Hiring a Marketing Manager: How to Find the Perfect Fit

Hiring a marketing manager is no small task. Marketing plays a pivotal role in any business, and the right hire can send both brand perception and revenue on an upward trajectory. From campaign execution to handling all marketing activities, it’s a multifaceted role that can propel you ahead of the competition. 

Finding the right marketing manager isn’t without its challenges. 80% of UK employers struggle to find candidates with the ideal skillset and this is no different in the competitive marketing landscape. The wrong hire can be costly, in more ways than just financially.

Here, we’ll take a look at how to hire a marketing manager, the key things to look out for and why partnering with EMR is the key to finding the perfect candidate for your marketing manager jobs. 

Marketing Manager Job Description

The first question to ask is what does a marketing manager do? Defining this before you start searching for candidates will be the foundation of any successful hire. The main marketing manager responsibilities include:

• Strategy development 
• Campaign management and execution
• Team leadership
• Increasing brand awareness
• Budgeting and ROI
• Market research and analytics
• Collaborating across departments

What to Look For in a Marketing Manager

When hiring a marketing manager, there’s a few green flags you’ll want to see in a candidate. A marketing manager job summary boils down to creating, implementing, and overseeing marketing strategies that align with your objectives. To find the perfect person for this job, employers should keep an eye out for these top skills:

Strategic Thinking 

Great marketing managers think big-picture. They should demonstrate the ability to develop marketing strategies that align with business objectives and adapt as market conditions change. Strategic thought also means the ability to prioritise. Part of a marketing manager's role is choosing the right channels and tactics that yield the best results. 

Performance and Results Orientation

With 81% of employers prioritising skills-based hiring, seeing evidence of a strong track record is clearly important. The ideal candidate will have clear metrics and results from their marketing manager career to shout about. Focus on key achievements and how they measured them during the hiring process. 

Leadership and Communication

Marketing manager positions are often the bridge between departments. They should be able to lead a team effectively while fostering collaboration. Effective communication skills are critical for leaders. Look for candidates who can explain complex ideas in simple terms and who have experience working cross-functionally. 

Creative Flair

At its core, marketing remains a creative field. 80% of marketers see creativity as key to success, and a great marketing manager will have an eye for innovation. They may not be getting hands-on with designing graphics or writing copy themselves, but with a creative mindset they’ll bring campaigns to life. 

Analytical Mindset

Effective marketers measure what they do. They’ll be comfortable with data and interpreting KPIs to find the best solutions. 

Multichannel Marketing Experience

Many marketing manager hires have around 5-10 years of marketing experience with proven results. Look for a background across relevant channels such as SEO, email, and copywriting. Being up to scratch with current marketing tools and platforms is a big plus.

How to Hire a Marketing Manager

There are several steps to follow when hiring a marketing manager. From prep to making the final offer, a structured approach will increase the chances of finding an excellent candidate. Here’s how to navigate the hiring process. 

• Define your hiring needs: Clarify the ‘why’ behind your job search. Understand what you want your marketing manager to accomplish and get internal alignment on the role’s priorities and success metrics.

• Entice with a job description: Craft a clear description and marketing manager job specification. Outline key responsibilities, goals and performance metrics for the role. 

• Get help with sourcing candidates: At EMR, we’re a specialist marketing recruitment agency that can get you in front of the right people. With our extensive marketing expertise, we connect you with pre-screened, qualified professionals. We work with you to save time and ensure you only see candidates who match your criteria.

• Interview effectively: Once you have a shortlist, you’ll want to roll out a streamlined interview process while covering everything from practical skills and motivations to cultural fit. Marketing manager interview questions can zero in on successful campaigns or ways of approaching challenges.

• Evaluate and compare: Assess each candidate as a hiring group and settle on who stood out the most. If you’re torn between two, revisit your initial priorities and consider who most closely matches the critical needs of the role. 

• Make an offer: The search is nearly over. Move quickly to extend an offer. Top marketing managers are often in high demand and a delay could see them slip through your fingers. Once terms are agreed and contracts are signed, the next step is preparing for onboarding.

Find your Next Marketing Manager with EMR

At EMR, we’re committed to matching you up with the best marketing managers. With over 30 years of industry experience, we know what it takes to excel in the role and can guide you in securing that perfect hire. By leveraging our expert support, you can dive into the hiring market with confidence. 

If you’re hiring now for the role of marketing manager, submit a brief and one of our expert consultants will be in touch to support you.