and driving measurable results
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Experience with Marketo and Salesforce
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• A proactive, results-oriented mindset with a passion for driving growth through partnerships
• Flexibility to work across different time zones as needed

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the relational database or related technology sector
• Familiarity with specific partner relationship management (PRM) tools
• Experience working in both North American, European and APAC markets

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the relational database or related technology sector and familiarity with specific PRM tools may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The annual anticipated U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is USD $105,000.00 - $120,000.00 plus commissions. Actual salaries may vary and fall outside of this range depending on factors such as a candidate’s qualifications, geographic location, skills, experience, and competencies.

Benefits:

• Equity Ownership
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Professional Development Resources
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: MariaDB is a new generation database company, seeking to eliminate the constraints and complexity of proprietary databases, enabling organizations to reinvest in what matters most – rapidly developing innovative, customer-facing applications. Trusted by organizations such as Deutsche Bank, DBS Bank, ServiceNow, and Samsung, MariaDB delivers customer value without the financial burden of legacy database providers.

Company Size: MariaDB is a mid-sized company with 201-500 employees, providing a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Founded: MariaDB was founded in 2014, with a mission to set sail for a better database and empower organizations to reinvest in what matters most.

Company Description:

• MariaDB seeks to eliminate the constraints and complexity of proprietary databases
• Enables organizations to reinvest in rapidly developing innovative, customer-facing applications
• Trusted by leading global organizations across various industries
• Delivers customer value without the financial burden of legacy database providers

Company Specialties:

• Relational Database
• Open Source Database
• MariaDB
• Modern SQL
• DBaaS
• Cloud Database
• RDBMS
• DBA
• Cloud data warehousing

Company Website: http://mariadb.com

ASSUMPTION: MariaDB's focus on open-source technology and customer-centric approach makes it an attractive employer for candidates interested in working for a innovative, customer-focused company.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a significant amount of experience and expertise in channel marketing.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Channel / Partner Marketing will report directly to the Vice President of Marketing and work closely with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Product Marketing, and broader Marketing teams.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote and can be performed from anywhere in the United States. The successful candidate will be expected to work across different time zones as needed.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to shape a critical pillar of MariaDB's go-to-market strategy
• Opportunity to build and lead a high-performing partner marketing team
• Chance to work with a diverse range of partners, including ISVs, OEMs, and Distribution partners
• Potential to drive significant business growth and revenue through successful partner marketing initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a substantial impact on MariaDB's business.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (US)

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

Geographic Context:

• The United States is the primary market for MariaDB's products and services
• Remote work allows for flexibility and better work-life balance
• The successful candidate will be expected to work across different time zones as needed

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the candidate's local time zone. However, flexibility is required to accommodate partner time zones and event schedules.

ASSUMPTION: Remote work requires strong self-motivation, time management, and communication skills to succeed in this role.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• Technical assessment or case study presentation
• Final round interview with the Vice President of Marketing and other key stakeholders
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and planning skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Project management and organizational skills
• Domain knowledge in partner marketing and channel strategy
• Cultural fit and alignment with MariaDB's values and mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to partner marketing strategy and execution
• Demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Showcase your strong communication skills and ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural fit

ATS Keywords: Partner Marketing, Channel Marketing, Co-Marketing, Content Creation, Project Management, Marketing Development Funds, Event Planning, Performance Measurement, Relationship Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Market Insights, Sales Collaboration, Digital Campaigns, Webinars, Social Media, Interpersonal Skills, Remote Work, Time Management

ASSUMPTION: MariaDB's hiring process is designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit for the role and the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketo
• Salesforce
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)
• Webinar and event planning tools (e.g., GoToWebinar, Zoom, Eventbrite)
• Content creation and design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in the listed tools and technologies is required for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centric
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Adaptable
• Results-driven

Work Style:

• Remote work requires strong self-motivation and time management skills
• Collaboration and communication are essential for success in a remote work environment
• The ideal candidate will be proactive, results-oriented, and able to work independently
• Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for working with partners across different time zones

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of success in building and managing partner marketing programs?
• Are you comfortable working remotely and managing your time effectively?
• Can you demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively?
• Do you have experience working with partners across different time zones and cultures?
• Are you passionate about driving growth through partnerships and collaborating with cross-functional teams?

ASSUMPTION: MariaDB values candidates who are aligned with their company values, have a strong work ethic, and are passionate about driving growth through partnerships.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple partner relationships and marketing initiatives simultaneously
• Balancing the needs and priorities of partners with MariaDB's internal goals and objectives
• Working across different time zones and cultures, requiring strong communication and adaptability skills
• Keeping up-to-date with industry trends, competitor activities, and partner needs to identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth
• Measuring and reporting on the performance of partner marketing initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for optimization

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in channel marketing to overcome.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Senior Marketing Manager or Director of Partner Marketing in other organizations
• However, MariaDB's focus on open-source technology and customer-centric approach sets it apart from other companies in the industry
• Career path comparison: This role offers significant growth opportunities, with the potential to advance to a Director or Vice President of Marketing role within MariaDB or a similar organization

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider MariaDB's unique focus on open-source technology and customer-centric approach when evaluating this role compared to similar positions in other organizations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a joint marketing campaign with a major ISV partner to drive mutual revenue growth
• Creating a co-branded webinar series with multiple OEM partners to educate customers on the benefits of their combined offerings
• Managing a MDF program for a distribution partner to support their marketing activities and drive sales pipeline growth

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and tactical aspects of the role, requiring a strong understanding of partner marketing and channel strategy.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does MariaDB support the growth and success of its partner marketing team?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the partner marketing function, and how can this role address them?
• How does MariaDB measure the success of its partner marketing initiatives, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?
• What opportunities exist for collaboration with other departments, such as Sales or Product Marketing, to drive mutual growth and revenue?
• How does MariaDB approach working with partners across different time zones and cultures?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the expectations for success in this position.

📌 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 interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural fit
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your approach to partner marketing strategy and execution, as well as your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines

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