Associate Director, Marketing Operations & Capabilities

The Associate Director, Marketing Operations & Capability Development leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the marketing operations infrastructure and capability framework for the Marketing organization. This role partners directly with the VP of Marketing to elevate marketing excellence, streamline operational execution, and advance the team’s functional capabilities through training, systems, and governance.

The Associate Director oversees both the Marketing Operations and Advertising & Promotional Material Review functions, ensuring the organization operates efficiently, compliantly, and with a high-performance culture. This leader is accountable for operational excellence, marketing process innovation, and building the future-ready skills required to drive brand success.

Marketing Operations Leadership

• Lead the development and optimization of marketing operational processes and systems that drive speed, compliance, and quality across the enterprise.
• Build and continuously refine frameworks for campaign planning, workflow management, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Oversee the integration and utilization of key marketing tools (e.g., Veeva PromoMats, project management platforms, CRM systems) to enhance visibility and efficiency.
• Serve as the central point of coordination for the operational interface between Marketing, Compliance, Medical, Regulatory, Finance, and IT functions.
• Partner with the Associate Manager, Marketing Operations, to manage vendor onboarding, contract workflows, and budget processes, ensuring fiscal discipline and transparent reporting.

Marketing Capability Development

• Design, launch, and manage the Marketing Capability Model to define and assess core competencies required for marketing excellence.
• Lead the creation and continuous improvement of a Marketing Curriculum encompassing training modules, workshops, learning pathways, and certification programs.
• Partner with HR and Learning & Development to align the marketing training framework with enterprise-wide capability initiatives.
• Establish a continuous evaluation model, including competency assessments, development plans, and performance tracking for marketers at all levels.
• Create onboarding, transition, and advancement programs that build marketing mastery, brand management acumen, and digital fluency.

Strategic Enablement & Governance

• Collaborate closely with the VP of Marketing and Brand Leadership to ensure capability programs align with evolving business needs and market dynamics.
• Lead marketing governance efforts to ensure consistency in processes, documentation, and cross-functional accountability.
• Drive operational readiness for new product launches by ensuring marketing processes, systems, and skills are launch-ready.
• Oversee analytics for operational KPIs (e.g., project velocity, MLR cycle time, process adherence, training completion) to measure impact and inform continuous improvement.

Team & Vendor Leadership

• Manage and develop the Marketing Operations team, providing direction, mentorship, and performance coaching.
• Lead relationships with key vendors, training providers, and consultants supporting capability and operations initiatives.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning within the marketing function.
• Serve as a role model for operational excellence, compliance integrity, and team engagement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or Life Sciences required; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in Marketing Operations, Capability Development, or Commercial Excellence within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Proven success building marketing operations frameworks and capability programs in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading operational or MLR review teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong understanding of FDA promotional regulations, Veeva PromoMats workflows, and MLR process management.
• Experience building or managing marketing capability programs, curricula, or training initiatives.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Proven leadership in cross-functional collaboration, vendor management, and budget oversight.
• Competencies: Strategic Agility, Leadership, Change Management, Innovation, Collaboration, Coaching & Development, Analytical Thinking, Business Acumen, Operational Excellence.

• Working Conditions: May require periodic evening or weekend work as necessary to support key projects. Periodic overnight travel (up to 20%) for training sessions, leadership meetings, or workshops. This is a hybrid role based in Xeris’ Chicago office and requires a minimum of three days per week in the office. On-site requirement may change at management’s discretion.

The level of the position will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

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As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetics or any other characteristic protected by law.  It is our intention that all qualified applications are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $200,000. Final determination of base salary offered will depend on several factors relevant to the position, including but not limited to candidate skills, experience, education, market location, and business need. This role will include eligibility for bonus and equity. The total compensation package will also include additional elements such as multiple paid time off benefits, various health insurance options, retirement benefits and more. Details about these and other offerings will be provided at the time a conditional offer of employment is made. Candidates are always welcome to inquire about our compensation and benefits package during the interview process.  

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.