Skip to the main content
Go to the search page
Marketing, sales and advertising directors plan, organise and direct advertising campaigns and market research and formulate and implement an organisation’s marketing, sales and social media policies.

Main tasks

  • Produces and/or assesses reports and recommendations concerning marketing, advertising and sales strategies.
  • Stays abreast of changes in market trends and advertising rates.
  • Controls the recruitment and training of staff.
  • Examines and analyses sales figures, advises on and monitors marketing campaigns and promotional activities.
  • Conceives advertising campaigns to impart the desired product image in an effective and economical way.
  • Defines target group for advertising campaigns and implements strategy through appropriate media planning work.
  • Discusses employer’s or clients’ requirements, plans and monitors surveys and analyses of customers’ reactions to products.
  • Liaises with client to discuss product/service to be marketed and develops the most appropriate strategy to deliver the objectives.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£144,426.65

Average earnings

£80,429.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Sales and Marketing

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Personnel and Human Resources

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 1%
Level 1 3%
Level 2 11%
Level 3 14%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 6%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 49%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 15%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 1%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.