Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Marketing & Advertising

Brand Manager

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A brand manager is responsible for developing and maintaining the image of a product, service, or company in the minds of consumers. This role involves creating marketing strategies, overseeing advertising campaigns, analysing market trends, and working closely with other departments such as sales, product development, and public relations. Brand managers often track the performance of their brand using sales data and customer feedback, and they must stay up to date with competitors. The job is both creative and analytical, requiring strong communication and project management skills. Brand managers typically work for larger companies or marketing agencies, and may be expected to travel or attend events to promote their brand.

Brand Manager

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Brand managers in the UK typically earn between £30,000 and £55,000 per year, with experienced professionals in large companies earning up to £70,000 or more.

Job Opportunities

There are approximately 7,000 to 9,000 brand management positions in the UK, with strong demand in sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail, and technology.

Job Growth

The marketing and brand management sector is expected to grow by around 5 percent by 2027, reflecting increased investment in digital and global brand strategies.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Digital Brand Manager

Focuses on managing and promoting a brand's presence across digital platforms, such as social media, websites, and online advertising.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Product Brand Manager

Responsible for developing and implementing branding strategies for a specific product or product range within a company.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Employer Brand Manager

Works to improve and communicate the employer brand to attract and retain talented employees, often collaborating closely with HR.

Build a Strong Educational Foundation

Obtain Relevant GCSEs and A-Levels

Focus on subjects like English, Business Studies, Media Studies, and Psychology to build a solid base for marketing and communications.

Achieving good grades in subjects such as English will help develop your communication skills, which are essential for a Brand Manager. Business Studies and Media Studies provide an introduction to marketing principles and consumer behaviour, while Psychology can help you understand how people think and what influences their purchasing decisions.

Pursue a University Degree

Study a relevant subject such as Marketing, Business Management, Advertising, or Communications at university.

A degree in Marketing or a related field will give you detailed knowledge of branding, market research, and consumer trends. Many universities offer specialised courses with placements or industry projects, which provide valuable experience and networking opportunities within the marketing sector.

Gain Practical Experience

Complete Internships or Work Placements

Apply for internships or work experience in marketing, advertising, or brand management during or after your studies.

Internships offer hands-on experience and a chance to apply your academic knowledge in real-world settings. Look for placements with brands, marketing agencies, or in-house marketing departments. These experiences help you build a professional network and gain practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Take on Entry-Level Marketing Roles

Start your career in roles such as Marketing Assistant, Marketing Executive, or Social Media Coordinator to build your skills.

Entry-level positions will introduce you to core marketing activities, such as campaign planning, market research, and digital marketing. These roles provide a stepping stone to more senior positions and allow you to learn how different aspects of brand management work in practice.

Develop Specialist Skills and Progress

Build Your Portfolio and Network

Create a portfolio of successful projects and expand your professional connections within the industry.

Document your achievements and contributions to marketing campaigns, including results and creative ideas. Attend marketing events, seminars, and join professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) to meet industry professionals and stay up to date with the latest trends.

Seek Brand Manager Positions

Apply for Brand Manager or Assistant Brand Manager roles once you have gained enough experience and proven your abilities.

Demonstrate your understanding of brand strategy, leadership skills, and ability to manage projects. In these roles, you will be responsible for leading brand campaigns, analysing market data, working with creative teams, and making decisions that shape the brand’s future. Continued professional development, such as obtaining additional marketing qualifications, can support your progression into senior management roles.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

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

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Brand Manager and a Marketing Manager both focus on developing and executing strategies to promote and position a brand or product in the market. They require similar qualifications in marketing, branding, market research, and communication skills to effectively manage brand perception and drive business growth.

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.

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.