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Marketing Manager

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A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s products or services. This role involves managing a team, working with budgets, analysing market trends, and liaising with other departments such as sales and product development. Day-to-day tasks can include market research, content creation, digital marketing, and measuring the effectiveness of campaigns. Marketing Managers need strong communication, analytical, and leadership skills. They often work in a variety of sectors, including retail, finance, technology, and non-profit organisations.

Marketing Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Marketing Managers in the UK typically earn between £35,000 and £60,000 per year, with senior roles in large companies reaching upwards of £80,000.

UK Job Openings

There were over 25,000 marketing manager positions advertised in the UK in 2023.

Job Growth

Demand for marketing managers is expected to grow by approximately 7 percent over the next five years, driven by the increasing importance of digital marketing.

🚀 Careers in this path

Digital Marketing Specialist

Focuses on promoting products or services using online platforms such as social media, email, and search engines.

Content Marketing Manager

Develops and manages content strategies, including blog posts, videos, and social media updates, to engage customers and build brand awareness.

Brand Manager

Oversees the development and maintenance of a brand's image, ensuring all marketing activities align with the brand's values and goals.

Build a Strong Educational Foundation

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve good GCSEs, including English and Maths, to gain a strong academic base for further study.

Most marketing careers begin with a solid set of GCSEs, ideally with grades 4 or above in subjects such as English, Maths, and Business Studies if available. These subjects develop critical thinking, communication, and numeracy skills which are essential in marketing. Consider choosing A-levels or equivalent qualifications in Business, Media Studies, or Economics to further strengthen your foundation.

Pursue Relevant Higher Education

Study for a degree or higher national diploma in marketing, business, or a related field.

While a degree is not always essential, most Marketing Managers hold one in a relevant subject such as Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or Public Relations. Some universities offer marketing-specific degrees, which can be particularly beneficial. Courses usually last three years and often include opportunities for work placements or internships.

Gain Practical Experience

Undertake Internships or Placements

Apply for marketing internships or work placements to gain hands-on experience.

Practical experience is highly valued in marketing. Seek internships during university holidays or as part of a sandwich course. These placements provide a chance to work on real campaigns, learn about market research, and build professional networks. Volunteering for marketing roles in clubs or societies can also help develop relevant skills.

Start in Entry-Level Marketing Roles

Apply for jobs such as Marketing Assistant or Social Media Coordinator to develop your skills.

Entry-level roles allow you to build experience in campaign planning, content creation, and analytics. Typical responsibilities include supporting senior staff, helping to organise events, and managing social media accounts. Over time, you will gain an understanding of different marketing channels and strategies, preparing you for more senior positions.

Develop Advanced Skills and Progress

Pursue Professional Qualifications

Gain recognised industry certifications such as those from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Professional qualifications like the CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional Marketing or the Digital Marketing Institute’s certifications can boost your career prospects. These courses are often studied part-time and help deepen your expertise in areas such as digital marketing, strategy, and analytics.

Move into Managerial Positions

Apply for roles such as Marketing Executive or Marketing Manager as you gain experience.

With several years of experience and additional qualifications, you can progress to managing your own team or department. As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for setting strategy, overseeing budgets, leading teams, and measuring campaign success. Continuous professional development and keeping up with marketing trends are key to long-term success.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Marketing Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

The 'Marketing manager' in the list is the closest match because both roles involve overseeing marketing campaigns, developing marketing strategies, and managing teams to promote products or services. They require similar skills in market analysis, communication, and strategic planning.

How to become

You could get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You can become a marketing manager as graduate of any subject. Some higher national diploma or degree subjects might be particularly relevant like:

  • marketing
  • business management
  • digital marketing
  • advertising
  • psychology

Some companies might offer graduate marketing management schemes.

You might be able to fast-track through professional marketing qualifications if your degree is accredited. 

You can find out more about the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) accredited degree.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could start by taking a Marketing Assistant or Marketing Executive Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

If you already have some marketing experience, you might be able to do a Marketing Manager Level 6 Higher Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a marketing executive and then take a qualification offered by a professional marketing body such as:

Direct Application

You might be able to apply directly for marketing manager jobs if you have experience in a related area like:

  • sales management
  • advertising
  • communications
  • public relations

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Chartered Institute of Marketing for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

Learn more about how to get into marketing from The Chartered Institute of Marketing.

You can also find out about marketing events and challenges by DMA Talent on the Institute of Data and Marketing.

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