📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Assistant
🔹 Company: Mattel
🔹 Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (1 year)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 19, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting brand strategies and marketing action plans
- Contributing to media and digital marketing initiatives
- Executing retail marketing activations
- Collaborating with internal teams and external agencies
- Preparing reports on brand activity performance
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career marketing professionals seeking hands-on experience in a dynamic and creative industry.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assist in the implementation of brand strategies and marketing action plans
✅ Contribute to media and digital marketing initiatives by coordinating content and campaigns
✅ Support the execution of retail marketing activations in partnership with trade marketing teams
✅ Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to execute marketing initiatives
✅ Help to prepare reports and presentations on brand activity performance
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field
Experience: Previous internship or project experience in marketing, FMCG, retail, or digital marketing is a plus
Required Skills:
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Highly motivated and proactive in problem-solving
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data
- Basic understanding of digital marketing and media channels
- Competent handling of MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience in the toy industry
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a genuine passion for the toy industry and Mattel brands, as well as a strong interest in brand marketing.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is typically R250,000 - R350,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on industry standards for entry-level marketing roles in South Africa.
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Hybrid work model, combining in-person collaboration with remote work
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), with flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on individual qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Mattel operates in the manufacturing industry, specifically focusing on toys and family entertainment. The company is a global leader in its sector, with a strong portfolio of iconic brands.
Company Size: Mattel is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.
Founded: Mattel was founded in 1945 and has since grown into a globally recognized brand, empowering generations of children through play.
Company Description:
- Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children's and family entertainment franchises in the world.
- The company creates innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play.
- Mattel engages consumers through its portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, and MEGA, as well as other popular intellectual properties.
Company Specialties:
- Toy manufacturing and design
- Brand management and marketing
- Entertainment and licensing
- Retail and e-commerce
Company Website: https://about.mattel.com/
ASSUMPTION: Working at Mattel offers the opportunity to be part of a purpose-driven company that values collaboration, innovation, and execution.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level position within the marketing department, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in brand management and marketing.
Reporting Structure: The Marketing Assistant will report directly to the Marketing Manager and collaborate with various internal teams, such as Sales, Media, and PR, as well as external agencies.
Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work model, combining in-person collaboration with remote work to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing.
Growth Opportunities:
- Gaining valuable experience in brand marketing and campaign execution
- Developing strong relationships with internal teams and external partners
- Potential for career progression within the marketing department or related fields
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Mattel's South African office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
Geographic Context:
- Sandton is a bustling business hub with numerous amenities and opportunities for professional growth
- The region offers a vibrant cultural scene, with various entertainment and leisure options
- Gauteng is a province with a strong economy and diverse industries, providing ample networking opportunities
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project demands and a hybrid work model.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between in-person collaboration and remote work, allowing for greater flexibility and work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final round interview, which may include a case study or presentation
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Mattel's values
- Passion for the toy industry and Mattel brands
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your passion for the toy industry and Mattel brands in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, collaboration, and adaptability
ATS Keywords: Marketing Assistant, Brand Management, Campaign Execution, Retail Marketing, Media Channels, Digital Marketing, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary, and it is essential to monitor your application status and follow up as needed.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Mailchimp)
- Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant marketing tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, and candidates should be eager to learn and adapt to new platforms as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration: Being part of one team with shared values and common goals
- Innovation: Finding new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences
- Execution: Pursuing best-in-class outcomes and empowering employees to create and deliver results
Work Style:
- Hybrid work model, combining in-person collaboration with remote work
- Fast-paced environment with multiple tasks and tight deadlines
- Strong focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you passionate about the toy industry and eager to learn about Mattel brands?
- Do you possess strong communication and problem-solving skills?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Mattel's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple tasks and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Adapting to a hybrid work model and balancing remote work with in-person collaboration
- Gaining a deep understanding of Mattel's brand portfolio and global marketing strategies
- Building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners
ASSUMPTION: Addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Marketing Coordinator: This role may have more responsibility for day-to-day campaign execution and less focus on brand strategy
- Brand Manager: This role typically involves more strategic decision-making and less hands-on campaign execution
- Marketing Specialist: This role may have a more specialized focus on a specific marketing channel or aspect of brand management
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between related marketing roles can help candidates determine the best fit for their career goals and skillsets.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a social media campaign to promote a new product launch
- Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities in the toy industry
- Assisting in the planning and execution of a retail marketing activation or event
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the hands-on nature of the Marketing Assistant role and the opportunity to contribute to various aspects of brand management and marketing.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the marketing department?
- How does this role contribute to Mattel's overall brand strategy and marketing objectives?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role?
- How does the hybrid work model support work-life balance and collaboration?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the marketing department, and how can this role address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company culture and work environment.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Mattel careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, collaboration, and adaptability
- Research Mattel's brand portfolio and marketing strategies to demonstrate your passion and knowledge of the company
- Follow up on your application status within one week of submission, and be prepared to interview within two weeks
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
