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Marketing & Advertising

Brand Manager

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Brand Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining the image of a product, service, or company in the marketplace. This role involves creating marketing strategies, overseeing advertising campaigns, and ensuring that all communications align with the brand's identity. Brand Managers work closely with marketing, sales, and product development teams to ensure the brand remains competitive and appealing to customers. The job often includes analysing market trends, monitoring competitors, and managing budgets for promotion and advertising. Strong communication, creativity, and analytical skills are essential for success in this field.

Brand Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Brand Managers in the UK typically earn between £30,000 and £60,000 per year, with senior roles reaching up to £80,000.

Job Availability

There are currently over 2,000 Brand Manager positions advertised annually across the UK.

Typical Working Hours

Brand Managers usually work around 37 to 40 hours per week, often with additional hours during product launches or campaigns.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Digital Brand Manager

Focuses on building and promoting a brand's online presence through social media, websites, and digital campaigns.

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Product Brand Manager

Specialises in managing and developing marketing strategies for a specific product or product line within a company.

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Employer Brand Manager

Works to promote the company as an attractive place to work, helping to attract and retain talented employees.

Get Qualified

Achieve Good GCSEs and A-Levels

Aim for strong GCSEs, particularly in English, Maths, and Business Studies, followed by A-Levels in related subjects.

Having a solid educational background is essential for a future in brand management. Subjects like English and Business Studies will help develop your communication and analytical skills, both of which are vital for this career. Consider A-Levels in Business, Media Studies, or Psychology to gain further insight into consumer behaviour and business operations.

Obtain a Relevant Degree

Pursue a university degree in Marketing, Business, Advertising, or a related field.

Most Brand Managers have a degree in a relevant subject. University courses in Marketing or Business Management not only provide theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, such as marketing research, campaign planning, and consumer psychology. Some universities offer work placements or internships as part of the course, which can be very beneficial for gaining hands-on experience.

Gain Experience

Complete Internships or Placements

Gain work experience through internships in marketing, advertising, or brand management.

Internships provide valuable industry insight and practical skills. Look for opportunities with marketing agencies, in-house marketing departments, or companies with strong brand identities. Placements can help you build a professional network and may lead to permanent positions after graduation.

Start in an Entry-Level Role

Begin your career in a junior marketing, marketing assistant, or brand executive role.

Entry-level roles are a great way to learn about the industry and develop essential skills, such as project management, data analysis, and campaign execution. Over time, you can take on more responsibility and start managing small projects or elements of a brand’s strategy.

Develop Your Skills and Progress

Build Marketing and Leadership Skills

Take on more responsibility, lead projects, and continue professional development through courses and networking.

Brand Managers need strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills. Consider further study, such as a CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) qualification, and attend industry events to stay updated. As you progress, you may manage larger brands or teams, shaping the direction of well-known products or companies.

Apply for Brand Manager Positions

Use your experience to progress into a Brand Manager role, overseeing brand strategy and campaigns.

With the right mix of education and experience, you can apply for Brand Manager positions. In this role, you will be responsible for planning and executing marketing strategies, managing budgets, and ensuring brand consistency. Success as a Brand Manager can lead to more senior roles, such as Senior Brand Manager or Marketing Director.

🎯 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.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Brand Manager and a Marketing Manager both focus on developing and implementing strategies to promote products or services, building brand identity, and overseeing marketing campaigns. They require similar skills in market analysis, communication, and leadership within the marketing domain.

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

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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

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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

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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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