Marketing Business Partner

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university seeks a Marketing Business Partner to develop strategic student recruitment marketing plans. The role includes leveraging data to inform decisions, collaborating with academic teams, and ensuring alignment with university branding. Candidates should have experience in marketing planning, ideally in higher education, and be capable of influencing senior stakeholders. This position offers a supportive team environment and opportunities for professional development, along with a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic marketing planning, ideally within higher education.
• Confidence in using data and insights to inform decisions.
• Ability to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic student recruitment marketing plans.
• Provide expert marketing advice for recruitment targets.
• Act as a trusted partner to academic colleagues.

Skills

Strategic marketing planning

Data-driven decision making

Relationship building

Understanding of full marketing mix

Collaborative and proactive mindset

Job description

Full-time, Permanent

Closing date: 23:59 Wednesday 7th January 2026

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

We are looking for a values-driven individual to join our team as a Marketing Business Partner.

2026 is the University of Reading’s Centenary Year. A home to innovation, the University pushes academic boundaries and leads social change, both locally and internationally.

Our four guiding principles form the foundation of our strategy:

• a genuine love of learning
• creating new knowledge
• embracing and celebrating diversity of people and ideas
• and caring for our environment

The University of Reading is ranked in the top 30 UK universities in the world and among the top 200 universities globally.

We are proud of our leadership in climate and environmental sustainability - in 2025 we were awarded Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide.

Our award‑winning green campuses are at the heart of our university community, providing world‑class facilities alongside a sustainably‑conscious backdrop of nature. In 2025, our Whiteknights campus received its 15th Green Flag Award in a row, and we are considered one of Britain’s top green spaces.

Our 2020–2026 Strategic Plan commits us to transforming lives and improving the future of our planet.

As part of this mission, our External Relations Directorate plays a vital role in delivering integrated marketing, recruitment, global engagement, and communications strategies. We are now seeking a Marketing Business Partner to join our Brand and Marketing team and help drive student recruitment success across key academic schools.

About the Role

As a Marketing Business Partner, you will:

• Lead the planning and delivery of strategic student recruitment marketing plans for multiple Schools, covering UK and international markets.
• Provide expert, data-driven marketing advice to inform recruitment targets, portfolio reviews, and reputation-building initiatives.
• Act as a trusted ‘critical friend’ to academic colleagues, embedding yourself within their teams and shaping marketing activity.
• Ensure all campaigns and content align with the University’s brand and strategic ambitions.
• Oversee the development of compelling, brand-aligned messaging and work with creative and content specialists to deliver impactful campaigns.
• Evaluate marketing activity to demonstrate ROI and drive continuous improvement.

You will also play an active role in major University events such as Open Days and Clearing, and lead special projects to improve best practice and efficiency.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience in strategic marketing planning, ideally within higher education or a complex organisation.
• Is confident using data and insights to inform decisions and measure impact.
• Can build strong relationships and influence senior stakeholders.
• Understands the full marketing mix, including digital, content, and campaign management.
• Is collaborative, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a globally recognised university committed to sustainability and innovation.
• Work in a dynamic, supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development.
• Enjoy a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including generous holiday entitlement and pension scheme.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us shape the future of student recruitment at the University of Reading.

Contact Name: Simon Pride

Contact Job Title: Marketing Business Partner

Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: Fi Blair

Alternative Contact Job Title: Director of External Relations

Alternative Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Interviews will be held on TBC

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job‑share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.