The role of a marketing manager vs marketing leader. Source: Linkedin

The image above can be a great way to understand the two different roles in marketing. It's not about which role is better , but it is about their differences in the marketing industry. A marketing manager focuses on doing the work, while a marketing leader focuses in on the big-picture vision.

Marketing Manager

Think of a marketing manager as the team leader on the ground. They are responsible for the day-to-day execution and implementation of specific campaigns.

Their focus is that they are in the trenches. Meaning that they are making sure that current projects run smoothly and on time. They are the ones focused on the "how" a campaign will be executed. Their role is managing a team and the tasks , coordinate deliverables and handle troubleshooting. Their responsibilities are typically more tactical. They work to achieve the goals of the marketing department.

Marketing Leader

This is a more senior, strategic role. A marketing leader (often a director or the head of marketing) is the visionary who sets the course for the entire department. Their focus is the big picture of the company. They focus on the why and what of a marketing strategy. They work with executives to ensure marketing supports the overall business goals. Their role includes developing and implementing the overarching market strategy, managing budgets and making high-level decisions . Their goal is that they are accountable for the overall direction of the marketing organization and it's contribution to the business.

Conclusion

Overall, the main difference between these two roles are that the manager is focused on action, while the leader is focused on vision. A marketing department needs both to be successful