📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Marketing Operations Specialist
🔹 Company: Protolabs
🔹 Location: Maple Plain, Minnesota, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (On-site Tue & Wed)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading marketing operational excellence by setting up, executing, and optimizing marketing campaigns in Pardot
- Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure data integrity and robust reporting
- Managing marketing tools, campaign data, automation processes, and system integration
- Serving as the channel owner for email marketing and proactively providing solutions for campaign effectiveness
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of proficiency in marketing automation tools, particularly Pardot, and strong analytical skills to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional marketing teams to coordinate, execute, and test campaigns across diverse channels
✅ Oversee marketing tools, campaign data, automation processes, and system integration
✅ Utilize Pardot as the core “marketing engine” to manage customer journeys, send emails, build workflows, nurture leads, and convert marketing data into valuable insights
✅ Implement marketing campaign plans, including refining segmentation and targeting strategies
✅ Maintain and enhance marketing data quality by collecting, cleansing, organizing customer lists, and advocating for high data standards
✅ Develop insightful reports and dashboards to guide discussions with sales, service line, and marketing teams about demand progression and key marketing projects
✅ Monitor and analyze campaign performance metrics, making data-driven adjustments to enhance effectiveness
✅ Ensure a seamless handoff of leads to sales teams, troubleshoot technical issues, and maintain data accuracy within the marketing automation system
✅ Collaborate with the internal marketing team on enhancement requests; partner with CRM and sales operations teams on system bugs and functionality improvements and communicate updates to stakeholders
✅ Engage with global partners to assess and optimize our existing marketing tech stack, explore and experiment with new tools, and assist with execution as needed
✅ Serve as channel owner for email marketing and proactively provide solutions for campaign effectiveness
✅ Identify and implement opportunities to automate marketing processes
✅ Perform other related duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented, collaborative, and solution-driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced work environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a marketing operations role, at least 2 years within a B2B environment
Required Skills:
- Strong proficiency in Pardot, Salesforce, and their ecosystems
- Familiarity with Monday.com
- Experience with marketing automation and email software (Pardot required, other marketing automation platforms like HubSpot, Marketo, etc. a bonus)
- Advanced reporting skills and proficiency in Excel
- Self-starter with a passion for learning new technologies and developing subject matter expertise
- Eager to tackle new challenges and grow professionally
- Ability to discern when to escalate problems to leadership and when to implement solutions independently
- Strong analytical skills to interpret data and generate actionable insights
- Able to work independently with outstanding communication and project management capabilities
- Detail-oriented, self-reliant, and process-driven
- Solid understanding of marketing and sales funnels to enhance team discussions, cross-department collaboration, and projects
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with other marketing automation platforms like HubSpot, Marketo, etc.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a proven track record in marketing operations and a strong understanding of marketing and sales funnels will be highly competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,700 - $128,500 a year
Benefits:
- Health Insurance: Traditional OR High Deductible plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Account (including employer contributions)
- Dental and Vision
- Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Paid caregiver leave
- PTO + Holiday Pay + Volunteer Hours
- 401k with company match and immediate vest
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount
- And More!
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior Marketing Operations Specialist role. The actual pay offered may vary depending on various factors, including job function, work experience, specialized skills, training, education, and certifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Protolabs is a leading digital manufacturing company, specializing in rapid prototyping and on-demand manufacturing services. They offer a wide range of services, including injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication.
Company Size: Protolabs is a mid-sized company with approximately 1,000-5,000 employees globally.
Founded: Protolabs was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota, United States.
Company Description:
- Protolabs is committed to providing fast, high-quality manufacturing services to help customers bring new and innovative products to market quickly and cost-effectively.
- The company's proprietary software and automated systems enable it to offer quick turnaround times and competitive pricing.
- Protolabs serves a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer goods.
Company Specialties:
- Injection molding
- 3D printing
- CNC machining
- Low-volume production
- Digital manufacturing
- On-demand manufacturing
- Stereolithography
- Direct metal laser sintering
- Plastic Injection Molding
- Rapid prototyping
- Sheet metal fabrication
- Multi Jet Fusion
- PolyJet
Company Website: http://www.protolabs.com
ASSUMPTION: Protolabs' focus on digital manufacturing and commitment to quick turnaround times make it an attractive employer for candidates interested in fast-paced, innovative environments.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high level of expertise and experience in marketing operations.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Marketing Operations Specialist will report directly to the Marketing Operations Manager and collaborate with various cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and IT.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring on-site presence in Maple Plain, Minnesota on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Growth Opportunities:
- Protolabs offers opportunities for professional growth and development within its marketing and operations teams.
- The company's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement creates an environment where employees can learn and advance their careers.
- Protolabs' global presence provides opportunities for international assignments and exposure to diverse markets.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates interested in long-term career growth and development within a dynamic, innovative company will find Protolabs an attractive employer.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Protolabs' Maple Plain, Minnesota office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation.
Office Location(s): 5540 Pioneer Creek Drive, Maple Plain, MN 55359, US
Geographic Context:
- Maple Plain is a small city located approximately 30 miles west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul is the 16th-largest metropolitan area in the United States, providing ample opportunities for professional networking and growth.
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and remote work options available.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who enjoy a blend of urban and rural living, with access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions, will find Maple Plain an appealing location.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference checks
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing automation and email software proficiency
- Data analysis and reporting skills
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Understanding of marketing and sales funnels
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant marketing operations experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your fit for the role and enthusiasm for Protolabs' mission
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on problem-solving, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making
- Research Protolabs' industry and competitors to demonstrate your understanding of the digital manufacturing landscape
ATS Keywords: Marketing Operations, Pardot, Salesforce, Data Integrity, Campaign Management, Email Marketing, Reporting Skills, Analytical Skills, Project Management, Collaboration, Automation Processes, CRM, Segmentation, Lead Nurturing, Problem Solving, Detail-Oriented
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who tailor their application materials and prepare thoroughly for the interview process will have a stronger chance of success in securing this role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Pardot
- Salesforce
- Monday.com
- Excel
- Other marketing automation and email software (HubSpot, Marketo, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in the listed tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Customer Focus
- Quality
- Speed
- Collaboration
- Integrity
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Problem-solving and solution-driven
- Continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments?
- Are you comfortable working with data and using it to drive decision-making?
- Do you enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals?
- Are you proactive and self-reliant, with a strong attention to detail?
- Do you have a growth mindset and a passion for learning new technologies?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Protolabs' values and work style will be more likely to succeed and find fulfillment in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple marketing automation tools and processes simultaneously
- Balancing data-driven decision-making with creative marketing strategies
- Collaborating effectively with remote team members and stakeholders
- Keeping up with the latest marketing automation trends and best practices
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment will be better equipped to handle these potential challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other marketing operations roles, this position places a greater emphasis on data analysis and reporting, as well as collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Protolabs' focus on digital manufacturing sets it apart from other companies in the industry, offering unique opportunities for growth and innovation
- Career paths within Protolabs may differ from those in more traditional marketing or manufacturing companies, providing unique growth opportunities for candidates interested in digital manufacturing
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who understand the unique aspects of Protolabs' business model and industry focus will be better equipped to succeed in this role and capitalize on its growth opportunities.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new lead scoring model to improve marketing and sales alignment
- Optimizing email marketing campaigns to improve open rates and click-through rates
- Streamlining marketing automation processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the types of initiatives a Senior Marketing Operations Specialist might undertake to enhance marketing effectiveness and drive business growth.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the marketing department?
- How does Protolabs support the professional development and growth of its marketing operations team members?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the marketing department currently, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Protolabs measure the success of its marketing campaigns, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are most important to track?
- What opportunities exist for collaboration with other departments, such as sales or product development, to enhance marketing effectiveness and drive business growth?
ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable information to help you make an informed decision about your career.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant marketing operations experience and skills
- Write a cover letter that emphasizes your fit for the role and enthusiasm for Protolabs' mission
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on problem-solving, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making
- Research Protolabs' industry and competitors to demonstrate your understanding of the digital manufacturing landscape
- 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.
