At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing strategy and brand positioning for a fast-growing awarding organisation.
- Company: Join TQUK, a dynamic leader in vocational education and assessment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private medical insurance, and a birthday day off.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a real impact in the sector.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in marketing, strong analytical skills, and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Permanent Full-time
Location: Agile, Sale, Manchester UK
Reports to: Commercial Director
Salary: Circa £65,000
Line management responsibilities: Yes
Overview
About TQUK Training Qualifications UK, part of the AQA Group, is the fastest-growing Awarding Organisation in the UK and a market-leading Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation. We work with over 500 schools, colleges, universities, and training providers across the world to provide qualification certificates, endorsements, and apprenticeships to over 150,000 learners. Training Qualifications UK is entering its next phase of growth - and we’re investing in top talent to build what comes next.
About the Head of Marketing & Communications role
The Head of Marketing & Communications is the most senior marketing leader within TQUK and is accountable for shaping and delivering the organisation’s brand, market positioning, and go-to-market strategy within a regulated but commercially dynamic vocational and technical awarding environment.
The successful candidate will:
- Lead the development and execution of a reform-aligned marketing strategy that drives qualification growth, strengthens market share, and delivers measurable revenue impact.
- Build and embed a commercially focused, insight-led marketing function that uses data, customer intelligence, and digital performance tools to accelerate acquisition and retention.
- Position TQUK as a credible, agile, industry-focused awarding organisation.
- Ensure all marketing and external communications uphold regulatory requirements.
- Provide strategic market intelligence, reform insight, and brand direction.
Please note, this role is an agile role that requires regular presence in our head office, located in Sale, Greater Manchester.
Key Responsibilities
- Market-Aligned Strategy
- Lead a forward-looking marketing strategy aligned to organisational growth, vocational and technical reform, and regulatory expectations.
- Translate organisational objectives and reform developments into clear, compelling propositions for centres, employers, and learners.
- Ensure the organisation is fully prepared for qualification transitions, withdrawals, and launches driven by policy or funding change.
- Provide strategic insight to Executive, Product, and Leadership teams on market trends, customer behaviour, and competitive response to reform.
- Brand Positioning & Regulatory Credibility
- Own and protect the TQUK brand strategy.
- Safeguard organisational reputation through compliant, transparent, and responsible communications.
- Shape the organisation’s narrative within the wider skills ecosystem.
- Position TQUK as a leader in awarding, assessment innovation, and employer-relevant skills solutions.
- Commercial Growth & Competitive Performance
- Lead an insight-driven strategy across priority sectors and customer segments to accelerate growth.
- Establish measurable marketing contribution to revenue, market share, and customer retention.
- Develop agile, responsive campaign frameworks.
- Ensure all marketing investment is evidence-based and commercially sound.
- Integrated Go-to-Market Delivery
- Lead go-to-market strategies for new products, qualification launches, and regulatory changes.
- Work together with the Commercial Director and partner closely with Product, Commercial, Business Development, and Customer teams.
- Manage the marketing budget and provide regular financial reporting to the Board.
- Market Intelligence & Growth Insight
- Collaborate with Business Intelligence to deliver structured competitor, customer, and sector analysis.
- Ensure customer insight informs portfolio development, campaign prioritisation, and commercial decision making.
- Present market and reform intelligence to leadership.
- Leadership & Capability
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing team.
- Embed commercial discipline, performance measurement, and accountability across the function.
- Foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.
- Internal Communications & Culture Alignment
- Partner with People teams to ensure internal communications reinforce organisational values.
- Support organisation-wide understanding of market position, growth plans, and qualification strategy.
- Partnership & Commercial Support
- Work closely with commercial, business development, and relationship management teams.
- Develop partnership marketing strategies with employers, training providers, industry groups, and technology vendors.
- Performance Measurement & ROI
- Define KPIs and dashboards to measure the effectiveness of all marketing activity.
- Monitor campaign performance, customer engagement, brand awareness, and lead conversion.
Cultural and Communication Expectations
- Drive and deliver a culture that emphasises continuous improvement, efficiency and value for money.
- Be a cultural architect.
- Work closely with other Heads to manage cross-pillar issues.
- Shape strategies and plans which help put into practice and support TQUK’s vision.
- Take quick, confident decisions at a strategic level.
- Define and integrate clear structures, systems and resources required across the Pillars.
- Ensure an in-depth and evolving understanding of the broad range of customer requirements.
- Be an excellent, proactive communicator.
- Represent TQUK, speaking credibly and authoritatively on behalf of the Executive Team.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Proven leadership experience, ideally within an awarding organisation or regulatory environment.
- Strong understanding of qualification development and regulatory requirements.
- Analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Experience leading teams through change.
- Strong project management skills.
- Knowledge of the vocational education landscape and current sector reforms.
Key Characteristics
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
- Bold, decisive, and commercially minded.
- Energetic, ambitious, and driven by results.
- Self-motivated and proactive.
- Strategic thinker with strong communication and influencing skills.
- Resilient and adaptable.
- Creative and innovative.
Key Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 days Bank Holiday (33 in total).
- A further 3 days holiday awarded after long service.
- An extra day off to celebrate your birthday.
- BUPA Private Medical Insurance.
- BUPA Healthcare Cash Plan.
- Life Insurance.
- Income Protection Insurance.
- Annual Loyalty Bonus.
- NEST pension.
- Employer supported volunteering.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Head of Marketing & Communications employer: Training Qualifications UK
TQUK is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and innovation within a dynamic work culture. Located in Sale, Greater Manchester, we offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and generous annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join us as we shape the future of vocational education, where your contributions will directly impact our mission and success.
Contact Details:
Training Qualifications UK Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Marketing & Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a personal website or portfolio that highlights your marketing achievements and campaigns. This is your chance to showcase your creativity and strategic thinking, making you stand out from the crowd when applying for roles like Head of Marketing & Communications.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their brand, market position, and recent developments. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team at TQUK.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining TQUK and contributing to our exciting growth journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Marketing & Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Marketing & Communications role. Highlight your experience in shaping marketing strategies and your understanding of the vocational education landscape. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to TQUK!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've driven growth or improved brand positioning in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results that reflect your impact.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can blend creativity with strategic thinking, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for marketing and communications in the education sector. Be yourself!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at TQUK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Training Qualifications UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into TQUK's mission, values, and recent developments in vocational education. Familiarise yourself with their brand strategy and how it aligns with market trends. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Marketing & Communications, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change or innovation. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of creativity and data-driven decision-making, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready with Data
Since the role requires an insight-driven approach, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to inform marketing strategies. Discuss specific metrics you've tracked and how they influenced your decisions. This will showcase your analytical skills and understanding of performance measurement.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about TQUK's future plans, challenges in the vocational education landscape, and how the marketing team collaborates with other departments. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their success.
