Apple Looking for Mobile Marketing Manager

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

An Apple job listing (http://jobs.apple.com/index.ajs?BID=1&method=mExternal.showJob&RID=1024&CurrentPage=1) provides some potential insights into a push by Apple to market/sell iTunes content directly to cell-phone/mobile customers. The job listing is described as "Mobile Marketing Manager, iTunes".

This full time position seeks an individual to be responsible for worldwide mobile marketing programs for iTunes content and feature campaigns. Key aspects of the job include:

• Collaborate with iTunes Engineering to build program components as the foundation of the mobile marketing strategy.
• Engage music, concert, and television fans with compelling offers and promotions.
• Strong knowledge of the mobile marketing ecosystem and infrastructure, from carriers to aggregators to agencies to customers.
• Strong understanding of the handset technology limitations and their impact on messaging and customer experience.
• Work with the major carriers, worldwide, to ensure the best coverage and exposure to the potential audience.
• Passion for music and entertainment media distribution.

Whether or not this relates to ongoing rumors (http://guides.macrumors.com/iPhone_%28Rumored%29) of an Apple-branded cell-phone are unclear, but previous patent applications (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/05/20060505202447.shtml) have shown that Apple has been involved with mobile-delivery of digital media -- including the possibility of iTunes Ringtone sales.

An unusual aspect of this job listing is that it specifically calls for working with "major carriers, worldwide" while Apple's iTunes songs are presently only playable on select Motorola/Cingular phones.

Digg This (http://digg.com/apple/Apple_Looking_for_an_iTunes_Mobile_Marketing_Manager)

[iAlan]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

<snip>
An unusual aspect of this job listing is that it specifically calls for working with "major carriers, worldwide" while Apple's iTunes songs are presently only playable on select Motorola/Cingular phones.

Digg This (http://digg.com/apple/Apple_Looking_for_an_iTunes_Mobile_Marketing_Manager)

Interesting. Soft Bank who have acquired the Japan Vodaphone operation and re-launched under the Soft Bank banner from October 1st currently have a campaign offering a 2 gen 'nano with the purchase of a new phone. The adverts prominently feature a mobile phone and a 'nano with the words 'Talk' and 'Rock' next to the respective devices. And the Apple logo is displayed in the bottom right corner with the Soft Bank logo. While this may have nothing to do with an iPhone at this point -- speculation earlier focused around Apple working with a Japanese carrier. Maybe this is the start of an iPhone relationship.

[amac4me]

Things that make you go hmmmm :rolleyes:

[twoodcc]

Things that make you go hmmmm :rolleyes:

yes it does. i think the iphone is coming. not quite sure when, but it's coming

[MacQuest]

Shhh...

Don't tell anyone here at MacRumors, especially Arn, but:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=233708&highlight=evidence+iphone

MUST. HAVE. NOW!!!

[donlphi]

I'm planning on applying for the job. Keep your fingers crossed. We're gonna start by selling an iPOD that doubles as a phone and syncs with GOOGLE MAPS. I can't wait!

[jasonautomatic]

An unusual aspect of this job listing is that it specifically calls for working with "major carriers, worldwide"

I think it is calling for experience

[mdntcallr]

well, this sounds like a good exposure that apple is going to expand more.

Integrate concerts more into itunes. mobile marketing is a good thing. sounds like more cellular integration. awesome!!!

[stephenli]

comeon! comeon!
pls bring us an impressive iPhone with iTunes with 2.4inch VGA display, 5mp 3x optical zoom camera, GPS and motion sensor! --- just like the newly announced softbank 910SH mobile!!!

[e28]

I think this probably more has to do with the issues they are having selling iTunes in Japan. Most people in Japan purchase music over their cell phone where the charges add to the phone bill. They don't like giving credit card information over the internet and buying music from sites/web apps like iTunes.

They could be trying to start a marketing effort to convert these cell phone purchasers to iTunes purchasers.

I believe this is where I read about this: http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2006/9/10/5236

[BruinJohn]

I'm not too familiar on worldwide marketing, but if they are looking to fill this position now, will there be enough time to prepare the iPhone for a January release? Its October, so I guess he or she will have 2.5 months to work it out, but I don't know if that's enough time. I mean, if there is enough time for January announcement, but if they want to announce it in June, then that's plenty of time. If they want to announce it for the Christmas rush, I know there won't be enough time. Unless Apple already has the product done and is just waiting for the right person to market it..... THese are just random thoughts I had. I do hope they will announce one soon as I am ready to retire my Sony Ericsson T610. :-)

[starwxrwx]

Er, the Motorola phones with iTunes are available outside the US, and guess what, you can *even buy them outright*! That's right, independent of carrier.

So of course they would want someone who could liaise with mobile carriers all over the world for downloads, if it was as simple as that.

[108]

Soft Bank

I've been seeing that ad every morning on the Ginza Line.

I think this probably more has to do with the issues they are having selling iTunes in Japan. Most people in Japan purchase music over their cell phone where the charges add to the phone bill. They don't like giving credit card information over the internet and buying music from sites/web apps like iTunes.

I carry an au kddi Sony Ericsson phone, which has a music download service. I can download songs while walking to the grocery store, and listen to them in supposedly pretty alright quality. I've never downloaded a song, so I don't know. None of my friends with similar phones have ever downloaded songs, either. Many of them, in fact, don't even realize they can do it. They see the commercials on TV -- very limp-wristed commericals -- and never once think, "Oh, my phone can do that." Instead, they think, "I guess phones will be able to actually do that, someday."

The reason they think this way -- it's about 450 yen ($4) per song. Which is ridiculous.

So if iTunes stepped in with Softbank as a carrier, and Apple even released an iPhone to really drive the idea home, and if they charged reasonable rates AND tacked the song purchasing cost onto the phone bills -- there you go. Very obviously, it would work.

So . . . the technology is in place, over here, at least. And Softbank is progressive-thinking enough, at this point, to disrupt the HELL out of all the other mobile manufacturers (with low prices, among other things). A partnership with Apple is an obvious move.

Those who do not know Japan, know this -- Softbank just started their mobile service on October 1st. They bought out Vodafone, and, in turn, acquired all of Vodafone's customers. A lot of my friends in the business world over here see Softbank's thinking as a godsend.

The mythical iPhone -- I believe it might be coming!!

I'm not going to lose any sleep waiting for it, though it'll be really nice when it's here.

[iJaz]

Great, this will lead to new products or services in a couple of years.

[GuyV]

:)

[iMikeT]

iPhone next Tuesday?:D

[sfwalter]

OK, I'll take one for the team. I'll take the job so I can pass MacRumors advanced info on upcoming products, I'll be your inside man. Good thing its not Hewlett-Packard, I don't want them investigating my family for filling you guys in with juicy private details.

:) :) :)

[prady16]

This is definitely a positive sign, but looking for a marketing manager now would mean that the launch of the phone is still potentially 5-6 months away.

[fixyourthinking]

This is definitely a positive sign, but looking for a marketing manager now would mean that the launch of the phone is still potentially 5-6 months away.

By what standards?

Apple has been able to market most anything successfully concerning the iPod. I think this is just to hire someone with presence and knowledge and be over the marketing campaign for cell phones and iTunes Mobile.

[Macnoviz]

forget merom MBP, iPhone is the new Powerbook G5 (we needed a new one since the PB G5 comes out next tuesday)

[Lollypop]

Definately a good sign! Pesonally I doubt that apple will make their own phone soon, there are still a few mobile manufacturers they can work with first, content, software ect can be made my apple and then distributed by the manufacturer, personally Im still hoping on the RIM/Apple rumors being true.

[Clive At Five]

I am not a PhonePod skeptic, I do believe that it is in the works... but rumor sites are saying the first half of '07. Isn't October '06 a little late to be formulating a Mobile Retail Store/Strat.? I mean, how long does it actually take to set something like that up? I can't imagine it's easy.

Perhaps they've already developed a mobile iTS using their existing team but plan on building a more specialized mobile team - kind of like when they built up a specialized iTunes team a few years back - only this group would presumably be a part of the iTunes division... or would it?

-Clive

[fixyourthinking]

I am not a PhonePod skeptic, I do believe that it is in the works... but rumor sites are saying the first half of '07. Isn't October '06 a little late to be formulating a Mobile Retail Store/Strat.? I mean, how long does it actually take to set something like that up? I can't imagine it's easy.

Perhaps they've already developed a mobile iTS using their existing team but plan on building a more specialized mobile team - kind of like when they built up a specialized iTunes team a few years back - only this group would presumably be a part of the iTunes division... or would it?


This is pretty much the argument against Apple being an MVNO vs just distribution through Cingular ... however ... it seems more like Apple to be an MVNO.

[Xenious]

iTunes ringtone sales? Here is how that works....
1) Put iTunes purchased song or ripped Mp3 on iTunes phone
2) Select song from iTunes phone as ring tone (optionally selecting a start point in the song)
3) Success

What else do they need? No reason to change anything when all phones will play compressed audio files as ringtones.

[peharri]

yes it does. i think the iphone is coming. not quite sure when, but it's coming

Why? This pretty much debunks the iPhone myth, not supports it.

So, Apple are going to do what we all knew they were going to do all along: license iTunes for mobile devices. That's what this is about. If Apple plans to release a dedicated device that'll be the only real, practical (no 100 song limit), iTunes-on-a-phone player in town and doesn't intend to release iTunes on a non-discriminatory basis, we can safely say that the qualifications this guy needs are overboard.

[sartinsauce]

...looking for a marketing manager now would mean that the launch of the phone is still potentially 5-6 months away.


I would say even further than that. Apple is a huge company, right? So they'll get many applications. They sift through those and do some interviews. Then they sift through those interviews and do some more interviews. Being a large company, none of the bureaucratic stuff happens quickly. Once someone is hired, even if they hit the ground running, it's going to take a long time to get them up to speed and on top of their game.

I'm thinking this might be less significant than we want to believe. It might be that they're looking for someone to handle issues they already have, such as the suggested Japan iTunes use, Motorola iTunes integration, etc.

I would think that if they were looking for someone to market the fabled "iPhone", they would bring in an expert. You know, woo and seduce someone into the fold, not put up an add.

[GregA]

I would say even further than that.
I agree that they can't get someone in and have him ready to roll with a marketing campaign by January. Impossible.

However - Apple may not need a marketing campaign. They certainly won't need it until their supply can keep up with demand. Early marketing campaigns may be more simple... they might not need a marketing person who's aware of existing "handset technology limitations" for atleast 6 months :)
(sure... I'm thinking of this ad.. "Hi, I'm an iPhone! Hello there, I'm a Nokia"

One things for sure... they want to advertise something in that space in the next year.

[JAT]

"Apple Looking for Mobile Marketing Manager"

Yeah, and a CFO.

[QuarterSwede]

Why? This pretty much debunks the iPhone myth, not supports it.

So, Apple are going to do what we all knew they were going to do all along: license iTunes for mobile devices. That's what this is about. If Apple plans to release a dedicated device that'll be the only real, practical (no 100 song limit), iTunes-on-a-phone player in town and doesn't intend to release iTunes on a non-discriminatory basis, we can safely say that the qualifications this guy needs are overboard.
I completely agree. Nothing in that job description has to do with marketing a phone only iTunes phone capabilities which are already for sale. Take off those iPhone googles people.

[voodoofish]

the comment at the end of the post says that itunes files only play on motorola/cingular phones, but the razr with itunes has been out in the UK for a while now - it was delayed a while after the V3i without itunes was released, and they still charge a little more for getting on with itunes, but the point is you can still get them, even on pay as you go.

[jholzner]

"Apple Looking for Mobile Marketing Manager"

Yeah, and a CFO.

Why? It was the FORMER CFO that resigned from the board.

[ipoddin]

Job duties:

This full time position seeks an individual to be responsible for worldwide mobile marketing programs for iTunes content and feature campaigns. Key aspects of the job include:

• Collaborate with iTunes Engineering to build program components as the foundation of the mobile marketing strategy.
• Engage music, concert, and television fans with compelling offers and promotions.
• Strong knowledge of the mobile marketing ecosystem and infrastructure, from carriers to aggregators to agencies to customers.
• Strong understanding of the handset technology limitations and their impact on messaging and customer experience.
• Work with the major carriers, worldwide, to ensure the best coverage and exposure to the potential audience.
• Passion for music and entertainment media distribution.

I see lots of things about iTunes. Point 1 and point 4 (as well as the first sentence "...programs for iTunes content and feature campaigns.") are the most telling that this is about marketing iTunes on numerous handsets with the carriers, not an iPhone. I see nothing here that points to this being related to an iPhone exclusively.

[pink-pony115]

That's good that iPhone is in our grasps....Time to retire the rockr

[stephenli]

The reason they think this way -- it's about 450 yen ($4) per song. Which is ridiculous.
....
So if iTunes stepped in with Softbank as a carrier, and Apple even released an iPhone to really drive the idea home, and if they charged reasonable rates AND tacked the song purchasing cost onto the phone bills -- there you go. Very obviously, it would work.



yes, to download a full song is too expensive for....even more expensive if you haven't join unlimited internet access plan.....

maybe somebody dont get the point why japan ppl keep on downloading ringtone for their mobile. Actually all their phones have DRM to make it unable to transfer MP3 to it directly. They can either purchase it through download, or to make some short ver. in mmf format....

iTMS in Japan still have its problem: Major record labels including Sony and Victor still didnt join!!!

one more thing...another carrier -- NTT Docomo have join the dark side, Napster!

[peharri]

That's good that iPhone is in our grasps....Time to retire the rockr

And it's great this means they're finally going to release the Powerbook G5 next Tuesday! Time to retire the Thinkpad!

[MeezMike]

The term "mobile marketing" does not refer to mobile phones or similar gadgets, rather the job function. As a mobile marketer for a retail company, I have traveled between stores and events to promote both the company and new products. Refering to experience with multiple carriers, most likely means shipping and deliveries. Don't get me wrong, this is a great position to have, and a phone may one day be a pushed product, but Apple is not hiring just for one item.

[peharri]

The term "mobile marketing" does not refer to mobile phones or similar gadgets, rather the job function. As a mobile marketer for a retail company, I have traveled between stores and events to promote both the company and new products. Refering to experience with multiple carriers, most likely means shipping and deliveries. Don't get me wrong, this is a great position to have, and a phone may one day be a pushed product, but Apple is not hiring just for one item.

No, this is refering to mobile phones. Note the reference to handset technology limitations.

That said, it is a debunking of the iPhone myth, not evidence in support. The clear implication of the qualifications required is that Apple intends to ramp up iTunes for mobile devices. That really will not happen if Apple doesn't intend to license the Fairplay/mobile iTunes technology to handset makers. They'll not be able to do if they go into competition with existing handset makers.