At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK marketing team and deliver innovative campaigns for a premium dairy-free brand.
- Company: Join a dynamic FMCG company with a strong US presence and a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and collaboration with international teams.
- Why this job: Take ownership of the marketing function and drive exciting projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Senior marketing leadership experience in FMCG and strong UK retail knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Head of Marketing (Maternity Cover), 12 Month FTC
Our client is a premium dairy‑free beverage brand with a strong US presence, now looking to bring in an experienced marketing leader to cover maternity leave and keep the UK business moving at pace.
This isn't a caretaking role.
You'll own the UK marketing function for 9-12 months: leading the team, running the 2027 UK marketing plan, and making the calls that keep campaigns, launches and activations on track.
You'll also pick up portfolio and innovation work, so this suits someone who thinks commercially about a product pipeline, not just someone who executes a campaign calendar.
You'll sit on the UK Leadership Team, report into the MD, and work closely with the US CMO and marketing team. Expect real autonomy and real accountability from week one.
What you'll do
- Lead the UK marketing team: direction, coaching, and enough space for people to own their projects.
- Deliver the 2027 UK marketing plan, on time and on budget.
- Manage agency relationships and the UK marketing budget.
- Guard the brand locally: translate global strategy into UK campaigns without losing consistency.
- Own UK retail and shopper thinking, and make sure innovation gets properly commercialised through the plan.
- Partner with Commercial and Sales to keep marketing activity tied to business priorities.
- Hand over cleanly: this role exists to protect continuity while someone's on leave, so a smooth, well‑documented handover matters as much as the day‑to‑day delivery.
- What you'll bring
- Senior marketing leadership experience (Head of Marketing, Marketing Director or equivalent) in FMCG, food and beverage, or consumer goods.
- Strong UK retail experience, not just brand or category marketing.
- A track record leading and developing marketing teams.
- Commercial acumen: comfortable partnering with Sales and Commercial leadership, not just marketing peers.
- Experience turning global brand strategy into local execution, and confidence acting as brand guardian.
- Experience running integrated campaigns, agencies, and budgets.
- The ability to prioritise and decide fast. This is a business that needs momentum, not deliberation.
- Nice to have
- Experience with US or international stakeholders.
- Coffee, café channel, or foodservice/on-trade background.
- Challenger brand experience.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Marketing (mat cover) - FMCG employer: Up World
At Up World, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture centred around innovation and collaboration. Located in a dynamic startup environment, we offer our employees ample opportunities for professional growth, mentorship from industry leaders, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the community. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to shaping the future of marketing and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Marketing (mat cover) - FMCG
✨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 Head of Marketing (mat cover) - FMCG
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 Up World 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 Up World 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 Up World
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at Up World, 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 Up World 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 Up World 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 Up World, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
