Head of Marketing

Opportunity Brief:

Head of Marketing

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Group) is a leading executive search firm specializing in the UK, North American, and European engineering, technology, sustainability, and heavy manufacturing industries.

Our team of search directors, consultants, and researchers focus on all horizontal functions within our clients\’ organizations, including engineering, commercial, procurement, HR, IT, finance, HSQE, sales, projects, operations, and C-suite roles.

We are trusted by over 100 leading organizations to make leadership appointments, whether permanent or interim.

We are currently recruiting a Head of Marketing for our client, a pivotal role responsible for leading and developing the group’s marketing function across the UK and Ireland.

This opportunity brief provides insights into the role, challenges, and responsibilities, based on discussions with key stakeholders.

The Role:

This is the company\’s first senior marketing appointment with a group-wide remit. The successful candidate will be supported by two Marketing Managers, one in the UK (to be hired) and one in Ireland, who will handle specific areas like websites, PPC, content development, and social media.

The role requires a responsive, entrepreneurial leader who can develop and execute marketing plans, manage the brand, and identify new opportunities proactively.

Challenges in the First 12 Months:

• Building the marketing function from scratch, with support from leadership.
• Balancing long-term strategy with quick wins and immediate opportunities.
• Being hands-on and operational, leading from the front.

Key Deliverables:

• Developing a clear, measurable marketing strategy aligned with growth objectives.
• Launching campaigns to generate qualified leads and support sales.
• Enhancing digital channels and conducting market and competitor analysis.
• Building and developing a capable marketing team.

Essential Hard Skills:

• Hands-on experience in developing targeted marketing strategies across multiple channels.
• Experience with brand development, digital marketing, content strategy, and media engagement.
• Senior B2B marketing experience, preferably in engineering, industrial, or technical sectors.
• Proven ability to manage teams and influence senior leadership.
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical skills.

Essential Soft Skills:

• Dynamic, agile, and organized with quick reaction capabilities.
• Strong character, capable of advising non-marketing leadership.
• Engaging, autonomous, and motivated with excellent communication skills.

Working Arrangements & Location:

The role is based at the client\’s HQ in Hampshire, with flexibility but expected onsite around 3 days a week.

Interview Process:

• Initial interviews with MDs and HR.
• Psychometric assessment.
• Final on-site interview with MDs.
• Final approval with Group CEO.

Additional Information:

• This is a new role, offering a blank canvas to shape the marketing function.
• The role reports to the Group CEO but works closely with UK and Irish MDs.
• Line management of two Marketing Managers, with a focus on strategic leadership and team development.

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