Marketing Manager, UK Direct

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

You'll find the promise we make to our clients is the same one we make to our employees: Your success is our priority.

Here, you'll find growth and career opportunities across all our businesses. We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,000 people working together. Our expertise is diverse with more than 450 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies and we have the capability to build tailored solutions matched to clients' specific requirements.

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business and we recognise that our success is due to our talented and dedicated people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment that supports the diversity of our employees and reflects our broader communities and client-base. We encourage applications from returners to the industry.

We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Job Purpose Statement

Where you'll fit in & what our team goals are...

Your role is responsible for developing and delivering strategic, integrated marketing and communications plans that are compelling and competitive for the UK Direct to Consumer channel.

Ensuring clear alignment to the broader marketing strategy and corporate messaging, as well as contributing directly to the business objectives for this channel, you are responsible for delivery of client focused communications that meet regulatory requirements.

Role Responsibilities

How you'll spend your time...

• Establish solid relationships with the relevant business areas and (as appropriate) Columbia Threadneedle Investments' clients
• Build a close working relationship with the relevant external agencies and internal teams supporting the marketing team (i.e. investment teams, PR, Retail Escalations & Experience, Company Secretaries, Content and Digital Marketing teams) to co-ordinate marketing and communications activities. This includes digital marketing, CRM activities, PR, video content, product and market analysis, literature, presentations, digital, social, events and marketing research
• Deliver and execute the marketing strategy that is client focused, meets business objectives and is delivered on time and within budget
• Proactively develop and drive marketing activity to support key business areas leveraging insights from client and competitor research along with building on previous learnings and recognising market developments
• Support Head of Channel Marketing (UK Direct) and Senior Marketing Manager in manging relationships with a number of Investment Trust boards, including production of regular updates, reporting and attendance at Boards, as required
• Optimise marketing initiatives to ensure effective ROI on all campaigns, with focus on digital activity
• Constantly improve on existing activities, approach and accepted standards, sharing learnings with team and peers
• Without exception, ensure all regulatory requirements and internal guidelines / processes are adhered to
• Support development and effectively execute the marketing strategy for the relevant business area
• Achievement of marketing targets in line with agreed KPIs for the relevant business area, and Columbia Threadneedle Investments risk appetite
• Responsible for supporting development and implementation of strategic and tactical marketing plans for all products sold through the relevant channel, including the launch of new products as required
• Ensure all opportunities are maximised, including growing engagement with existing clients and attracting new clients
• Effectively execute all marketing activities within agreed budget

Key Capabilities

To be successful in this role you will have...

• Solid experience within a similar Direct/B2C role
• Naturally creative, idea generating and prepared to challenge the norm
• Proactive, accountable and prepared to take ownership
• Unapologetically client focussed, yet commercially driven with good understanding of financial drivers / requirements
• Proven skills in implementing marketing strategy
• Sound knowledge of marketing including experience of the full media mix, promotions and communications (relevant to the Direct/B2C channel)
• Good knowledge of the investment management industry preferred
• Digital Marketing expertise, including CRM/email marketing (experience with Pardot or similar email marketing system preferred), PPC, SEO, and Social Media.
• Experienced campaign manager, leading from agency briefing through to execution, delivery, reporting and post-campaign analysis
• Proficient with managing external 3rd party relationships and internal stakeholders / partners
• High level of negotiation and influencing skills
• Proven project management skills with a track record of delivery to time and within budget
• Excellent presenting skills; the role will require communicating on a regular basis to senior management and clients
• Experience with web analytics tools (Google/Adobe Analytics)

Desired Capabilities

If you also had this, it would be great...

• Marketing qualification with significant experience in a client focussed and commercially led marketing role, ideally with an understanding and / or interest in financial products.
• Experience in WordPress (or similar CMS) preferred, and ability to manage website content
• Experience with Workfront (or similar campaign management tool) would be beneficial