What are the key ingredients for hiring an effective Chief Marketing Officer?
The role of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) has altered dramatically in recent (and not so recent years), along with advancing marketing technologies and changes in customer behaviour, so what are the key ingredients for hiring an effective CMO now?
Here at Suzie Walker Executive Search, we regularly recruit interim and permanent CMOs, on behalf of our clients, for FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. We also support candidates to develop into these roles through further learning and role opportunities. We hope the following key ingredients provide food for thought.
Firstly, what is a CMO?
Essentially, the CMO is responsible for developing the marketing strategy and overseeing marketing operations – identifying trends and opportunities to achieve sustainable growth – but it’s so much more than that. The CMO role spans the whole organisation, championing the customer in all areas of the business and telling the brand’s story.
Strategic experience
An effective CMO will use data and insights to identify customer needs and what the future looks like for the organisation. They will make the best use of the budget available and collaborate with innovative thinkers to develop a winning strategy, working closely with all departments on its operational roll out. They will also identify and develop corporate partnerships for brand opportunities e.g., sponsorship and co-branding – looking outwards to extend reach and to engage audiences.
Integrated marketing knowledge
While digital marketing develops at an extraordinary rate, it’s important for the CMO to have experience of both traditional and digital marketing to get the most out of its strategy and to create a fully immersive brand experience for the customer, weaving its story throughout its activities and incorporating customers into its narrative. An effective CMO must also be a catalyst for change and innovation, by embracing new technologies that improve customer offerings.
Strong leadership skills
A CMO doesn’t work alone. An effective CMO inspires, challenges and collaborates with their team and all stakeholders. They will explore new ideas and innovations, using talent within the organisation, and beyond, to best achieve organisational goals, and they support the development of future leaders through mentorship and feedback.
Qualifications
Organisations’ requirements vary. Some will require a relevant bachelor’s degree or higher national diploma, some will require a master’s degree, and some will value qualifications through professional bodies, such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chartered Institute of Public Relations, or the Institute of Data & Marketing. Most importantly, it is about being a true professional with a passion for marketing, customers and organisational growth – always learning, always innovating.
Salary
Salary really depends on factors like experience, location and, most importantly, the right person. At Suzie Walker Executive Search, our team invests time at the beginning of a search to really understand what a client needs in terms of candidate profile and organisational culture. We also consider the ‘wild card candidate’ - being bold and brave while ensuring knowledge and expertise.
If you’re looking to hire an interim or permanent CMO, or if you’re looking to make your next career move, get in touch to see how we can help you or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
With warmest regards,
the Suzie Walker Executive Search team
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for marketing and digital roles in consumer-facing FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.
