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Marketing manager

Alternative titles for this job include Brand manager, account manager

Marketing managers plan how to promote products, services or brands and oversee all marketing activity.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Marketing manager

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

Real career story

Education

“After finishing my A levels I did a higher national diploma in business marketing for two years, I then did a further year to convert it into a degree.”

First job

“After university I took a role in a building society. I had the knowledge and theory, but no experience, so I did this to get some admin experience. I then worked for an engineering firm as a marketing executive for a year.”

Marketing manager

“After that I became a marketing manager for a chain of leisure centres for 15 years. I loved it. Nice people and a lovely working environment.”

Redundancy and new job

“After being made redundant, I went on to apply for lots of jobs. Fortunately, I have lots of transferable skills and I secured a new job within a month. I am now a Group Marketing Manager for a chain of builders merchants. I’m really enjoying the new challenge and change of industry.”

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to sell products and services
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • leadership skills
  • maths knowledge
  • business management skills
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a marketing manager you'll:

  • create marketing and social media strategies
  • plan and manage the launch of new products and services
  • oversee and approve campaign content, budgets and targets
  • work with in-house or external agencies
  • report on the effectiveness of campaigns

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move up to:

  • regional manager
  • marketing director
  • brand or account director

You could choose to work as a freelance marketing consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Marketing Executive Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Interchange Way, Cleckheaton, Bradford

Marketing Executive Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,000 a year Annually
  • Location: URLAY NOOK ROAD, EAGLESCLIFFE

Courses In England

Level 4 Award in Search Engine Marketing

  • Provider: RICHMOND AND HILLCROFT ADULT AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 26 February 2025
  • Location: Not known

ILM Leadership & Management

  • Provider: SHIPLEY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 May 2025
  • Location: SHIPLEY

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