Marketing Manager

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

Purpose of the Position

The Marketing Manager is a strategic and results-driven role responsible for leading marketing initiatives that support revenue goals, grow brand awareness, and facilitate lead generation. This role will demonstrate experience across digital and traditional channels, lead teams and provide mentorship, along with data-driven campaign management. The Marketing Manager will be creative and analytical, able to balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution, and demonstrate a strong understanding of Thorlabs’ design aesthetic and brand guidelines to oversee the creation of effective marketing deliverables.

Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Utilizes project management skills to plan and execute a wide range of marketing activities, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to brand standards and messaging.
• Develops and implements multi-channel advertising campaigns that align with business goals and drive measurable results. Tracks and analyzes campaign performance to optimize marketing strategies and ROI. Monitors market trends, competitors, and customer feedback to inform positioning and campaigns.
• Leads, coaches, and fosters a collaborative team of marketing professionals; sets clear goals and provides regular feedback and mentorship to support individual growth and team performance.
• Delegates effectively while remaining accountable for results; balances strategic leadership with hands-on support when needed.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance the productivity, quality, and consistency of output.
• Defines and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure high-quality output while fulfilling all business needs.
• Provides strategic direction and support to the tradeshow team, ensuring successful events that align with brand standards, highlight the optimal products/technologies, and remain within budget.
• Oversees Thorlabs’ social media presence, ensuring monthly performance review and consistent, brand-appropriate messaging across all channels.
• Oversees the graphics and video teams, effectively communicating desired outcomes and ensuring consistent brand messaging and visual identity across all deliverables.
• Ensures technical staff within the broader marketing group have the appropriate amount of graphics/video/animation support needed to complete projects within the allotted timeframes.
• Makes recommendations of emerging needs to remain at the forefront of marketing and creative design.

• Develops and manages an annual budget with the VP of Marketing & Brand, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.

 The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Requirements

Experience:

5+ years of prior management experience plus 7-10 years of relevant marketing experience, preferably in the scientific sector.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or a scientific field; advanced degree preferred.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven ability to motivate and mentor team members, giving clear direction while empowering others to take ownership.
• Analytical mindset experienced at using data to drive decision-making.
• Creative thinker, with demonstrated ability to multi-task, be detail oriented, maintain high work quality, and thrive in a fast-paced team environment.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills in English.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to self-review work for accuracy and brand adherence.
• Demonstrated work ethic, ownership, and accountability; ability to individually drive initiatives.
• Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to pivot as business needs evolve
• Strong interpersonal skills for working in a team environment.
• Willingness to constantly learn new technologies and new applications.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity and influence others
• Ability to accept and incorporate constructive feedback.

Direct Reports:

This position has direct supervisory responsibilities. Tradeshow Supervisor, Graphic Design Supervisor, Graphics Production Supervisor, Video Production Team Lead, Videographers, Digital Marketing Specialists

The estimated pay range for this role is $111,670 - $154,120 annually 

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Benefits

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.