What are the key ingredients for hiring an effective Marketing Director?
The Marketing Director is a hands-on and fast-paced role for those who want to oversee a strategy right through to implementation and analysis, working closely with the marketing team. So, what are the key ingredients for this dynamic role?
Here at Suzie Walker Executive Search, we regularly recruit interim and permanent Marketing Directors, 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 Marketing Director?
Essentially, the Marketing Director is responsible for ensuring growth through the implementation of a high-performing marketing strategy for long-term brand development. The Marketing Director leads the team and monitors performance. This senior management position usually reports to the Chief Marketing Officer, or equivalent.
Leadership and accountability
The Marketing Director will have extensive knowledge and experience of integrated campaigns, utilising the full marketing mix - but with in-depth digital knowledge and experience - and working closely with creative, marketing and sales teams to ensure successful implementation of the marketing strategy. They will have a customer-led approach, analysing outcomes and measuring return on investment.
Team development
Marketing Directors nurture the marketing team, ensuring engagement and strong performance. They will be responsible for maintaining the team’s talent pool and having a succession plan ready for all eventualities. They will also communicate the marketing strategy to the team, translating the CMO’s ideas clearly and effectively to ensure its successful implementation.
Relationship management
The Marketing Director will work closely with corporate partners, creative agencies and media contacts, liaising and engaging all those involved in the development of brand campaigns. This requires significant amounts of energy, ambition and influence to make the best use of resources and opportunities.
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 5 years’ experience to effectively lead a team in delivering the strategy.
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 Marketing Director, 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.
