Job Description

Marketing & Innovation Director

====================================

Gateshead

-------------

Contract:

Permanent

Salary:

Zentia is a UK based leading manufacturer of complete ceiling solutions. We make a wide range of mineral ceiling tiles, suspension grids, and floating ceiling systems at our two factories in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom. Zentia is the UK's only major ceiling manufacturer, offering a shorter supply chain to the construction industry in the UK and Ireland, and providing specifiers and ceiling contractors with reliable products they can trust.

Job Purpose:

As the Marketing & Innovation Director at Zentia, you will lead the strategic direction of our marketing function, drive innovation across our offerings, and focus on generating revenue growth and qualified sales opportunities. You will engage target audiences and influence the market through high-impact campaigns and product strategies. With a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on innovation, you will bring senior leadership capability to help shape and evolve our brand, support product development, embrace modern marketing technologies, and build a performance-driven team to support our growth in the UK and beyond. This is a pivotal, customer-facing leadership role that will shape how Zentia communicates its value to the market and delivers innovation within a complex manufacturing and constructions environment.

Key Accountabilities:

The following are the main accountabilities for the job. Other duties, commensurate with the grading of the job, may also be assigned from time to time. Develop and execute a results-oriented marketing strategy aligned with Zentia's commercial goals. Lead and mentor a team of marketing professionals, including the Senior Marketing Manager, Product Manager, and Content Manager. Oversee brand development, product marketing, content strategy, and campaign planning. Identify and implement innovative marketing tools and techniques, including the use of AI and digital platforms. Collaborate with sales, product development, and senior leadership to align marketing initiatives with business objectives. Build and maintain relationships with clients and prospects through active participation in meetings, site visits, and industry events. Own the marketing budget, measuring ROI and ensuring efficient use of resources. Drive customer insights through market research and competitor analysis to inform product positioning and messaging. Lead cross-functional collaboration with engineering, R&D, and operations to align product-market fit and launch plans. Act as a key member of the senior leadership team contributing to broader business strategy and transformation initiatives. Lead change and innovation initiatives that modernise go-to-market strategies, digital presence and brand experience. Champion a culture of creativity, accountability, and experimentation across the team.

Measurement of Effectiveness

Success in this role will be measured by:

Growth in sales-qualified leads and contribution to revenue. Increased brand awareness and positive brand perception in target markets. Effective leadership and development of the marketing team. ROI on marketing activities and adherence to budget. Successful implementation of innovative marketing initiatives. Quality and frequency of customer engagement and feedback. Influence on strategic business growth initiatives and market expansion. Acceleration of product innovation cycles and time to market. Sales enablement impact (tolls, campaigns, collateral).

Person Specification

Essential:

Proven experience in a senior level marketing leadership role, ideally as a Marketing Director or above. Demonstrated leadership in complex product industries (e.g. construction infrastructure, manufacturing, engineered systems). Experience influencing business strategy as part of a senior leadership team. Strong track record in sales alignment and commercial growth through marketing. Ability to lead innovation initiatives and bring new products to market effectively. Experience managing and scaling high performing teams across marketing and product. Deep understanding of modern marketing tools, AI and digital platforms. Commercial acumen and a customer-first attitude. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Willingness to travel to client sites and industry events.

Desirable:

Experience in the construction, manufacturing, or building materials industry. Marketing degree or relevant professional qualification (e.g., CIM). Experience with brand repositioning and digital transformation. Experience in product innovation or commercial R&D environments. Familiarity with bespoke solutions (e.g. vessel components, installations, modular systems). Track record of leading brand transformation in legacy or B2B technical markets. MBA or equivalent business leadership qualification.

Professional Development and Training Competitive Salary and Bonuses Pension and Financial Security Generous Holidays and Work-Life Balance Health and Wellness Flexible Working and Community * Special Perks and Celebrations