Marketing Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois

The Principal, Corporate Marketing Operations & Enablement is responsible for the operational infrastructure that enables Morningstar's Global Corporate Marketing organization to run efficiently. This role centralizes vendor management, procurement, budget administration, technology operations, reporting, and internal communications under a single owner. By providing operational leadership across these functions, this role enables marketing teams to focus on strategic priorities while ensuring Corporate Marketing operates effectively and at scale.

Lead Vendor & Procurement Operations

• Own the end-to-end vendor lifecycle across Corporate Marketing, including intake, vendor evaluations, procurement coordination, contract execution, renewals, and ongoing vendor management.
• Serve as Corporate Marketing's primary operational liaison with Procurement and Legal, ensuring vendor engagements move efficiently while meeting organizational requirements.
• Monitor vendor utilization, contract commitments, and renewals to maximize value and proactively identify risks or opportunities.
• Maintain accurate vendor documentation, contract records, and operational reporting.

Own Budget & Financial Operations

• Maintain Corporate Marketing's consolidated operating budget, including spend tracking, invoice reconciliation, forecasting support, and budget reporting.
• Partner with Finance to monitor actuals, identify variances, and support financial planning activities.
• Own allocation reporting and operational measurement in support of Corporate Marketing objectives.
• Develop and maintain reporting that provides leadership with visibility into budget health and vendor investments.

Manage Marketing Technology & Software Operations

• Coordinate the operational management of Corporate Marketing's technology and software portfolio, including budgeting, licensing, renewals, permissions, and vendor coordination.
• Support the evaluation and procurement of new marketing technologies in partnership with Marketing Technology leadership.
• Maintain visibility into software utilization and identify opportunities for consolidation or cost optimization.

Coordinate Corporate Marketing Operations

• Coordinate recurring cross functional operational activities that support Corporate Marketing leadership, including budget reviews, vendor planning, allocation reporting, and organizational initiatives.
• Support the planning and execution of internal communications, including town halls, OKR updates, Market Minds sessions, and other leadership communications.
• Facilitate the Corporate Marketing NPS action planning process by coordinating follow-up activities, tracking commitments, and communicating progress.
• Maintain operational calendars, trackers, and documentation that improve visibility and consistency across the organization.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Create and maintain operational processes, documentation, and reporting that improve efficiency, consistency, and transparency across Corporate Marketing.
• Identify opportunities to simplify administrative work, improve cross-functional coordination, and reduce operational friction.
• Partner with Marketing Operations leadership and stakeholders across Finance, Procurement, Legal, and Technology to continuously improve how Corporate Marketing operates.

What We Are Looking For

• Significant experience in marketing operations, business operations, program management, or a similar operational role.
• Strong financial and business acumen, with experience managing budgets, vendor contracts, procurement, and reporting.
• Proven ability to manage complex operational initiatives across multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience partnering effectively with Finance, Procurement, Legal, Technology, and Marketing.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a passion for improving processes and driving operational excellence.
• Strong communication skills and experience coordinating leadership communications and organizational initiatives.
• Collaborative, service-oriented, and able to influence outcomes without direct authority.

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

• Financial Health

  • 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary

  • Stock Ownership Potential

  • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission

• Physical Health

  • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages

  • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual

  • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance

• Emotional Health

  • Trust-Based Time Off

  • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program

  • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave

  • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave

  • Adoption Assistance

  • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities

  • Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses

  • Tuition Reimbursement

• Social Health

  • Charitable Matching Gifts program

  • Dollars for Doers volunteer program

  • Paid volunteering days

  • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Total Cash Compensation Range

Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.