Head of Sales and Marketing

Since 2004, Rat Race Adventure Sports has been creating extraordinary adventures for ordinary people.

From pioneering ultra-distance events across the UK to delivering world-first expeditions in some of the planet's most remote and spectacular locations, we have spent over two decades building one of the UK's most respected adventure brands.

Every event we create is underpinned by meticulous planning, exceptional operational delivery and an uncompromising commitment to participant experience and safety.

Rat Race is entering an exciting new phase of growth.

With an expanding portfolio of UK events, international expeditions and ambitious new product launches, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Sales & Marketing as a new position with the company to lead the commercial growth of the events business.

This is not a traditional marketing role.

We're looking for someone who understands that great marketing exists to drive sales.

Someone who enjoys analysing data as much as creating campaigns.

Someone who thrives on hitting commercial targets whilst building an inspiring brand that people genuinely want to be part of.

If you're equally excited by strategy, creativity, leadership and commercial performance, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Head of Sales & Marketing, you will lead our marketing function and be responsible for driving the commercial performance of the business through a clear, measurable marketing strategy.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of our annual marketing plan, oversee all sales and marketing activity, manage our growing team and ensure every campaign contributes towards achieving ambitious monthly and annual revenue targets.

This is a hands-on leadership role.

You'll be expected to think strategically while remaining closely involved in campaign delivery, digital performance, product launches and brand development.

You'll also work closely with every department across the business to ensure our marketing accurately reflects the quality of the experiences we deliver.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Sales & Marketing team, providing clear direction, support and development.
• Own the annual marketing strategy, six figure budget and delivery plan.
• Deliver consistent monthly sales performance against agreed revenue targets.
• Analyse campaign performance and make data-driven decisions to optimise return on investment.
• Develop and strengthen the Rat Race brand across all customer touchpoints.
• Lead event launches for new UK events and international adventures.
• Manage relationships with external agencies, including freelancers and PR partners.
• Oversee digital marketing including paid media, CRM, email marketing, social media, SEO and website performance.
• Work closely with operational teams to ensure marketing and participant communications remain accurate and up to date.
• Identify new commercial opportunities, partnerships and routes to market.
• Stay ahead of trends within adventure travel, endurance events and digital marketing.

About You

You'll be commercially driven, naturally curious and genuinely excited by helping ambitious businesses grow.

You'll enjoy leading people, making decisions and taking ownership of results.

Most importantly, you'll understand that successful marketing is measured not simply by engagement, but by revenue.

• Proven experience leading marketing within a consumer-facing business.
• Experience managing people, agencies and marketing budgets.
• Strong commercial awareness with responsibility for achieving sales targets.
• Excellent understanding of digital marketing channels including paid media, CRM, email marketing, SEO and analytics.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and adapt strategy accordingly.
• Excellent planning and project management skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• A passion for endurance sport, adventure travel or the outdoors.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Valid passport with willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.
• Experience within adventure travel, tourism, outdoor sports or events.
• Knowledge of GA4, Meta Ads, Google Ads and marketing automation platforms.
• What It's Like Working at Rat Race

Rat Race is a small company doing extraordinary things.

Our team is passionate, ambitious and highly collaborative. Everyone plays an important role in delivering incredible experiences for thousands of participants every year.

We're looking for someone who wants to make a genuine impact rather than simply become another cog in a large corporate machine.

Expect variety, responsibility, adventure and plenty of opportunities to travel both within the UK and internationally.

• Remote and flexible working
• Four-day working week (October-March)
• Unlimited annual leave
• Sales-related bonus scheme following successful probation
• Significant UK and international travel opportunities
• Two-week Christmas shutdown
• Private medical insurance
• Friends and family event discounts
• Staff discounts across the Rat Race Store
• Salary from £45,000, negotiable depending on experience
• #J-18808-Ljbffr