π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Senior Marketing Manager
πΉ Company: Mercer
πΉ Location: Urbandale, Iowa
πΉ Job Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)
πΉ Category: Marketing & Communications
πΉ Date Posted: July 17, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 10+ years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leadership and management of marketing teams
- Strategic communications planning for Mercer's Voluntary Benefits Practice
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive client engagement and growth
- Adaptability in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills to succeed in a dynamic and complex environment.
π Key Responsibilities
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Lead and inspire marketing teams to drive Mercerβs Health and Benefits strategy
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Manage and mentor marketing colleagues to boost brand strength and fuel growth
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Craft and execute communications strategies that expand, penetrate, and retain client relationships
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Partner with marketing teams to deliver actionable insights that elevate campaign performance
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role will depend on the ability to balance multiple priorities, manage stakeholders, and adapt to changing market trends.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs Degree
Experience: 10+ years of proven success delivering Voluntary Benefits communications to large, complex employers
Required Skills:
- Exceptional project management and stakeholder engagement skills
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Strong problem-solving skills and resilience
- Ability to build strong internal and external relationships
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
- Growth mindset with a focus on continuous learning
- Fluency in multiple languages (beneficial but not required)
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelorβs Degree is required, a relevant Master's degree or equivalent experience may be considered.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Senior Marketing Manager with 10+ years of experience in the Voluntary Benefits industry in the Midwest region)
Benefits:
- Excellent benefits package
- Vibrant company culture
- Strong opportunities for advancement
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Mercer is a global leader in consulting, outsourcing, and investment services, operating in over 130 countries with 25,000 employees worldwide.
Company Size: Mercer is a large organization with over 10,000 employees, offering extensive resources and opportunities for growth.
Founded: Mercer was founded in 1945 and has since grown into a market leader in its industry.
Company Description:
- Mercer provides advice and solutions to help clients meet the needs of today and tomorrow
- Balances economics and empathy in its approach to build healthier and more sustainable futures
- Offers a wide range of services, including consulting, outsourcing, investments, health, and benefits
Company Specialties:
- Consulting
- Outsourcing
- Investments
- Health & Benefits
- Human Capital
- Communication
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Talent
- Human Resources
- Workforce Management
- Compensation and Benefits
- Pension Risk
- Financial Wellness
- Employee Health
Company Website: www.mercer.com
ASSUMPTION: Mercer's large size and global presence offer applicants a wealth of opportunities for professional growth and development.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level position with significant responsibility and influence
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Marketing for Mercer's Voluntary Benefits Practice and may have supervisory responsibilities for marketing team members
Work Arrangement: Hybrid arrangement with 3 days on-site per week, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance within Mercer's marketing department or explore other areas of the business
- Chance to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to senior leadership
- Opportunity to develop and mentor junior team members
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role may lead to increased responsibilities, promotions, or opportunities to take on special projects within Mercer.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Mercer's Urbandale, Iowa office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster productivity and innovation
Office Location(s): 12421 Meredith Dr, Urbandale, IA 50323, US
Geographic Context:
- Urbandale is a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa, with a population of approximately 40,000 residents
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a vibrant food scene
- Des Moines is known for its strong job market, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
ASSUMPTION: Mercer's hybrid work arrangement allows employees to balance their professional and personal lives more effectively.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Mercer's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Research Mercer's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit
ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, communications planning, stakeholder engagement, project management, team leadership, client relationship management, campaign performance, market trends, employee benefits, voluntary benefits, Mercer, hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: Mercer's interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the organization.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard marketing tools and platforms is expected for this role.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Inclusion
- Collaboration
- Expertise
- Empathy
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and resilient
- Focused on continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Are you passionate about driving strategic communications and engaging stakeholders?
- Do you possess strong leadership and mentoring skills?
ASSUMPTION: Mercer values candidates who align with their core values and can contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
- Adapting to changing market trends and client needs
- Balancing remote work and on-site collaboration effectively
- Developing and implementing strategic communications plans that resonate with diverse audiences
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role will require strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and adaptability skills to overcome these potential challenges.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other marketing management positions in its focus on the Voluntary Benefits industry and Mercer's unique business model
- Mercer's global presence and extensive resources offer unique opportunities for professional growth and development
- Career progression may involve moving into other areas of the business or taking on more senior leadership roles
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider how their skills, experience, and career goals align with Mercer's unique offerings and opportunities.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major client acquisition or retention campaign
- Managing a team to create and distribute targeted content (e.g., blog posts, whitepapers, webinars) to engage and educate clients and prospects
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch a new product or service offering and drive adoption among target audiences
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and innovative nature of the work required for this role.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Mercer's overall marketing and communications strategy?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Voluntary Benefits industry, and how can this role address them?
- How does Mercer support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
- What opportunities exist for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other marketing teams within Mercer?
- How does Mercer's hybrid work arrangement support work-life balance and employee well-being?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and Mercer's organization.
π 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 leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Research Mercer's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.