Interim CMO/Marketing Director

Origin Coffee Ltd; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading coffee company in London is seeking an experienced Interim CMO to reshape its marketing strategy during a pivotal transition. This strategic role involves guiding the marketing function, refining brand strategy, and supporting a major product launch. The ideal candidate will have robust experience in high-growth marketing environments and a strong record in brand management and team leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience leading marketing in a high-growth organization.
• Strong background in brand strategy and product launches.
• Proficient in navigating complex team structures.

Responsibilities

• Define and align brand strategy across channels.
• Review and enhance team organization and roles.
• Oversee product launch plans and campaigns.

Skills

Marketing strategy experience

Team leadership

Brand building

Digital marketing

E-commerce

Job description

Purpose

We’re looking for an experienced and commercially focused marketing leader to step in on an interim basis and guide Origin through a pivotal transition. As Interim CMO / Marketing Director, you’ll lead our marketing function during a period of change, helping to clarify our brand strategy, shape a new team structure, and support a major product launch.

This is a strategic and hands-on role, focused on laying strong foundations across brand, content, digital, retail and wholesale marketing. You’ll partner closely with the CEO and Growth Director, provide leadership to the existing team, and support the successful handover to a permanent Marketing Director.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy & Direction

• Define a clear and usable brand strategy rooted in Origin’s purpose, positioning and values
• Align strategic direction across key channels - wholesale, retail, and e-commerce
• Identify short-term priorities and longer-term opportunities for a permanent leader to build on

Team & Organisation Clarity

• Review the current ways of working across brand, creative, and performance functions
• Provide recommendations to enhance clarity around roles, responsibilities, and collaboration
• Support the development of clear reporting lines and processes, and help ensure any changes are introduced smoothly

Product Launch Support

• Provide oversight and steer on active brand and campaign projects, including festive campaign planning and key tenders
• Contribute to pitch preparation for new business opportunities with input into deck content and brand presentation
• Support wider brand considerations within B Corp recertification preparation and sustainability messaging
• Ensure brand and campaign activity is aligned with digital, paid, and subscription strategies to support e-commerce growth

Interim Leadership & Support

• Provide interim line management and creative direction across the marketing function
• Set expectations, unblock delivery, and create clarity during a time of transition
• Coach and support team members to build confidence and momentum
• Provide connection and oversight to the sustainability function, supporting the B Corp accreditation application process

Handover & Recruitment

• Collaborate on the hiring process for a permanent Marketing Director
• Support decision-making on in-flight hires (e.g. mid/senior designer role)
• Ensure documentation, strategy, and ways of working are handed over

You might be a fit if you:

• Have led a full marketing or brand function in a founder-led, high-growth consumer business
• Bring experience across brand strategy, digital, campaigns, content and product marketing
• Have supported or led launches in food, drink, lifestyle or FMCG sectors
• Are confident in navigating team restructure and organisational change
• Have managed creative, brand, and performance teams, including freelancers or agencies
• Can build quick trust with senior leaders and bring structure during periods of ambiguity
• Are comfortable working across a decentralised team (Cornwall + London + remote)

What success looks like

• A clear brand strategy is defined and shared
• The team structure is scoped and understood, with next steps in motion
• Product and campaign plans for autumn/winter launches are well advanced
• Team confidence and delivery rhythm are supported
• A permanent Director is recruited and fully onboarded

Working style & qualities

• Strategic, pragmatic and commercially aware
• Brings calm structure and clarity in complex or ambiguous situations
• Communicates with precision and focus, and can simplify the complex without dumbing it down
• Values brand integrity and storytelling as drivers of commercial growth
• Low-ego, collaborative and a trusted peer to senior leaders
• Brings momentum and pace without over-engineering

Reporting lines

• Reports to: CEO & Founder (Tom Sobey)
• Key partners: Josh Tarlo (Growth Director), Ellie Rowe (People Director), Dan Goodenough (CFO)

Key Relationships

Includes the Head of Brand, Head of Ecommerce, Ecommerce Brand Manager,Marketing Channel Leads,Digital & Partnerships Manager, Copywriter, Social Media Manager, Events Manager, Head of Retail and Head of Coffee.

There’s scope for this interim role to evolve into a permanent position for the right person.