At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing strategy and communications during a growth phase, engaging with clients and partners.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on innovation in Defence and National Security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the company's brand.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and to work with a diverse team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role while developing your marketing skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in marketing leadership and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced, commercially minded marketing generalist to lead Marketing & Communications during a period of growth.
This is an expansive, hands-on leadership role that touches every area of the business and involves working directly with external clients and partners.
The role will be a 14 month fixed term maternity cover.
Because of the nature of this work
You will be required to travel to our Summertown, Oxford office regularly, ideally 1-2 times per week, attend client sites and attend events both in the UK and internationally.
You will need to hold existing or be eligible for UK Security Checked Vetting (SC), details of which can be found on the Gov UK website.
Key responsibilities
- Marketing strategy, planning and performance
- Deliver Mind Foundry's marketing and communications strategy in support of company and commercial priorities.
- Translate business objectives into focused plans, campaigns, budgets and measurable outcomes.
- Establish clear priorities for the function and direct resources towards activity with the strongest strategic and commercial value.
- Monitor and report on campaign effectiveness, audience engagement, website performance, lead quality and contribution to commercial opportunities.
- Manage the marketing budget, external suppliers, and agency relationships, and maintain an effective operating rhythm for the function.
- Brand, positioning and external communications
- Own Mind Foundry's brand, positioning and messaging architecture.
- Ensure communications are clear, credible and appropriate for Defence and National Security customers, partners, investors, government, and prospective employees.
- Lead PR, media engagement, thought leadership, and product marketing.
- Maintain brand consistency across digital channels, presentations, events, partner materials, recruitment activity, and internal communications.
- Coordinate sensitive external comments, interviews and information requests, ensuring claims are evidenced, and customer or partner confidentiality is protected.
- Content, digital channels and campaigns
- Lead high-quality content including website copy, case studies, partner marketing, thought leadership, and social content.
- Own the website as a strategic marketing, commercial and employer-brand channel.
- Develop integrated campaigns for priority capabilities, markets, partnerships, and events.
- Ensure customer stories, programme evidence, and operational proof points are used appropriately and with the necessary permissions.
- Internal communications and organisational alignment
- Own Mind Foundry's internal communications approach, working closely with People and Operations teams, so employees understand company priorities, decisions, progress and upcoming activity.
- Continue to drive clear communication rhythms across leadership updates, company meetings, Teams, email and internal content.
- Plan and run quarterly all-company onsites, coordinating agendas, workshops, and logistics, alongside summer and Christmas parties that bring the team together.
- Run regular employee surveys and feedback opportunities, translating insights into practical improvements, and communicating the actions taken.
- Partner with People on employer brand, recruitment marketing and onboarding communications.
- ESG
- Oversee Mind Foundry's ESG programme, ensuring commitments are planned, delivered, measured and communicated credibly.
- Maintain an achievable roadmap for environmental, social, and governance activity.
- Continue to drive credible ESG evidence for bids, customer engagement, investor materials and partnerships.
- Team leadership and function development
- Lead and develop a blended team of permanent employees, interns, consultants, and agencies.
- Provide clear priorities, effective delegation, constructive feedback, and professional development.
- Assess capability and capacity needs as the business grows, and lead recruitment and resourcing decisions to build the most effective mix of permanent employees, contractors and specialist support within agreed budgets.
- Balance hands-on delivery with effective delegation, making clear decisions about priorities, ownership and where specialist expertise will have the greatest impact.
- Core Experience
- Marketing and communications leadership
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Interim Head of Marketing & Communications (14 month maternity cover) in Oxford employer: mindfoundry
Mind Foundry is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the defence and government sectors. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, we offer unique opportunities to lead a talented sales team while shaping our go-to-market strategy in a fast-paced start-up environment. Located in Oxford, our hybrid work model allows for flexibility and collaboration, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Marketing & Communications (14 month maternity cover) in Oxford
✨Dive into Local Events
Get involved with local marketing and communications events! These are great places to meet people from the industry, learn about temporary roles, and even uncover hidden job leads. Check out local networking events or marketing conferences that might be happening in your area.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a standout digital portfolio showcasing your previous campaigns, writing samples, or projects. Share this on social media and professional groups relevant to marketing-communications. This public visibility can often attract interest from potential employers, especially for those temporary gigs!
✨Utilise Online Job Boards
Focus on job boards specific to marketing and communications. Sites like MarketingJobs.com or even LinkedIn can have temp roles that aren’t always advertised on the usual job sites. Keep your eyes peeled and apply through our website—temp roles can come up unexpectedly, and you want to be first in line!
✨Tap into Your Uni's Resources
If you're still at university, don't forget to lean on your career services for temporary marketing roles. They often have connections to firms looking for interns or temporary staff who can jump in at short notice. Plus, networking with your professors can lead to some valuable opportunities—always worth a chat!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Marketing & Communications (14 month maternity cover) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Campaigns:In marketing-communications, it’s all about showcasing your ability to create impactful campaigns. Make sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your CV, detailing your role, the strategies used, and the results achieved. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and analytical skills!
Tailor Your Writing Samples:For a temporary role, we want to see your versatility and adaptability in communication. Include a couple of writing samples that align with our brand voice or reflect your ability to engage various audiences. This gives us a taste of what you can bring to the team at mindfoundry from day one!
Show Off Your Digital Savvy:Digital marketing is a big part of marketing-communications, so make sure your application reflects your understanding of social media, SEO, and content marketing. Feel free to throw in any certificates you've earned in these areas—it shows your initiative and dedication to learning the latest trends!
Express Your Enthusiasm for the Short-Term Role:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in this temporary position at mindfoundry specifically. Share what you hope to learn during your time with us and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects. We're all about passion and potential, so let that shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at mindfoundry
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at mindfoundry, your portfolio will speak volumes. Bring along samples of your best work—think campaigns you've managed, social media content, and any visuals. Be ready to talk through your creative process and the impact your work had on previous projects.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
We know the marketing-communications field moves at lightning speed. Make sure you brush up on the latest trends—such as digital storytelling or the effectiveness of influencer partnerships. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show mindfoundry you're not just up-to-date but also eager to innovate.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure mindfoundry that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ready Your Communication Strategy
Be prepared for questions that assess your communication skills. You might get asked to pitch a marketing idea on the spot or create a quick content plan. This is your chance to shine and show how your unique perspective can solve problems for mindfoundry, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
