What is an interim Marketing Director?

An Interim Marketing Director is a temporary leader responsible for overseeing marketing strategies and operations during transitions like leadership turnover or restructuring. They provide immediate guidance, implement plans, and ensure continuity while the company seeks a permanent director or adapts to changes. Their role is vital in maintaining momentum and achieving marketing objectives during transitional phases.

What does a Head of Marketing do?

A Head of Marketing is responsible for leading and directing all aspects of an organisation's marketing efforts. This includes developing comprehensive marketing strategies, identifying target audiences, overseeing branding initiatives, and managing marketing campaigns across various channels. Additionally, they analyse market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making. The Head of Marketing collaborates closely with other departments, such as sales, product development, and finance, to ensure alignment and maximise marketing impact. Ultimately, their role is to drive growth, increase brand awareness, and achieve business objectives through effective marketing strategies and initiatives.

What is the salary of an interim Head of Marketing?

An Interim Head of Marketing could achieve a day rate of £500 - £700 in 2024.

Interim Head Of Marketing | Contract And Interim Roles

Interim Head of Marketing recruitment

If you are looking for an Interim Head of Marketing job and would like to know what skills you need, and what salaries are on offer, you will find a complete guide below.

If you’re an employer looking to recruit an Interim Head of Marketing please see our interim recruitment page or click the button below to speak to us directly.

What is an Interim Head of Marketing?

An Interim Head of Marketing is a professional who temporarily assumes the responsibilities of leading a company’s marketing department for a defined period, typically during a transition phase. This role is often filled when a company is undergoing a leadership change, such as when the previous head of marketing resigns, is on leave, or when the company is searching for a permanent replacement.

Hiring interim marketing professionals can also be valuable for boosting a new product to market.

Like their regular Head of Marketing colleagues, the Interim HoM is responsible for overseeing all marketing activities, including strategy development, campaign execution, budget management, team leadership, and performance analysis. They work closely with other departments to ensure alignment with the overall business goals and objectives.

Interim Heads of Marketing are usually experienced marketing professionals who can quickly step into the role and provide leadership and strategic direction while the company searches for a permanent replacement. They may also bring fresh perspectives and insights to the business, helping to identify opportunities for growth and improvement in the marketing function.

When to hire an Interim Head of Marketing?

Leadership transition

When the current Head of Marketing resigns or is terminated, leaving a leadership vacuum in the marketing department, a company may bring in an interim Head of Marketing to maintain continuity and leadership while a permanent replacement is found. The advantage of hiring an interim leader in this scenario is that it prevents disruptions in marketing activities, maintains momentum, and provides stability to the team.

Launch of a new product or service

Hiring an interim Head of Marketing with experience in product launches can bring specialised skills and knowledge to the team. For instance, if a tech firm is about to release a new SaaS platform, they might bring in an interim Head of Marketing with a track record of successfully launching similar products. The advantage here is that the interim leader can quickly assess the market landscape, develop a targeted marketing plan, and mobilise resources to drive a successful launch, all without disrupting ongoing marketing initiatives.

Restructuring or reorganisation

A company may need temporary leadership in the marketing department to realign strategies, streamline operations, or address specific challenges. An interim Head of Marketing can provide an outside perspective and unbiased assessment of the current marketing efforts, identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary changes. The advantage in this scenario is that the interim leader can bring fresh ideas and expertise to drive effective changes without being tied to existing internal dynamics.

Maternity or paternity leave coverage

An interim Head of Marketing in this case ensures that marketing operations continue uninterrupted during the absence of the regular leader.This allows the business to maintain momentum in marketing initiatives, provide leadership to the team, and ensure that strategic objectives are met while the regular leader is on leave.

Sudden increase in workload or project scope

In situations where there is a sudden surge in marketing activities or an unexpected increase in workload, a company may hire an interim Head of Marketing to provide additional leadership and support. This could happen, for example, if a tech company unexpectedly secures a major partnership or experiences rapid growth that requires scaling up marketing efforts. Bringing in an interim Head of Marketing with experience in managing high-pressure environments can help the company adapt quickly to the increased demands and ensure that marketing objectives are met efficiently.

Interim Head of Marketing responsibilities

The main responsibilities of an Interim Head of Marketing position include:

Developing marketing strategies: create and implement marketing strategies to achieve business goals, ensuring alignment with the company’s objectives. They may focus on short-term objectives to maintain continuity during transitions.

Leading marketing campaigns: oversee the execution of marketing campaigns, coordinating with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful implementation. Their focus might be on immediate results rather than long-term brand building, although a focus on both is preferable.

Managing budgets: responsible for managing marketing budgets efficiently, prioritising spending to maximise ROI within the interim period.

Providing team leadership: lead and motivate the marketing team, providing guidance and support to ensure productivity and morale remain high, despite the temporary nature of their role.

Analysing Performance: analyse the performance of marketing initiatives, using data to make informed decisions and optimise strategies for short-term impact.

Supporting transition processes: play a role in supporting the transition to a permanent Head of Marketing, by documenting processes, providing insights, and facilitating a smooth handover.

Compared to a permanent Head of Marketing, an Interim Head of Marketing’s responsibilities may be more focused on short-term objectives, maintaining continuity, and supporting transitions. They may prioritise immediate results over long-term strategic planning and may not have the same level of authority or influence within the company.

How much does an Interim Head of Marketing cost?

Interim remuneration is usually quoted per day rather than their equivalent annual salary. A day rate for an Interim Head of Marketing in today’s market is between £500-£800.

In addition to the daily rate, businesses may also need to consider additional costs such as recruitment fees, onboarding expenses, and any benefits or perks provided to the employee.

It’s also worth noting that while hiring an Interim Head of Marketing may involve higher upfront costs compared to hiring a permanent employee, it can offer advantages such as flexibility, specialised expertise, and the ability to fill leadership gaps quickly during times of transition or high demand.

Read our guide:
Marketing salary 2024

Interim Head of Marketing job description

Job Title: Interim Head of Marketing

Company: [insert Company Name]

Location: [insert location]

Duration: [insert duration of contract]

Interim Head of Marketing job description:

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Interim Head of Marketing to spearhead our marketing efforts during a critical transition period. As a leading innovator in the tech industry, we are committed to revolutionising [insert a description of the company’s specific niche or technology focus].

Interim Head of Marketing responsibilities:

Develop and implement tech-focused marketing strategies: Lead the development and execution of tailored marketing strategies geared towards tech-savvy audiences, emphasising our unique value propositions and technological advancements. Increase in tech industry visibility by 25%, boost website traffic from tech-related channels by 30%, and achieve 20% growth in leads from tech-specific campaigns.

Lead tech-centric marketing campaigns: Oversee the planning, execution, and optimisation of targeted marketing campaigns across digital platforms, focusing on key tech forums, industry publications, and social media channels frequented by our target audience. Achieve 20% increase in engagement on tech forums, generate 35% growth in leads from industry publications, and attain 25% rise in social media followers within the tech community.

Manage marketing budgets: Effectively allocate marketing budgets to support tech-centric initiatives, prioritising investments in digital advertising, content marketing, and event sponsorships that resonate with our tech-focused audience. Maintain marketing spend within 5% of budget allocation, achieve 30% increase in ROI from tech-specific campaigns, and demonstrate 15% reduction in cost per acquisition for tech-related lead.

Team leadership: Mentor and empower the marketing team to leverage cutting-edge technologies and industry trends in their campaigns, fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Increase team proficiency in tech tools and platforms by 40% through training initiatives, boost employee satisfaction scores by 25% in tech-related skill development programs, and achieve 20% improvement in team productivity.

Analyse marketing performance: Utilise data analytics and marketing automation tools to track and analyse the performance of focused campaigns, identifying actionable insights to optimise strategies and drive continuous improvement in marketing effectiveness. Improve tech campaign conversion rates by 15%, reduce tech-specific churn rate by 10%, and achieve 20% increase in customer lifetime value for tech-related segments.

Support transition processes: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to support the transition to a permanent Head of Marketing, providing comprehensive documentation, insights, and recommendations to ensure a seamless handover of tech-focused marketing initiatives.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in marketing roles, with at least 3 years in leadership positions within the tech industry.
Proven track record of success in developing and executing tech-focused marketing strategies, with measurable results.
Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data-driven decision-making, with experience using marketing analytics tools and platforms.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to motivate and inspire teams, drive change, and foster a culture of innovation.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities and requirements.

Benefits

Competitive daily rate commensurate with experience.
Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.
Professional development opportunities, including access to industry conferences and training programs.
Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects in the tech industry.
Opportunity to make a significant impact during a critical transition period for the company.

How to apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining [Tech Company Name] as Interim Head of Marketing. We look forward to hearing from you!

Interim Head of Marketing soft skills

The top 7 soft skills required from an Interim Marketing Director include:

Interim leadership: Strong leadership skills to provide guidance, motivation, and stability during transitional phases, ensuring marketing operations run smoothly.

Adaptability: Flexibility to quickly adjust to different company cultures, industries, and challenges encountered in interim roles.

Effective communication in transition: Exceptional communication skills to clearly convey strategies, changes, and objectives to team members and stakeholders, especially in dynamic contexts.

Problem-solving under pressure: The ability to identify and resolve issues swiftly, make sound decisions in high-pressure situations, and think creatively to overcome unique interim challenges.

Stakeholder relationship management: Proficiency in building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including executives, team members, and external partners, to drive successful interim marketing initiatives.

Strategic adaptation: The capacity to swiftly assess a businesses marketing landscape and adapt existing strategies to meet immediate needs, whether for crisis management, cost-saving, or market expansion.

Transition planning: Expertise in documenting strategies, processes, and key insights to facilitate a seamless handover to permanent marketing leadership once hired.

What experience is needed for an Interim Head of Marketing job?

Essential Interim Head of Marketing experience:

Interim leadership: A minimum of 5 years of experience specifically in temporary leadership roles within marketing departments is essential. Candidates must demonstrate a strong ability to step into a leadership position quickly, assess the needs of the marketing team and the business, and drive results during transitional periods.
Tech sector interim roles: At least 2 years of experience in interim marketing leadership positions within the tech sector is essential. Candidates should have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the tech industry, including familiarity with tech products, services, and target markets.
Results-oriented approach: Candidates must have a proven track record of achieving measurable results in interim marketing roles. This includes success in developing and implementing marketing strategies, leading interim marketing campaigns, and driving interim marketing performance metrics such as lead generation, customer acquisition, and revenue growth.
Rapid decision-making: Proficiency in making rapid, data-driven decisions is essential. Candidates should have experience using marketing analytics tools and platforms to quickly assess performance, identify opportunities or challenges, and adjust strategies as needed to achieve marketing objectives.
Collaborative interim leadership: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, executives, senior stakeholders, and external partners is essential. Candidates should be able to quickly build rapport, communicate marketing strategies, and coordinate efforts across departments to achieve marketing goals.

Preferred Interim Head of Marketing experience:

Advanced degree: While not required, candidates with an MBA or advanced degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field are preferred.
Interim leadership in Tech Start-ups: Experience in interim marketing leadership roles within tech start-ups or high-growth tech companies is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and adapt quickly to changing priorities and requirements.
Tech stack familiarity: Familiarity with common tech tools and platforms used in marketing, such as CRM systems, marketing automation tools, and analytics platforms, is preferred.
Innovation and adaptability: Experience fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within marketing teams is preferred. Candidates should have a track record of leveraging emerging technologies and industry trends to drive marketing effectiveness.
Change management skills: Experience driving change initiatives and managing transitions within marketing departments is preferred, particularly in interim roles where there is a change in leadership or strategic direction.

Employers: what can an Interim Head of Marketing do for your business?

An interim Head of Marketing can provide invaluable support to your business by ensuring continuity in marketing operations during times of transition, offering leadership and strategic direction to drive initiatives forward, leveraging specialised expertise to address unique challenges, providing objective insights and fresh perspectives, adapting quickly to new environments and situations, and supporting transitions to permanent marketing leadership. With their experience, flexibility, and adaptability, an interim Head of Marketing can help your business maintain momentum, achieve its marketing objectives, and navigate changes smoothly and efficiently.

Interim Marketing job interview questions

Read our guide to 28 interim marketing interview questions to ask your Interim Head of Marketing candidates.

What is the difference: Interim Marketing Director versus Interim Head of Marketing

An Interim Marketing Director holds a higher-level position within the company hierarchy compared to an Interim Head of Marketing. Responsible for overseeing the entire marketing department, the Marketing Director sets overall marketing strategy, manages budgets, leads campaigns, and supervises staff. They report directly to executive leadership and play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s marketing direction.

Conversely, an Interim Head of Marketing typically leads specific initiatives or projects within the marketing department. Reporting to the Marketing Director or another senior leader, they focus on executing strategies, managing day-to-day operations, and achieving predefined marketing goals. While still in a leadership role, their scope of responsibility is narrower compared to a Marketing Director.

Other interim marketing roles we recruit for

FAQs

What is an interim Marketing Director?: An Interim Marketing Director is a temporary leader responsible for overseeing marketing strategies and operations during transitions like leadership turnover or restructuring. They provide immediate guidance, implement plans, and ensure continuity while the company seeks a permanent director or adapts to changes. Their role is vital in maintaining momentum and achieving marketing objectives during transitional phases.

What does a Head of Marketing do?: A Head of Marketing is responsible for leading and directing all aspects of an organisation's marketing efforts. This includes developing comprehensive marketing strategies, identifying target audiences, overseeing branding initiatives, and managing marketing campaigns across various channels. Additionally, they analyse market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making. The Head of Marketing collaborates closely with other departments, such as sales, product development, and finance, to ensure alignment and maximise marketing impact. Ultimately, their role is to drive growth, increase brand awareness, and achieve business objectives through effective marketing strategies and initiatives.