What are the key ingredients for hiring an effective Head of Marketing?
A Head of Marketing has overall day-to-day responsibility of both the team and rolling out the strategy, working closely with all those involved in its successful implementation and ensuring maximum return on investment. So, what are the key ingredients for this busy role?
Here at Suzie Walker Executive Search, we regularly recruit interim and permanent Head of Marketing roles, 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 Head of Marketing?
It largely depends on the size of an organisation. In a large organisation, the Head of Marketing will take forward the Chief Marketing Officer’s strategy, through careful planning and team leadership. In a smaller organisation, a Head of Marketing might even be creating the strategy. However, in all organisations, key responsibilities include leading the marketing team, raising the brand’s profile, telling its story, and ensuring return on investment.
Problem-solver
An innovative strategy isn’t always easy to deliver, so the Head of Marketing will need to be a great problem-solver who can find solutions to anything, from using the team effectively to finding the right agency, and lots more. A Head of Marketing will have a proven track record in multi-channel tactics, an in-depth understanding of digital marketing – it's no longer enough to manage a team that does – and write marketing briefs that achieve desired results.
Organised leader
A Head of Marketing will lead and develop the marketing plans to ensure that campaigns and activities are delivered on time and in line with the overall strategy. They will manage this through regular touchpoints with their team, making the most of their talents in order to increase brand awareness and customer engagement – always aligning with the strategy and brand.
Adaptable
Strategic decisions mean that a Head of Marketing will need to adjust their team’s sails according to changing priorities. It is the Head of Marketing’s responsibility to effectively communicate these changes and to motivate the team on this new course. This ability to adapt and move forwards will inspire others.
Qualifications
Organisations’ requirements vary. Some will require a relevant bachelor’s degree or higher national diploma, and some will value or desire 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’s about having the required knowledge and at least 3 years’ management experience to effectively lead a team.
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 Head of Marketing, 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.
