Marketing supervisors must be innovative in promoting their companies.
Marketing supervisors oversee the department that handles promotions for a company. More specifically, they create strategies and promote brands, working with the advertising, sales and graphics departments to generate interest in their companies' products and services. Marketing supervisors work in practically every industry, from retail to food to manufacturing. They hold important and often financially rewarding jobs.
Basics
Marketing supervisors lead an entire department of like-minded workers. That means they often have to interview and hire staff, as well as conduct performance reviews, on top of their duties promoting the company. They analyze trends and keep an eye on the competition, as well as aim to identify new markets for their own products. On top of that, they develop special deals (such as buy one item and get another free) and discounts, using graphics and catchy phrases to help create interest. In order to be truly effective, marketing supervisors must have a firm grasp of their company’s mission.
Skills
Marketing supervisors must be highly motivated and creative, and able to communicate effectively. They should possess outstanding leadership skills and confidence, directing their staffs with passion and energy. They also need an eye for design, along with a knowledge of what is fashionable. Most importantly, marketing supervisors must be resilient with solid work ethics. Most also need strong computer skills, since websites, email and other electronic mediums have become a big part of company promotions.
Background
Practically every industry requires its marketing supervisors to possess a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Some are required to carry a master’s degree. Other areas of study for aspiring marketing supervisors include advertising, communications, business, management, graphic design and public relations. Most also need to spend time as members of the marketing department--or advertising or sales departments--before being promoted to a supervisory position.
Prospects
Since nearly all companies need creative people in charge of promoting their products and services, opportunities for marketing supervisors should be abundant for years to come. As for the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that jobs for marketing leaders are likely to increase by 12 percent through 2018.
Earnings
Salaries for marketing supervisors can be among the highest in the country. Much depends on the supervisor’s industry, experience and, of course, success. According to the BLS, marketing leaders earned a median annual salary of more than $108,500 per year in May 2008. Some, the BLS reported, earned close the $128,000 per year.
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