Job Description

We're seeking a proactive

Marketing & Communications Manager

with a hands-on, creative mindset. You'll own marketing, PR, digital and content initiatives that strengthen our brand, elevate our voice, and help grow our organisation. This is an exciting opportunity where you'll be empowered to contribute ideas, take initiative, and shape our marketing efforts from the ground up.



You don't need to be familiar with apprenticeship assessment or end point assessment, as long as you're willing to get to know our business and can champion our mission to support apprentices.



This role is home-based with travel to co-working in Darlington/Teesside required once per month. It's full time, 37.5 hours per week across Monday to Friday.

What You'll Be Doing

Define and manage marketing and communications strategy, aligned with wider business strategy. Launches: Take an active lead in planning and implementing strategies to launch new business initiatives. Manage activity across marketing and PR campaigns, digital channels, the website, videos, conferences and events, and review sites. Get involved in the full lifecycle, from researching opportunities and pitching ideas to implementation and monitoring, and everything in between. Own the brand and assets, ensuring consistency across all channels and documents. Manage communications across internal and external stakeholders. Create compelling content to support activity. Collaborate with all departments, ensuring consistent and timely communications that support ongoing business needs. Manage the website and its content. Other duties as required.

What We're Looking For

You'll need to:


Have 3+ years' experience working in marketing, PR or content creation roles. This can be gained either at an agency or in house. Hold a qualification or have successfully completed an apprenticeship in a related field, such as marketing, content creation, PR. Have hands on experience across brand, digital marketing, content creation, and PR activity. Be commercially savvy, able to pitch ideas that align with strategy and business priorities. Be a skilled communicator, confident writing, pitching and storytelling. Know how to use technology and software to your advantage. Be highly organised with great attention to detail, able to handle multiple projects and deadlines with ease. Work collaboratively, building strong relationships internally and externally. Be a fast learner, able to get to grips with our sector, how we work, and our USP. Have the enthusiasm for supporting a growing organisation, with a can do, adaptable approach.




It'd be great if you also:


Have experience working in the apprenticeships or EPA sector. Gained your experience in B2B environments. Are confident contributing to strategic conversations or business improvements. Are comfortable using platforms like WordPress, SharePoint and Microsoft, as well as digital and content creation programmes. Are passionate about making a difference in your role.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

We have regular, consistent communications that seamlessly support business activity and strategic priorities. Training providers and colleges know who we are as a company and what we bring to the table. Apprentices and employers know our reputation. Brand awareness, engagement, website traffic and enquiries all increase. Customers and apprentices are happy to share our content, post a review, and recommend us to others. When we launch a service or new type of assessment, our stakeholders know about it and understand exactly how working with us benefits them. You come to team meetings sharing your recent successes. You spot opportunities and help shape how we work. You're a trusted go-to person for colleagues and stakeholders alike. You keep your own CPD up to date - for example, you know exactly what GEO is and how to implement it.

Why Join Us?

At 1st for EPA, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact in a growing organisation. You'll have a hands-on role where you can develop and implement your own ideas and make a real difference.

We're a growing, purpose-driven team that genuinely cares - about our work, our people, and the impact we make. We offer flexibility, trust, and a supportive environment where your voice matters and your ideas are heard.



Here's what else you'll get:


Salary 30,000 - 44,000 depending on experience A remote-first role with built-in flexibility Monthly co-working days (with lunch on us!) 25 days' holiday plus 8 bank holidays 8 Wellbeing Hours per year -- take a breather, go for a walk, enjoy a yoga class, grab a quiet coffee, volunteer, or simply step away for some head space... your choice. Flexible working, agreed up front - while our standard hours are 9-5, we're happy to explore a different pattern that works for you and the business, agreed before your start date. All the tech you need - laptop, monitor, and accessories. A company with purpose, not just process.

How to Apply

Send your CV and a cover letter explaining what excites you about this role and how your experience aligns with our needs. We'd love a brief overview of projects you've led on and/or results you've generated in previous roles.

Please note only applications with a cover letter tailored for this specific role at 1st for EPA will be considered.