Apple hiring ‘Buzz Marketing Manager’ to beef up its presence in Hollywood

Historically, Apple has spent far less than Samsung and other competitors on stuff like marketing and advertising. Things like product placements and celebrity endorsementscame easily for devices like the iPhone and iPad, due to their initial popularity and slight competition.

But competition has stiffened over the years, and with Samsung forking out millions of dollars to get its products into the hands of Lebron James and selfie-taking celebrities, Apple needs to step up its game. So it’s looking for a new ‘Buzz Marketing Manager’ to give it a boost…

Here’s the job listing on Apple’s website, first spotted by BusinessInsider:

This new Buzz Marketing role is primarily responsible for constant and compelling exposure of Apple products with high-profile users, especially those in film and television. The position also supports key iTunes and Apple Retail initiatives. The position reports to the head of worldwide Buzz Marketing and keeps aligned with PR, Marketing, Apple Retail and iTunes.

Core responsibilities include:
- Product placement in film & television. Work with the creative side of film & TV to place Apple products. This includes getting necessary approvals, managing and trafficking product inventory, following up with studios, and monitoring media for successful placements.
- Build and maintain relationships with high-profile influencers. Influential Apple users could be directors, actors, artists, athletes, designers and select brands or institutions. Determine which relationships have potential to maximize benefit to Apple.
- Leverage relationships to book events at Apple Store Soho. Collaborate with Apple Retail, PR and iTunes to ensure maximum positive outcome for the effort. Produce a podcast for each event into iTunes and maximize the promotional value of the content through PR efforts and partner channels.

Apple says the ideal candidate for the position has extensive experience in the entertainment industry, and a strong ability to influence others. The person who wins the role will be in a charge of a team that manages ‘hundreds of external partner relationships, placements, and events.’

The listing follows the high-profile hiring of Karl Heiselman, the former CEO of branding agency Wolff Olins, as Apple continues to beef up its in-house creative team. The company is expected to unveil a bevy of new products this year, so it’s no surprise that it’s beefing up ad efforts.