I'd love to read more on career trajectories within marketing. What is the path or ideal trajectory to go from Marketing Manager to CMO. What are the in-between stops and the skills that need to be sharpened to excel?
Thank you for this article – a really clear and interesting overview. As a few others have already noted, while the structure makes sense in theory, the reality is often quite different. In practice, the lines between marketing roles are frequently blurred, not just in start-ups but equally in large organisations. Budget pressures and leaner teams often mean individuals are expected to cover responsibilities well outside their defined remit.
Another contributing factor is title inflation – the tendency to create new or elevated titles to retain staff or navigate complex org structures. This often adds to the confusion, making it harder to align responsibilities with expectations. In my experience, what is often missing is a clear, organisation-specific definition of roles, jointly set by marketing and HR. A well-considered job description can go a long way in clarifying expectations – but it is still too rare.
I appreciate how this article clarifies the differences between roles like Head of Marketing and VP. I've been in a mid-level marketing position for a while and am curious about leadership roles. The idea of connecting marketing to broader company goals is something I hadn't thought about in depth.
What's one challenge you faced when stepping into a leadership role in marketing? I'm interested in understanding how to handle the wider responsibilities.
This post offers a clear roadmap for career growth in marketing, which I find quite useful. I'm currently at a marketing manager level, and I can relate to owning campaigns but still needing guidance. The transition to senior manager and explaining 'why it worked' feels like the next big step for me.
What skills do you think are most important to develop when moving from manager to senior manager? I'd like to prepare myself for that shift.
I found this breakdown of marketing roles very helpful. As someone starting out as a marketing associate, I often wonder what's expected of me versus what I should aim for. The idea of focusing on learning fast and asking questions really resonates with my current experience.
How did you figure out which specific area of marketing to dive into after starting out? I'm trying to find my niche and would appreciate any advice.
This is a great read, I just did a similar/different analysis but its coming from a place where I couldn’t figure out why there aren’t VP of CRO roles.
Tom - you are right....but marketing has evolved a lot and now as CMO one has to look at the business impact of marketing besides brand..sometimes it is overlooked
I moved into marketing two years ago and I think this post has made me finally understand what I’m doing as a marketing assistant. Thank you! Not sure I want the next level up but we’ll see.
This was a brilliant read. You really nailed the differences among roles and levels of experience that so often get ignored or misunderstood.
Thanks!
Really solid outline - as a career marketer who has held all of these roles this is pretty spot on 👌🏼
Thanks Allison. Any suggestions on what I can write about next?
Oooo the title got me! I need more think pieces on this topic
Thanks! What else should I write about?
I'd love to read more on career trajectories within marketing. What is the path or ideal trajectory to go from Marketing Manager to CMO. What are the in-between stops and the skills that need to be sharpened to excel?
Sending this to everyone I know in marketing (myself included).
Ahh thanks Zara. Glad you found it helpful.
I love this! Super helpful
this is great
This is great, thank you!
Great read :)
This is great!
Thank you for this article – a really clear and interesting overview. As a few others have already noted, while the structure makes sense in theory, the reality is often quite different. In practice, the lines between marketing roles are frequently blurred, not just in start-ups but equally in large organisations. Budget pressures and leaner teams often mean individuals are expected to cover responsibilities well outside their defined remit.
Another contributing factor is title inflation – the tendency to create new or elevated titles to retain staff or navigate complex org structures. This often adds to the confusion, making it harder to align responsibilities with expectations. In my experience, what is often missing is a clear, organisation-specific definition of roles, jointly set by marketing and HR. A well-considered job description can go a long way in clarifying expectations – but it is still too rare.
I appreciate how this article clarifies the differences between roles like Head of Marketing and VP. I've been in a mid-level marketing position for a while and am curious about leadership roles. The idea of connecting marketing to broader company goals is something I hadn't thought about in depth.
What's one challenge you faced when stepping into a leadership role in marketing? I'm interested in understanding how to handle the wider responsibilities.
This post offers a clear roadmap for career growth in marketing, which I find quite useful. I'm currently at a marketing manager level, and I can relate to owning campaigns but still needing guidance. The transition to senior manager and explaining 'why it worked' feels like the next big step for me.
What skills do you think are most important to develop when moving from manager to senior manager? I'd like to prepare myself for that shift.
I found this breakdown of marketing roles very helpful. As someone starting out as a marketing associate, I often wonder what's expected of me versus what I should aim for. The idea of focusing on learning fast and asking questions really resonates with my current experience.
How did you figure out which specific area of marketing to dive into after starting out? I'm trying to find my niche and would appreciate any advice.
This is a great read, I just did a similar/different analysis but its coming from a place where I couldn’t figure out why there aren’t VP of CRO roles.
https://newsletter.experimentationlabs.com/p/conversion-rate-optimization-vs-growth
Tom - you are right....but marketing has evolved a lot and now as CMO one has to look at the business impact of marketing besides brand..sometimes it is overlooked
I moved into marketing two years ago and I think this post has made me finally understand what I’m doing as a marketing assistant. Thank you! Not sure I want the next level up but we’ll see.