At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape marketing strategy and drive commercial growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Markel, a Fortune 500 global leader in insurance and advisory services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be the voice of marketing, influencing real business outcomes and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Proven B2B marketing experience with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Shape strategy. Influence growth. Be the voice of marketing in the business. At Markel, we don’t just market products; we help businesses move forward with confidence. Insurance, for us, is about enabling ambition, solving complex challenges, and being there when it matters most. We’re now looking for a strategic Marketing Business Partner to join our high-performing UK team, someone who thrives in a stakeholder-led environment and wants to play a key role in driving commercial growth.
Why this role stands out:
This isn’t a traditional campaign delivery role. You’ll act as a trusted marketing advisor to the business, partnering with senior collaborators, understanding commercial challenges, and shaping how marketing drives real impact. Think of yourself as the “bridge” between commercial ambition and marketing execution, diagnosing problems, influencing decisions, and ensuring the right activity delivers results.
What you’ll be doing:
- Partner with the business – Work closely with senior partners across Commercial Lines, broker distribution, and growth areas to understand priorities and identify where marketing can add new value.
- Translate strategy into action – Turn commercial goals into clear marketing objectives, briefs and plans.
- Own the conversation – Challenge, influence and guide partners to ensure marketing activity is impactful and aligned.
- Lead with insight – Use data and market understanding to shape decisions and optimise performance.
- Oversee delivery – Collaborate with campaign, content, digital and events teams to bring plans to life.
- Drive performance – Track Return On Investment, prioritise investment and ensure activity delivers measurable results.
- Champion collaboration – Connect teams across Sales, Underwriting, Claims and beyond to deliver joined-up activity.
What success looks like:
- You’re recognised as a trusted advisor by senior partners.
- Marketing is seen as a strategic growth driver, not just a support function.
- Activity is targeted, insight-led and commercially impactful.
- You confidently balance priorities across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
What you’ll bring:
Essentials:
- Proven experience in B2B marketing with strong multi-channel knowledge.
- Commercial insurance expertise, particularly within broker/intermediary-led models (critical).
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Ability to think strategically and translate complexity into clear plans.
- Experience managing end-to-end marketing activity and measuring impact.
You’ll stand out if you:
- Are naturally consultative and commercially curious.
- Thrive in stakeholder-heavy environments.
- Can challenge constructively and influence with confidence.
- Stay calm under pressure and bring strong emotional intelligence.
The team & environment:
You’ll join a collaborative, high-performing marketing function covering the full marketing mix, from strategy to execution. This is a team that:
- Values ideas and partnership.
- Supports learning and development.
- Is evolving, offering real opportunity to shape how marketing operates.
What’s in it for you:
- Salary + great annual bonus.
- Hybrid working (3 days in office, flexible locations).
- 25 days holiday + option to buy/sell.
- Private medical, dental, life assurance & income protection.
- Excellent pension and broader benefits package.
- Real opportunities to develop, influence and grow your career.
Who we are:
Markel is a Fortune 500 global business operating across insurance, reinsurance, advisory and investment services in more than 20 countries. Our culture is built around five principles:
- We’re all about people.
- We win together.
- We strive for better.
- We enjoy the everyday.
- We think further.
Ready to make your mark? If you’re a strategic marketer with strong commercial insurance experience and a passion for influencing business outcomes, we’d love to hear from you. Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful.
Marketing Business Partner employer: Markel
At Markel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and personal growth. With a strong focus on employee development, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring you play a pivotal role in shaping marketing strategies that drive commercial success. Join us in Leeds, Manchester, or London, where you'll be part of a diverse team that values your insights and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the insurance industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Marketing Business Partner
✨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 Markel 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 Markel 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 Markel 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 Markel. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Marketing Business Partner
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 Markel. 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 Markel:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Markel’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 Markel
✨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 Markel 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 Markel, 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.
