Jobs in marketing

Entry level marketing roles

Marketing executive

Working closely with colleagues across marketing, sales, and creative teams, you'll help plan and deliver campaigns that engage customers and drive business results. Your role involves managing content, tracking performance, and ensuring campaigns run smoothly.

You can enter this field with a degree in any subject, though relevant marketing experience is valuable. Many professionals start as marketing assistants or apprentices before progressing to more senior roles.

• entry level: £22,000 to £25,000
• mid level: £25,000 to £30,000
• with experience: up to £45,000.

Discover how to become a marketing executive.

Advertising account executive

You'll connect clients and creative teams - managing relationships, coordinating activities, and ensuring campaigns achieve their objectives. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential.

While a degree isn't always required, experience in marketing or communications - particularly within an agency - can be a valuable advantage.

• entry level: £25,000 to £29,000
• with experience: £42,000 to £60,000.

Explore the role of an advertising account executive.

Media buyer

You plan and purchase advertising space across digital channels, TV, radio, and print. You analyse audience data, negotiate rates, manage budgets, and monitor campaign performance to maximise return on investment.

This role is ideal for those who are analytical and confident working with data. While a degree in marketing or media can be advantageous, relevant experience or industry specific qualifications in digital advertising or analytics are equally valued.

• entry level: ££25,000 to £29,000
• with experience: £42,000 to £60,000.

See what skills it takes to be a media buyer.

Search for a graduate job in marketing.

Digital and analytical marketing roles

SEO specialist

You'll work to improve a website's visibility in search engines and drive high quality organic traffic. This involves conducting keyword research, performing site audits, planning content, building links, resolving technical issues, and identifying growth opportunities.

A degree isn't required, but practical experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development - staying current with algorithm changes - are highly valued.

• entry level: £22,000 to £32,000
• with experience: £35,000 to £45,000.

Discover more about what being an SEO specialist involves.

PPC specialist

You'll plan, run, and optimise paid advertising campaigns across platforms such as Google Ads and social media. You'll research keywords, manage bids, write ad copy, and refine campaigns to maximise return on investment.

The role is well suited to those who enjoy testing, analysing data, and making quick, informed decisions. A degree in marketing, business, or a related field can be helpful, and industry certifications - such as Google Ads or Meta Blueprint - are highly valued.

• entry level: £25,000
• with experience: up to £50,000.

Discover what it takes to be a PPC specialist.

CRM manager

As a customer relationship management (CRM) specialist, you use customer data and marketing technology to build long term relationships with audiences. You'll oversee email marketing, automation, and loyalty programmes, using platforms such as Salesforce or HubSpot to deliver personalised communications at scale.

Many CRM managers progress from executive level digital roles, though a degree in marketing or business can be beneficial.

• manager level: £30,000 to £40,000
• senior CRM roles: £50,000 to £60,000.

Market researcher

Collecting and analysing data to help organisations understand audiences and consumer behaviour, you'll use surveys, interviews, and focus groups to generate insights and inform business decisions.

Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, and degrees in mathematics, statistics, or related fields are often preferred.

• entry level: £25,000 to £27,000
• with experience: up to £45,000.

Learn more about being a market researcher.

Digital marketer

You'll plan and deliver online campaigns across pay-per-click (PPC), social media, and email, using analytics tools to measure performance and optimise results.

This broad role often serves as a stepping stone to more specialised areas, such as SEO or CRM. While a degree isn't always required, qualifications in marketing, business, or digital media - and practical experience with campaign management or analytics tools - are highly valued.

• entry level: £23,500 to £25,000
• mid level: £27,000 to £30,000
• senior roles: £40,000 to £60,000.

Find out more about being a digital marketer.

Content and social media roles

Advertising art director

You'll shape the visual direction of marketing campaigns, working closely with copywriters, account teams, and other creatives to develop concepts that effectively communicate a brand's message.

Degrees in advertising, art, or design can be helpful, along with a solid understanding of visual design principles, typography, colour theory, and digital tools. Practical experience or a strong portfolio is highly valued in this role.

• starting salary: £20,000 to £25,000
• with experience: up to £45,000.

Take a look at the advertising art director job profile.

Affiliate marketer

In this role, you promote products or services on behalf of brands, earning commission for the sales or leads you generate. You'll plan campaigns, create content, and analyse performance data to optimise results and maximise earnings.

Many affiliate marketers work freelance, so income can vary significantly, and success often depends on marketing skills, audience understanding, and the ability to adapt to trends.

• average salary: £38,040.

Explore jobs in affiliate marketing.

Digital copywriter

You'll craft content for websites, landing pages, emails, and digital campaigns, helping brands engage audiences and drive conversions. This involves understanding audiences, tailoring messages to different channels, and collaborating across teams to align content with campaigns.

While employers place high value on strong portfolios and real examples of work, degrees in English or journalism can be beneficial in developing writing skills and industry knowledge.

• entry level: £22,000 to £30,000
• with experience: up to £40,000.

Take a look at skills you'll need to become a digital copywriter.

Social media manager

In this role, you plan, create, and analyse content across social media platforms. You'll monitor trends, track performance, and adapt strategies to increase reach, engagement, and brand impact. Many social media specialists are self-employed and run their own channels, which can provide valuable experience.

While formal qualifications aren't always required, degrees in marketing, communications or media can be helpful in developing strategy, content planning, and audience insight skills.

• entry level: £22,000 and £28,000
• with experience: £28,000 and £45,000
• freelance: £15 to £25 per hour.

Learn more about the social media manager role.

User generated content (UCG) creator

UGC creators produce authentic content - such as reviews, testimonials, and lifestyle videos - that helps brands build trust and connect with their audiences. Many UGC creators work independently or freelance, building their own platforms to grow visibility and income.

Earnings are linked to the size and engagement of your audience, as companies are willing to invest more in creators who can deliver high impact. While qualifications aren't essential, skills in content creation, video editing, and digital marketing can be beneficial.

• variable salary based on following and engagement
• entry level: £35 for a 30 second video.

Discover how to become a UGC creator.

Web content manager

As a digital content manager, you oversee a website's content, structure, and overall quality. You'll ensure information is accurate and user friendly, balancing writing and editorial skills with technical knowledge of content management systems, SEO, and user experience.

While formal qualifications aren't always required, degrees in marketing, communications, journalism, or digital media can be helpful.

• entry level: £23,000 to £28,000
• with experience: up to £40,000.

Learn more about how you can become a web content manager.

Public relations roles (PR)

Public affairs consultant

Advising organisations on public policy and government engagement, public affairs consultants rely on strong political awareness, research skills, and persuasive communication. You'll help shape strategy, build relationships with stakeholders, and ensure campaigns align with regulatory and policy frameworks.

Degrees in politics, law, communications, or public policy can be valuable, alongside practical experience in government relations, advocacy, or research.

• entry level: £25,000 to £30,000
• with experience: up to £45,000.

Learn about the role of a public affairs consultant.

Public relations officer

In this role, you manage an organisation's reputation by cultivating relationships with the media, customers, and key stakeholders. Strong communication skills and commercial awareness are essential to effectively shape public perception and support business objectives.

A degree in business, marketing, or communications can be advantageous, and completing a postgraduate qualification can give you a competitive advantage.

• average starting salary: £37,000
• senior roles: up to £60,000.

To find out more see the public relations officer job profile.

Strategy and senior roles

AI marketing strategist

Using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, you'll personalise customer journeys, optimise campaigns, and support strategic decision making by analysing data and identifying opportunities for growth.

Degrees in marketing, data science, or computer science - or an MBA with a marketing focus - can be advantageous, alongside practical experience with AI platforms, analytics, and campaign optimisation.

• average salary: £65,620.

Explore the top big data courses or discover the best MBA programmes in the UK.

Brand strategist

Defining how organisations position themselves, you'll use research and insights to shape brand purpose, messaging, and tone of voice. You'll work with creative teams and leadership to ensure the brand is consistent and aligned with business objectives.

Degrees in marketing, advertising, psychology, or business can provide a strong foundation, but many brand strategists progress from roles in account planning, marketing, or research, gaining practical experience along the way.

• mid-level salary: £35,000 to £50,000
• senior roles: £60,000 to £70,000.

Creative director

You'll lead the vision for campaigns, guiding teams and ensuring that strategic goals are effectively balanced with creative output. This involves mentoring designers and copywriters, reviewing concepts, and maintaining the overall quality and consistency of the brand's work.

The role typically requires substantial industry experience, and degrees in humanities can be valuable for developing strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• entry level: £26,000
• with experience: £40,000 to £60,000.

See more about being a creative director.

Chief marketing officer (CMO)

As a chief marketing officer (CMO), you'll oversee an organisation's entire marketing strategy, setting objectives, managing teams, and ensuring all marketing activity aligns with broader business goals. You'll also drive brand growth, monitor performance, and influence high level decision making.

Several years of mid to senior level experience are essential, often combined with a strong track record in strategic marketing leadership and business management.

• average salary: £115,643
• London average: £137,431.

Discover the essential skills for a successful management career.

Sustainability marketing manager

You'll align marketing activity with sustainability objectives, promoting ecofriendly products and effectively communicating a brand's environmental impact. This involves developing campaigns that resonate with conscious consumers and support long term organisational goals.

Qualifications in marketing, business, or environmental studies can be valuable, alongside practical experience in sustainable marketing or corporate social responsibility initiatives.

• mid-level salary: £34,888
• manager level: £45,846.

Discover how to get a job in sustainability.

How to make your marketing portfolio stand out

A strong portfolio shows employers what you can do, not just what you've studied. It should highlight your creativity, commercial awareness, and measurable results.

You don't need paid experience to create a portfolio - a simple personal website, PDF portfolio, or LinkedIn showcase works well. Consider including:

• freelance projects
• mock campaigns for real brands
• personal blogs, social media accounts, or websites
• university projects
• volunteer or society work.

Familiarity with marketing tools can also boost your profile. Many platforms offer free courses and microcredentials that can be showcased in your portfolio, including:

• Canva
• Google Ads
• Google Analytics (GA4)
• HubSpot

Focus on showcasing your thinking process, not just the final output. Marketing is data driven, so include evidence of impact wherever possible, such as:

• conversions or sign ups
• email open or click through rates
• engagement rates
• SEO ranking improvements
• traffic growth.

Even small results demonstrate commercial awareness.

Employers want to see relevant, focused work presented clearly. Use a clean layout with concise explanations, and for each project, outline:

• the objective
• the strategy
• the results
• your role.

Marketing evolves quickly, so regularly refresh your portfolio with new tools, platforms, or results to demonstrate ongoing development and adaptability.

Find out more

• Explore marketing courses.
• Discover more about marketing graduate schemes.
• See what the marketing, advertising and PR sector has to offer.