GROWTH MARKETING LEAD (FOUNDING TEAM)

About MAAT:MAAT is a SaaS enabled Marketplace for Community-centric sports (Combat Sports, Wellness, Outdoors).Today we are specifically focused on the combat sports industry (MMA, BJJ, Muay Thai etc.). We provide gym owners with a vertical software solution to manage their operations more efficiently. From automating payments to tracking student attendance and belt promotion, we help combat sports businesses run smoothly while keeping practitioners engaged through a gamified members app.Our vision goes beyond this. We’re on a mission to bring together the combat sport community, building a marketplace that connects gyms, practitioners, events organizers and brands under one roof. This marketplace will allow users to access everything they need in one place, from training sessions to events, gear and more.We’ve already achieved strong product-market fit, with a 70-80% conversion rate from demo to closed-won. With 150+ customers across Europe, we’re growing fast and scaling our reach.Our team is small but driven, with members based in Barcelona, London, and Milan.We’re looking for a Growth Marketing Lead who will drive business growth through strategic, data-driven paid media campaigns and help build a diversified portfolio of acquisition channels to support efficient global growth.🚩 Before jumping into it, some red flags for you 🚩This is not a 9-5 job. We work a lot, and you will as well. 🚩It's chaotic. We are building processes so you will need to navigate uncertainty and adapt to change quickly🚩It's not for everyone to join an early stage startup. A.K.A. Not the place for a good work-life balance 🚩If you are still here, let's dive into it.Role Overview:As our Growth Marketing Lead, you’ll be the key player in shaping MAAT’s growth strategy. You will be the first marketing hire, working closely with the founders and leading a small team, including a Brand Specialist skilled in graphic design and community management. This role combines high-level strategy with hands-on execution to drive brand awareness, community engagement, and scalable lead generation. As the marketing function grows, you will evolve alongside it, taking on increased leadership responsibilities and helping shape tomorrow's marketing strategy at MAAT.How We Expect You to Contribute to the Business:Stage 1: Scaling Paid MediaPaid Media Mastery: Take charge of scaling our paid media efforts. Starting with Meta ads (Instagram and Facebook), which is where we’ve found our product-channel fit, you’ll own the strategy, execution, and optimization across these two platforms. You’ll double down on scaling this channel, while also experimenting with new opportunities, whether on Google, YouTube, Reddit, or TikTok (perhaps?). You’ll figure that out.Develop and execute paid media strategies to meet qualified lead and revenue goals.Work closely with the Brand Specialist to ensure campaigns are launched efficiently, on-brand, and optimized across multiple platforms.Manage, track, and optimize ad campaigns, refining creatives and targeting to ensure efficient growth.Lead the experimentation process by running tests across different channels, discovering new growth opportunities, and scaling the most successful tactics.Stage 2: Building an Iconic BrandCommunity Engagement and Content Creation: Once we’ve established paid media as a reliable lead source, we expect you to drive the creation of content that resonates with the combat sports community. You will work alongside the Brand Specialist to build content that amplifies the voices of our athletes, coaches, and followers.Develop and execute a content strategy that engages the community and helps position MAAT as an iconic brand in the combat sports space.Leverage content created with the community, such as user-generated content, athlete spotlights, and behind-the-scenes footage.Foster deeper relationships with the audience through consistent engagement, building brand loyalty.Building Community Trust: Guide the Brand Specialist in community management, responding to followers and creating authentic interactions.Stage 3: Expanding Acquisition EnginesExploring New Growth Engines: As we look to diversify and scale our acquisition strategies, we expect you to lead the exploration of new growth systems. This includes influencer partnerships, referral programs, and community-driven growth.Examples of Initiatives You Might Lead:Brief ad creative direction and campaign execution.Optimize landing pages for higher conversions.Build and scale referral programs.Implement outbound automation to generate demo bookingsIdeal Candidate:Entrepreneurship: An entrepreneurial person that wants to work in a dynamic startup instead of a big bureaucratic corporationCultural fit: You enjoy grabbing a beer with the team after work or going on a weekend hikeExperience: 3-4 years in growth marketing, particularly with paid media campaigns.Skills: Proven ability to manage and optimize campaigns across various platforms.Community Engagement: Experience in building and nurturing online communities and creating engaging content is a plus.Adaptability: Proven ability to test new strategies and scale successful ones.Leadership: Demonstrated leadership experience or potential, with a desire to grow alongside the company as the marketing function expands.Language Proficiency: Fluent in English and at least one additional language (Spanish, Italian, German, or French).Passion: Knowledge of and/or passion for combat sports is a significant advantage.Commitment: Dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, with a proactive approach to acquiring new skills and knowledge.What We Offer:€40k-€42k yearly gross salaryHybrid work. We want to be at the office at least 3x week. It's important to be in the same room grinding back to back.Leading and scaling the marketing function of a sustainable businessTremendous view from our Barceloneta officesHiring Process:First Interview with Giorgio (Marketing Advisor)A casual chat to discuss your background, experience, motivations, and cultural fit.Technical CaseA case to assess your growth mindset and execution skills.Case Presentation to GiorgioPresent your case and discuss your approach with Giorgio.Cultural Fit Interview with Brando (CEO)A conversation with Brando to explore your adaptability, teamwork, and alignment with MAAT’s values.Offer Letter. If all goes well, we’ll extend an offer and welcome you to the team!Apply here or send an email at brando@joinmaat.com