Head of Marketing

SRUC - Scotland's Rural College; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking a Head of Marketing to enhance their marketing activities and drive strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess leadership experience in marketing, particularly in the higher education sector, with strong digital marketing skills and the ability to manage teams and budgets. This position offers a competitive package along with generous benefits and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Enhanced pension contributions

Cycle to work scheme

Flexible working patterns

Tailored learning and development investments

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in leading strategic marketing functions in complex environments.
• Experience managing marketing teams and delivering high-impact campaigns.
• Ability to measure and adapt communication strategies.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic and operational management of marketing activities.
• Ensure delivery of brand positioning and values.
• Manage external agencies and media relations.

Skills

Strategic marketing leadership

Digital marketing expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Budget management

Education

Degree in Marketing or related field

Job description

About The Team:

SRUC - a specialist higher education institution covering research, education & consulting services, focussing on the natural economy has an exciting and ambitious vision which will transform our reputation, brand and profile.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Deputy CEO & COO the Head of Marketing will play a key leadership role for developing and enhancing SRUC’s marketing activities, helping shape and deliver strategic, insight-led marketing across all audiences and markets as part of a coherent institutional approach.

The postholder will drive the strategic and operational management of marketing, ensuring delivery of the brand positioning, brand values and SRUC strategy in order to grow the institutions market shares within a highly competitive market, through effective marketing and communication and strong reputation management, to create and deliver a vibrant and cohesive brand and image for SRUC in line with the strategy.

Qualifications and experience required:

Essential

• Degree-level qualification (preferably in Marketing or related field) or equivalent professional experience.
• Extensive experience in leading strategic marketing functions within complex, multi-stakeholder environments, ideally in higher education sector
• Experience managing marketing teams and budgets, with a track record of delivering high-impact campaigns.
• Strong digital marketing expertise, including platform development and performance measurement.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, internal communications, and external representation.
• Demonstrated success in managing external agencies, media relations, and marketing assets.
• Experience working in politically complex organisations and delivering strategic projects.
• Excellent communication, strategic planning, and influencing skills.

Desirable

• Membership of a professional body (e.g. CIM).
• Senior-level experience in higher education or similar sectors.
• Knowledge of student recruitment trends and rural Scotland issues.
• Experience commissioning market research and applying insights.
• Ability to measure and adapt communication strategies for impact.
• Global brand and marketing experience.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong leadership presence and political acumen.
• Creative, resourceful, and results driven.
• Excellent relationship builder, confident across all levels.

For full details of the responsibilities and requirements of this role, please download and fully read the Job Particulars document before applying.

Eligibility for Sponsorship:

This role may meet the eligibility for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route depending on individual circumstances. For non-UK nationals please check your eligibility prior to applying for the role.

Admin ref: CFPS/EXEC/012/25

Why work for SRUC?

• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• Flexible working patterns
• Hybrid working solutions
• Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development

How to Apply:

Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy.

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046