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Marketing & Advertising

Marketing Manager

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A marketing manager is responsible for planning, executing and overseeing marketing strategies to promote products, services or brands. This role typically involves managing a team, working with budgets, conducting market research, and working closely with other departments such as sales and product development. Marketing managers use a mix of traditional advertising, digital marketing, social media, and public relations to reach target audiences, increase brand awareness, and drive sales. Strong communication, creativity, and analytical skills are essential, as is the ability to adapt to the fast-changing world of marketing, especially with the rise of digital platforms.

Marketing Manager

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📊 Statistics

Salary Range

Marketing managers in the UK typically earn between £30,000 and £70,000 per year, with senior positions at large companies earning even more.

Employment Numbers

There are over 80,000 marketing manager roles in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Job Growth

Marketing manager positions in the UK are expected to grow by around 4 percent over the next five years, reflecting ongoing demand for skilled professionals in digital and traditional marketing.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Digital Marketing Manager

Oversees online marketing strategies, including social media, email campaigns, and website content to promote a brand or product.

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Brand Manager

Focuses on developing and maintaining a company's brand identity, ensuring that products and marketing align with the brand's values and goals.

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Content Marketing Manager

Plans and creates content such as blogs, videos, and articles to attract and engage customers, supporting the business's marketing objectives.

Build a Foundation in Marketing

Obtain Relevant Qualifications

Start by gaining academic qualifications such as A-levels or equivalent, ideally in business, media studies, or English.

You may also consider a Level 3 BTEC in Business or Marketing. Strong GCSE results, especially in English and Maths, will help with further study. These subjects provide a good base for understanding marketing concepts and communication skills.

Pursue a Marketing Related Degree

Apply for a university degree in marketing, business management, or a related field.

A degree in marketing, business, or communications is highly valued by employers. Some universities offer degrees with a marketing specialism. Alternatively, you could study a broader business course and select marketing modules. Undergraduate placements and sandwich years are excellent for gaining practical experience.

Gain Practical Experience

Secure Work Experience or Internships

Gain hands-on experience through internships, placements, or part time roles in marketing departments.

Look for opportunities with marketing agencies, in-house marketing teams, or through university placement schemes. Volunteering to help with social media or event promotion for charities or student groups can also build your CV. Real world experience is highly valued in marketing.

Develop Digital Marketing Skills

Learn about digital marketing tools and platforms such as social media, SEO, and analytics.

Many employers look for digital marketing experience. Free or low cost online courses are available on platforms like Google Digital Garage, HubSpot Academy, and LinkedIn Learning. Understanding Google Analytics, Facebook Ads, and email marketing can give you an edge.

Advance Your Career

Move into Junior and Mid Level Roles

Seek full time roles such as Marketing Assistant, Marketing Executive, or Digital Marketing Officer.

These positions allow you to take on more responsibility and develop your skills further. Keep a record of successful campaigns and achievements to support your progression. Building a network within the industry can also open up new opportunities.

Become a Marketing Manager

Progress to a Marketing Manager role after gaining several years of experience and demonstrating leadership.

You may be promoted internally or apply for external positions. Some Marketing Managers hold professional qualifications such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Diploma. Continuing professional development, attending industry events, and staying updated on trends will help you succeed in this role.

🎯 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

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

The role of a Marketing Manager most closely aligns with the Marketing manager position listed. Both roles involve overseeing marketing strategies, managing teams, and coordinating campaigns to promote products or services, requiring similar qualifications and skills.

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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