At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative brand campaigns and marketing strategies for Aardman's iconic characters.
- Company: Join Aardman, a multi-award-winning studio known for its innovative animation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the entertainment industry while celebrating creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in brand marketing, strong analytical skills, and a passion for storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This job is with Aardman, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
About The Role
- Start Date: ASAP
- Contract: 18 months fixed term contract initially
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Salary: Depending on experience
- Location: Gas Ferry Road, Bristol
The Aardman Brands & Licensing team drives long term relevance of our brands and engagement with our audiences, to maximise sustainable commercial value for the studio. We market and commercially exploit Aardman's IP in a way that celebrates and respects our creative values. We work globally, and develop strategies and partnerships to deliver our products, experiences and services to grow our brands and delight our fans.
Main purpose of the job: The Brand Manager is responsible for implementing creative brand campaigns and marketing strategies, and reports into the Head of Brand Marketing. This role plays a pivotal role in the strategic brand management and development of Aardman character IPs and helps to inform decision-making and drive the success of brand, content and marketing initiatives.
About You
Candidates will need previous brand marketing management and governance experience preferably within the entertainment, publishing or media sectors. You'll need proven experience in brand planning and implementation of promotional campaigns as well as strong analytical and critical thinking skills. We're looking for someone with experience in brand building projects in the UK and international territories and an understanding of digital distribution and marketing. You will need to be able to handle various projects at one time and collaborate effectively in a team environment and across departments. Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential for this role as well the ability to plan expenditure and track budgets.
Please confirm your salary expectations and availability in your cover letter. The closing date for applications is: 5pm on Wednesday 22nd July 2026.
About Us
Aardman is an independent and multi-award-winning studio producing feature films, series, advertising, interactive entertainment and attractions for both the domestic and international market. Our productions are novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised and full of charm reflecting the unique talent, energy and personal commitment of our team. Our work is often imitated and yet we continue to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning content for cinema, broadcasters, digital platforms and live experiences around the world.
In November 2018, Aardman became an Employee Owned organisation, ensuring that the studio remains independent and securing the creative legacy and culture of the company for the future. Our Diversity & Inclusion Charter is our commitment to building a workforce that is truly reflective of society, underpinned by the belief that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential in delivering on our mission: to create entertainment for all and to be the most inspirational animation company in the world. We welcome applications from all individuals and are always happy to discuss flexible working needs. We've signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better to make workplaces age-friendly, and Aardman is also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Brand Manager
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Aardman and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Aardman are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Aardman on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Aardman. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Brand Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Aardman. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Aardman:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Aardman’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aardman
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Aardman will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Aardman, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.