How to apply for Associate Product Marketing Manager

About Uplight

Uplight is a purpose-driven software company that is literally creating a new category of energy by connecting devices like smart thermostats, EVs, and solar panels to balance the grid and reduce carbon emissions. Working here means directly contributing to the clean energy transition while solving complex, impactful problems with leading utilities worldwide. The remote-first culture and mission-driven team make it an exciting place for those passionate about sustainability and technology.

About the role

As an Associate Product Marketing Manager, you'll be the bridge between Uplight's innovative energy management software and the utility customers who rely on it. You'll develop messaging, create sales enablement materials, and launch new features that help utilities engage their customers in energy-saving programs. This role is critical for driving adoption of clean energy solutions and directly supporting Uplight's mission to accelerate the energy transition.

A typical day

You might start your day with a cross-functional stand-up with product and sales teams to align on a upcoming feature launch. Later, you could draft messaging for a new demand response program, then meet with a utility customer to gather feedback on your draft. You'll also spend time analyzing campaign performance data to optimize future marketing efforts, all while collaborating with colleagues via Slack and Zoom.

Who Uplight is looking for

• 1-3 years of experience in product marketing, marketing, or a related field, ideally in B2B SaaS or energy/cleantech.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, compelling value propositions for utility audiences.
• Collaborative mindset and experience working cross-functionally with product, sales, and customer success teams.
• Passion for clean energy and sustainability, with a desire to learn about the energy industry and Uplight's product suite.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with B2B product marketing, especially in SaaS or energy. Use keywords from the job description like 'messaging', 'sales enablement', 'go-to-market', and 'customer engagement'.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your motivation to Uplight's mission of accelerating clean energy. Mention specific Uplight products or initiatives (e.g., smart thermostat programs, EV charging) to show you've done your homework.
• Demonstrate your ability to work remotely by highlighting past remote work successes or self-management skills in your application materials.
• If you have any experience in energy, utilities, or cleantech, even if not directly in marketing, bring it to the forefront. Uplight values domain knowledge.
• Show your collaborative nature by describing instances where you worked with cross-functional teams to launch a product or campaign. Use metrics to quantify impact where possible.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your passion for clean energy and how it aligns with Uplight's mission to decarbonize the grid.", "Specific examples of product marketing work you've done, such as creating messaging frameworks, sales decks, or launch plans, and the results you achieved.", 'Your ability to understand and communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences, especially in a B2B context.', 'Your experience working remotely and collaborating with distributed teams, if applicable.']

Research before applying

• Explore Uplight's website, especially their solutions for utilities (e.g., demand response, energy efficiency, EV programs) and their customer case studies to understand their product offerings and impact.
• Read about the latest trends in clean energy, demand response, and utility customer engagement programs. Familiarize yourself with terms like 'DERs' (distributed energy resources), 'demand flexibility', and 'grid edge'.
• Research Uplight's competitors and partners in the energy software space, such as Bidgely, Oracle Utilities, and Google Nest, to understand the competitive landscape.
• Look up recent news or press releases about Uplight, including funding rounds, partnerships, or product launches, to get a sense of their growth trajectory and strategic priorities.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you develop a go-to-market strategy for a new feature that helps utilities manage electric vehicle charging?
• Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical product into a simple value proposition for a sales team. How did you ensure it resonated?
• What metrics would you use to measure the success of a product marketing campaign for a utility customer engagement program?
• How do you stay informed about trends in clean energy and utility industry regulations?
• Tell us about a time you worked with product management to influence the roadmap based on customer feedback or market needs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using generic marketing language without tailoring it to the energy industry or Uplight's specific products. Avoid buzzwords like 'synergy' without concrete examples.
• Failing to demonstrate any interest or knowledge about clean energy and sustainability. Uplight wants mission-driven individuals.
• Not showcasing your ability to work remotely or collaboratively, as Uplight is a remote-first company and cross-functional teamwork is key.