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Marketing Manager

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A Marketing Manager is responsible for planning and overseeing marketing campaigns to promote products, services, or brands. This role involves market research, developing strategies, managing budgets, and leading teams to deliver creative campaigns across various channels, such as digital, print, and social media. Marketing Managers work closely with sales, product, and design teams to ensure their campaigns are effective and align with business goals. The job often requires strong communication, analytical, and leadership skills. Marketing Managers may work in a variety of industries, from retail and technology to finance and healthcare.

Marketing Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Marketing Managers in the UK typically earn between £35,000 and £65,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Senior positions can exceed £80,000 annually.

Job Openings

There are over 20,000 marketing management positions advertised annually across the UK, with demand particularly strong in London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Industry Representation

Approximately 70 percent of Marketing Managers work within the private sector, with the remaining roles in public sector organisations and charities.

🚀 Careers in this path

Digital Marketing Manager

Focuses on creating and managing online marketing campaigns, including social media, email, and website content.

Brand Manager

Oversees the development and promotion of a specific brand to ensure it stays appealing and competitive in the market.

Content Marketing Manager

Plans and produces written, visual, or video content to attract customers and build brand awareness.

Build a Strong Educational Foundation

Complete Secondary Education

Obtain GCSEs, including English and Maths, and consider A-levels or equivalent courses in Business, Economics, or Media Studies.

Strong performance in GCSEs is essential for progressing to A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Subjects like Business Studies or Media Studies can provide early insights into the marketing sector. Consider participating in school projects or clubs related to enterprise, communication, or digital media.

Pursue Higher Education

Gain a university degree in Marketing, Business Management, or a related subject.

Most Marketing Manager roles require a bachelor's degree as a minimum. Courses in Marketing, Business, Communications, or Public Relations are particularly relevant. Look for degree programmes that offer work placements or sandwich years for practical experience. Degree apprenticeships in marketing are also available and combine work with study.

Gain Practical Experience

Secure Work Experience or Internships

Apply for internships, part-time roles, or volunteer opportunities in marketing or related fields.

Work experience is crucial for developing practical skills and building a network in the industry. Seek internships during university holidays or part-time roles in marketing agencies, media companies, or in-house marketing departments. Consider student marketing roles, such as promoting events or managing social media for university societies.

Progress to Junior Marketing Roles

Start your career as a Marketing Assistant, Marketing Executive, or similar entry-level role.

After gaining some experience, look for permanent positions to develop your skills further. Entry-level roles allow you to work on real marketing campaigns, learn from experienced colleagues, and begin to specialise in areas such as digital marketing, content creation, or market research.

Advance and Specialise

Develop Professional Skills

Continue training in both general and specialised marketing skills, and work towards professional qualifications.

Consider professional qualifications from organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) or the Institute of Data & Marketing (IDM). Specialise in digital marketing, brand management, or another area of interest. Attend workshops, webinars, and industry events to stay up to date with trends and technologies.

Apply for Marketing Manager Positions

With experience and a track record of delivering results, apply for Marketing Manager roles.

Demonstrate your leadership, strategy, and project management abilities through your CV and portfolio. Marketing Managers are expected to lead teams, manage budgets, and contribute to business growth, so highlight any relevant experience in these areas. Networking and keeping your LinkedIn profile updated can also help you discover new opportunities.

🎯 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 is most closely aligned with the Marketing executive. Both positions involve developing marketing strategies, overseeing campaigns, and managing teams to promote products or services, requiring similar qualifications and skill sets.

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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