Brand Manager vs. Marketing Manager: What Are the Differences?

Brand managers and marketing managers are both important roles in the world of marketing and advertising. Though they share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two positions. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between brand managers and marketing managers, and we provide tips for those interested in pursuing a career in marketing.

What is a Brand Manager?

A Brand Manager is responsible for the planning, development and execution of marketing initiatives for a specific product or product line. They work with advertising agencies, market research firms and other vendors to develop promotional materials, advertising campaigns and other marketing initiatives. Brand Managers also track sales data and consumer research to determine the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and to make recommendations for improvements. They work closely with other members of the marketing team, as well as with product development, sales and other departments within the company to ensure that all company initiatives are aligned with the brand’s overall strategy.

What is a Marketing Manager?

Marketing Managers are responsible for planning, developing and executing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s products or services. They work with other departments within the company, such as sales, product development and advertising, to ensure that the marketing campaigns are aligned with the company’s overall objectives. Marketing Managers also conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities for marketing campaigns. They develop budgets and track metrics to assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Marketing Managers typically report to senior managers or executives.

Brand Manager vs. Marketing Manager

Here are the main differences between a brand manager and a marketing manager.

Job Duties

Job duties for brand managers and marketing managers often differ because of the different areas of focus for their work. A brand manager’s primary responsibility is ensuring the success of a specific brand, so they may perform tasks like creating a brand strategy, selecting creative teams to develop brand campaigns and overseeing campaign implementation.

In contrast, marketing managers oversee campaign creation and execution across an entire company rather than a single brand. This can include responsibilities like creating marketing strategies that support a company’s goals, selecting external vendors like advertising agencies or software developers and monitoring campaign results.

Job Requirements

Brand managers and marketing managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many brand managers and marketing managers pursue certifications through the American Marketing Association (AMA) or the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use marketing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Marketing managers typically work in an office setting, but they may travel to meet with clients and vendors. They also attend conferences and trade shows to promote their brand or company. Brand managers often work in an office environment as well, but they may spend more time on the road than marketing managers. They may travel to visit customers and conduct research for their brands.

Skills

Both brand managers and marketing managers use similar skills, such as creativity, communication, strategic thinking and project management. However, there are some key differences in the skills that each position requires.

Brand managers typically need to have a deep understanding of their company’s products and services, as well as the ability to develop relationships with customers and clients. They also need to be able to create and implement branding strategies that will help promote their company’s products or services. Marketing managers, on the other hand, need to have a strong understanding of marketing concepts and principles. They also need to be able to develop and implement marketing plans and campaigns. In addition, they often need to have budgeting and financial skills to manage the costs associated with marketing initiatives.

Salary

Brand managers earn an average salary of $83,855 per year, while marketing managers earn an average salary of $79,797 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company, the industry in which you work and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.