At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic marketing team to create impactful multi-channel campaigns.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation making a difference in government communications.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and collaboration with senior colleagues.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a fast-paced environment while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in marketing leadership and digital strategy required.
The predicted salary is between 59877 - 66869 £ per year.
Position: Deputy Head of Marketing
Band: 5
Salary: £59,877 - £66,869
Location: Liverpool/Norwich/Newport/Birmingham
Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term - Maternity Cover
Hours: Full Time/Compressed/Part Time (minimum 70% FTE)
Closing Date: 21/06/2026
Interview Date(s): W/C 6th, 7th and 9th July (subject to change)
We are seeking an experienced marketing leader who can hit the ground running for this 12-month fixed-term maternity cover opportunity.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Head of Marketing, you will lead a team of 6 (with 3 direct reports) to create compelling and engaging multi-channel marketing activity within the complex government environment. You will ensure effective team collaboration by working closely with the wider marcomms leadership team. Your expertise in leadership, digital marketing, and insight and evaluation will ensure we achieve impactful outcomes, aligned with GCA strategic priorities and Government Communication Service standards.
Key Accountabilities:
- Strategy: Lead marketing plan delivery, ensuring alignment with the marketing and communications strategy and GCA business priorities.
- Lead on insight and evaluation reporting to ensure effective performance, aligned with the Government Communication Service evaluation framework.
- Work collaboratively with senior colleagues across GCA to ensure all marketing meets objectives, managing and mitigating any risks.
- Provide strategic marketing and branding counsel to ensure the GCA brand and reputation is protected and enhanced.
Operations
- Lead and guide team members, manage performance to ensure a high-performing team, and support staff development through regular feedback.
- Collaborate with wider marcomms leadership team to ensure an effective content strategy, aligned to brand strategy, marketing channel strategies and the GCA business plan.
- Oversee agency management ensuring high quality performance, adherence to contract terms and on time, on budget delivery.
- Ensure all creative outputs reflect the GCA brand through a robust peer review process, managing and mitigating issues that may arise.
- Keep up to date with and implement, as appropriate, new digital marketing tools, techniques and channels to support marketing objectives and strategy.
- Work with the Head of Marketing to manage the marketing budget with a focus on low cost and no cost activity, applying robust spend controls that ensure best value.
- Ensure marketing operations systems, tools and processes are effective and continually optimised.
Professional Standards
Apply the principles, policies and practices of Government Communications Service to a high professional standard.
Essential Criteria (to be assessed at application stage):
- Line manager experience / capability: demonstrable experience of leading a team, overseeing resourcing and mentoring individuals to support growth and professional development.
- A proven track record of delivering high-impact marketing activity: managing multiple priorities to meet business needs and achieve objectives.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning skills: ability to translate marketing strategy into operational results evidenced by robust evaluation and performance reporting.
- Digital marketing: proven experience of developing and leading effective digital marketing channels and content strategies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills: the ability to articulate complex propositions simply and adapt style to the audience.
Success Profiles (to be assessed at interview):
- Behaviours: Leadership (to be assessed via presentation at interview)
- Seeing the big picture
- Making effective decisions
- Communicating and influencing
Valuing our people:
- Competitive salary
- Generous pension scheme
- A discretionary non-contractual performance related bonus
- Working remotely in addition to working in advertised office location
- Flexi time scheme (available for B1-B6)
- Minimum 25 days annual leave to a maximum service related 30 days excluding bank holidays
GCA operates a smarter working model that balances flexibility with collaboration. Successful candidates are expected to spend at least 26 days per quarter (approximately 2 days per week, pro-rata) at their contracted office, another GCA site, or off-site for meetings. For the remainder of the time, you may work from home or another suitable location that meets business needs.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience.
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, which the Civil Service may use to fill future suitably similar vacancies across government for candidates who are considered appointable following interview.
Please note that as part of this recruitment process, if you are unsuccessful at the interview stage but are close to the benchmark score you may be considered for and offered a role at a lower pay band within the same job family.
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
Deputy Head of Marketing - Maternity Cover in Birmingham employer: Crown Commercial Service
As a Deputy Head of Marketing at GCA, you will join a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to making a meaningful impact within the government sector. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our generous benefits package, including a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on professional development. With a collaborative work culture that values creativity and strategic thinking, GCA offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful marketing initiatives while enjoying a supportive environment in vibrant locations like Liverpool, Norwich, Newport, and Birmingham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Marketing - Maternity Cover in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Before your interview, dive into their website, social media, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate or family member and run through some common interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. It shows you’re engaged and gives you a chance to find out if the job is right for you too.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Marketing - Maternity Cover in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience in leading teams. We want to see how you've mentored individuals and managed performance, so share specific examples that demonstrate your capability.
Be Strategic:We’re looking for someone who can translate marketing strategies into real results. When you write your application, include instances where you've successfully planned and executed marketing activities that aligned with business objectives.
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication skills are key! Use clear and concise language to articulate your experiences and ideas. Remember, we want to see how you can simplify complex concepts for different audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crown Commercial Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the GCA's mission and values. Understand their marketing strategies and how they align with government communication standards. This will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities. Think about times when you've successfully led a team through challenges or implemented innovative marketing strategies. Be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and support team development.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves insight and evaluation, come prepared with metrics and results from your previous campaigns. Discuss how you've used data to inform decisions and improve marketing outcomes, showcasing your strategic thinking.
✨Practice Your Communication
Given the importance of clear communication in this role, practice articulating complex ideas simply. You might even want to prepare a short presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders.
