Strategic & Digital Marketing Lead (Fixed term 24 months)

Leeds Beckett University; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative opportunity awaits you at a forward-thinking university, where you will lead a Knowledge Transfer Partnership project aimed at optimizing marketing strategies for a well-established bakery. This role promises hands-on experience in digital transformation and strategic marketing, supported by academic experts. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will have access to a dedicated training budget and the chance to pursue further qualifications. Join a friendly team and make a tangible impact while enhancing your career prospects in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Pension Schemes

Flexible Working

Reduced Study Fees

Subsidised Fitness Facilities

Training and Development Budget

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (2.1 or higher) in Marketing or related field.
• Experience in delivering marketing strategy within a commercial environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and embed new marketing capabilities within Haighs.
• Drive digital transformation and support business competitiveness.

Skills

Strategic Marketing

Digital Marketing

Project Management

Communication Skills

Agile Methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing

Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma

Job description

Job Description

Leeds Beckett University has a fantastic opportunity to deliver an exciting and innovative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project to optimise strategic and digital marketing and decision-making within Haighs Bakery – a family-owned North Leeds based SME producing a wide range of sweet and savoury baked products which they supply across the North of the UK.

Haighs has operated successfully for 75 years, holds Gold member status in the Craft Bakers Association, and is committed to researching and developing new products and recipes, with a pride in quality ingredients and product consistency.

We encourage applications from self-starters with strong communication and project management skills, and credible experience in strategic and digital marketing. The successful candidate will need to bring a pragmatic, agile, and responsive approach.

This role is supported by academic experts from Leeds Beckett University’s Leeds Business School, who will help you develop and embed new strategic and digital marketing and decision-making capabilities within Haighs. The aim is to support their ambition to be more competitive and to innovate into new markets. There is an exciting opportunity to drive digital transformation within the business. You will be based full-time at the company premises and will be welcomed as an integral part of the friendly Haighs team.

Have you heard of KTP? It is a valuable scheme offering a fast-track career development path, including a £4,000 budget for your professional development. Around 80% of KTP project leaders secure permanent roles within the business after the project, enabling ongoing career growth and industry leadership. Leeds Beckett University also offers all KTP project leaders the opportunity to study for a fully funded higher degree, making this an excellent opportunity to enhance your educational profile.

We seek an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with a Bachelor’s degree (2.1 or higher) in Marketing, Business Management, Digital Marketing / Innovation, or similar. Preference will be given to candidates with higher-level professional or academic qualifications, such as a Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma, or experience in delivering marketing strategy within a commercial environment.

You will need credible project management skills to handle a multi-faceted project. While supported by academic experts and colleagues at Haighs, you should be curious, excited about challenges, and willing to engage in all aspects of the business.

This challenging role offers a tangible opportunity to make a difference, develop your skills and experience, and potentially secure permanent employment at the end of the project.

For an informal discussion, contact Rosi Newman at [e-mail].

The project includes a dedicated training and development budget (£2k per annum), access to university benefits, staff training, development programs, and support from Leeds Beckett academics. Candidates may also study for a higher degree (MRes, MPhil, or PhD) with a fee waiver. A travel and subsistence budget is included.

Closing date: Monday 26th May 2025 (23:59)

Interviews will be held during the weeks commencing 9th and 17th June, subject to change.

To apply, click 'Apply online' and complete the application form. Attach an updated CV and a cover letter (max two A4 pages) outlining your education, skills, and experience relevant to the role, addressing the specific requirements and providing relevant examples.

Note: We ask applicants not to use AI tools like ChatGPT to generate CVs or cover letters.

Working here offers benefits including pension schemes, holiday entitlements, flexible working, reduced study fees, subsidised fitness facilities, and more.

We welcome applications from all individuals, especially from underrepresented groups, and all appointments will be based on merit.