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Marketing & Advertising

Marketing Manager

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A Marketing Manager in the UK is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s products or services. Their role is varied and includes overseeing market research, strategising advertising campaigns, managing budgets, and working with creative teams. Marketing Managers often analyse market trends, identify target audiences, and use data to measure the effectiveness of campaigns. They may work in-house for a company or for marketing agencies that handle multiple clients. The job requires strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills, and is well-suited for individuals who are creative and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.

Marketing Manager

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Marketing Managers in the UK typically earn between £35,000 and £60,000 per year, with those in senior positions earning upwards of £80,000.

Job Openings

As of 2023, there were over 12,000 marketing manager positions advertised across the UK.

Industry Demand

The marketing sector in the UK employs more than 200,000 people, with steady growth anticipated in digital and data-driven roles.

🚀 Careers in this path

Digital Marketing Manager

Oversees online marketing campaigns, manages social media channels, and analyses web traffic to increase brand awareness.

Content Marketing Manager

Focuses on creating and distributing valuable content to attract and engage a target audience, such as blog posts, videos, and newsletters.

Brand Manager

Responsible for building and maintaining a positive image for a specific brand, including planning campaigns and monitoring market trends.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Achieve GCSEs and A Levels

Focus on subjects like English, Business, and Media Studies at school.

Most marketing roles require at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 including Maths and English. Taking A Levels or equivalent qualifications in subjects such as Business, English, or Media Studies can provide a solid foundation for further study or apprenticeships in marketing.

Obtain a Degree or Equivalent

Consider a university degree in marketing, business, or a related field.

Many employers prefer candidates with a degree in marketing, business management, communications, or a similar subject. Alternatively, you could take a Level 4 or 6 Marketing Apprenticeship, or a professional qualification from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Build Practical Experience

Gain Work Experience

Look for internships, placements, or part-time roles in marketing departments.

Hands-on experience is crucial. Try to secure internships or summer placements with marketing agencies or in-house teams. You can also volunteer to help local charities or student societies with their social media or promotional campaigns.

Develop Digital Skills

Learn about digital marketing, social media, and analytics tools.

Modern marketing is highly digital. Take online courses or certifications in areas such as Google Analytics, social media advertising, SEO, and email marketing. These skills are often required for marketing manager roles.

Progress to Management Roles

Advance to Senior Positions

Work your way up from assistant to executive and then manager roles.

After gaining a few years of experience as a marketing assistant or executive, you can apply for management positions. You will be expected to show strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to deliver successful campaigns.

Continue Professional Development

Keep learning and stay updated with marketing trends.

Marketing is always changing, so ongoing learning is important. Attend industry events, complete advanced CIM qualifications, and read marketing publications to stay ahead in your field.

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 most closely matching career title is 'Marketing manager' because both roles involve overseeing marketing strategies, managing marketing teams, and developing promotional campaigns. They require similar qualifications in marketing principles, leadership, 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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