Senior Direct Marketing Manager (12-month mat cover)

Application Deadline: 19 February 2026

Department: Engagement

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: London/Hybrid

Compensation: GBP 50,000 - GBP 53,000 / year

We’re the UK’s specialist blood cancer charity with a clear vision: to beat blood cancer. We fund world‑class research, provide information and support to patients and their loved ones, and raise awareness of blood cancer. Are you a strategic marketing leader passionate about making a difference? Blood Cancer UK seeks a Senior Direct Marketing Manager to manage a high‑performing team, deliver insight‑led, multi‑channel campaigns, and help us grow individual giving and supporter engagement. Based in London with hybrid working (2‑4 days per month in the office), the role offers the chance to lead a talented team, innovate with digital channels, and champion campaigns that inspire supporters. If you thrive on turning data into action and delivering outstanding results, we want to hear from you.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome applications from individuals from under‑represented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with disabilities, to better reflect the community we serve and broaden our perspectives.

• Lead and deliver the Direct Marketing strategy – Develop and implement a strategy that grows individual giving income and supporter numbers, ensuring activity aligns with the Fundraising Strategy and organisational priorities.
• Drive innovation and digital transformation in supporter engagement – Lead the integration of digital channels and new products into the direct marketing programme, testing and scaling approaches that improve efficiency and reach.
• Manage campaign planning and delivery – Oversee planning, creative development, delivery and evaluation of acquisition and retention campaigns across multiple channels, ensuring delivery on time, on brand and within budget.
• Lead data‑driven decision making – Translate campaign and CRM data into actionable insight, identifying trends and opportunities to improve audience segmentation and campaign performance.
• Manage and develop the Direct Marketing team – Provide clear direction, coaching and performance management for team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture where staff can develop and succeed.
• Manage budgets and financial performance – Forecast, monitor and report on income and expenditure, ensuring efficient use of resources and delivery of agreed financial targets.
• Manage external relationships and suppliers – Lead relationships with agencies and suppliers, ensuring quality, compliance and value for money, while championing creative excellence and innovation.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion – Ensure fundraising activity reflects and reaches the diversity of the blood cancer community, and that inclusive approaches are embedded in team practices and campaign design.
• Manage, lead and develop the team – Ensure excellent levels of engagement and performance and that objectives are achieved.

• Knowledge
  • Deep understanding of direct marketing principles and fundraising best practice, including digital and multi‑channel approaches.
  • Aware of current trends, innovations and audience insights in individual giving and digital fundraising.
  • Strong understanding of data protection, fundraising regulations and CRM systems.
• Skills
  • Excellent planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Analytical and strategic thinker able to translate data into clear recommendations.
  • Confident communicator able to influence internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong leadership, coaching and performance management capability.
• Experience
  • Proven experience in delivering successful acquisition and retention campaigns from planning through to evaluation.
  • Demonstrated success in managing budgets and forecasting.
  • Experience of managing and developing staff.
  • Experience of working with and managing external agencies.
  • Experience in a fundraising or commercial direct marketing environment.