At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global marketing strategy and drive growth for our Advanced Materials business.
- Company: James Cropper, a pioneer in advanced materials with a rich heritage since 1845.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business strategy and shape market positioning.
- Qualifications: Proven marketing leadership experience and strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an ambitious, commercially minded Head of Marketing to help shape the next phase of growth for our Advanced Materials business.
This is much more than a traditional marketing role.
You’ll sit at the heart of commercial decision making, bringing an external market and customer perspective to our strategy and turning insight into opportunities for growth.
Working as part of the Commercial Leadership Team, you’ll lead our approach to marketing strategy, portfolio management, pricing, brand positioning and value propositions, working closely with Sales, Technical, Finance and Operations to strengthen our market position and deliver sustainable revenue growth.
- What you’ll be doing
- You’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact across the business, including:
- Developing and leading a global marketing strategy aligned to our commercial ambitions.
- Identifying new opportunities across markets, applications, segments and geographies.
- Owning product portfolio strategy, identifying opportunities, risks and investment priorities.
- Developing compelling material and customer propositions that help create competitive advantage.
- Partnering with Sales, Finance and business leaders to shape pricing and value management strategies.
- Using customer, competitor and market insight to influence our commercial, innovation and growth decisions.
- Strengthening our brand and market positioning across global advanced materials markets.
- Leading strategic marketing communications across digital, content, PR, brand and channels.
- Managing marketing planning and budgets with a clear focus on impact and return on investment.
- Leading, developing and inspiring the marketing team, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
- What we’re looking for
We’re looking for an established marketing leader who combines strategic thinking with genuine commercial instinct.
You’ll bring
- Senior marketing leadership experience with a track record of driving growth, profitability and market differentiation.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience across portfolio management, pricing and market-led decision making.
- The ability to turn market and customer insight into tangible commercial opportunities.
- Experience building brands, propositions and market positioning within complex B2B, technical or industrial environments.
- Strong leadership skills and experience developing high-performing teams.
- The credibility and influencing skills to operate effectively with senior and Executive stakeholders.
- The ability to navigate ambiguity, challenge thinking and translate strategy into action.
Experience within advanced materials, specialty materials, engineered products or a related manufacturing sector would be particularly valuable.
Why this role?
This is an opportunity to influence business strategy, shape how we take our products and propositions to market and play a visible role in the future growth of our Advanced Materials business.
We’re looking for someone who brings energy, curiosity and fresh thinking . Someone who wants to find the next opportunity, challenge the status quo and turn great ideas into measurable commercial impact.
Hybrid working is available, however this is a highly visible leadership position requiring regular on site presence in Kendal, alongside occasional UK and international travel.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier should we identify a suitable candidate or receive a sufficient volume of applications.
- Our job applicant privacy policy is available to view here
- The Company
James Cropper are global market leaders in advanced materials and paper products.
Led by the Cropper family for six generations, we have an international workforce and an operational reach in over 50 countries.
Established in 1845, we manufacture paper, packaging and advanced materials incorporating pioneering non-wovens and electrochemical coatings.
We operate across multiple markets from luxury retail to renewable energy.
Renowned globally for service, capability, pioneering and multi award-winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.
Our Values
- Forward Thinking
*We are proud of our heritage but not stuck in the past * We ask questions that matter and are always open to new ideas * We are inventors, not afraid to experiment *We anticipate our customers' needs and think about what’s best for the long-term * As pioneers, we forge new paths ahead
- Responsible
- We face reality and own our actions * We believe in using materials resourcefully * We are tenacious and committed to delivering quality products and service to our customers * We are guardians of this business for future generations
- Caring
- Family and community is at the heart of our business and makes us stronger * We treat each other how we would like to be treated, and pull together when the going gets tough * We care about each other’s wellbeing, our customers, suppliers and the planet we share
- Learning & Development Programmes
Head of Marketing in Kendal employer: James Cropper
At James Cropper, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters safety and collaboration among our multi-disciplinary teams. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and a clear career progression path, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career choice in the heart of our innovative mill operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Marketing in Kendal
✨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 James Cropper 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 James Cropper 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 James Cropper 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 James Cropper. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Marketing in Kendal
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 James Cropper. 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 James Cropper:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about James Cropper’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 James Cropper
✨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 James Cropper 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 James Cropper, 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.
