Job Description

Marketing Manager

Start a new chapter in January 2026.

Redefine the future of a fast-growing UK watch retailer

35,000 DOE

Why Join WatchNation?

WatchNation is one of the UK's leading independent watch retailers, working directly with globally recognised brands including Seiko, Hamilton, Orient, Fossil, and Timex Group. With a growing international customer base, a newly rebuilt Shopify platform, and a physical retail presence in the heart of Hoole, we're entering a pivotal phase of brand elevation, expansion, and long-term growth.

This role offers a genuine opportunity to help shape how WatchNation shows up everywhere--from our website and campaigns, to our physical retail experience, printed materials, and partnerships. You'll help define our voice, sharpen our positioning, and build a modern, joined-up marketing function that scales across both digital and physical channels.

You'll also play a key role in supporting the growth of Cestrian Watches, our in-house microbrand, with new collections launching in early 2026.

If you're commercially minded, creatively driven, and motivated by seeing strategy turn into real-world results, this role offers real ownership and visible impact.

Who We Are

We're a family-run, independent business that moves quickly and values initiative. There are no corporate layers--decisions are made fast, ideas are heard, and responsibility comes with trust.

You'll work in a collaborative environment where performance, accountability, and continuous improvement matter. We value people who take ownership, challenge the status quo, and care deeply about doing things properly.

The Opportunity

WatchNation is at a pivotal moment in its growth:

Our newly rebuilt Shopify store is live, with the next phase already underway

New brands are joining our portfolio

Our in-house microbrand, Cestrian Watches, is preparing for significant launches

We're continuing to scale internationally and expand our operations

We operate a physical retail store in Hoole, with longer-term ambitions to expand further, including potential opportunities in Chester city centre

This role sits at the centre of that growth. You'll help shape and implement a 360 marketing strategy that connects digital, physical retail, content, and brand partnerships into one cohesive experience.

The Role

As Marketing Manager, you'll work closely with our Head of Digital to deliver the next phase of growth across WatchNation and Cestrian Watches--shaping strategy, building structure, and turning ambition into consistent execution across every marketing touchpoint.

This is not a purely digital role. While digital remains core, you'll also influence how the brand comes to life in-store, through print, partnerships, events, and influencer activity--ensuring customers experience WatchNation consistently, wherever they interact with us.

You won't be operating in isolation. You'll collaborate with internal stakeholders and an established network of freelancers, creators, influencers, agencies, and partners to deliver high-quality output at pace.

This role balances strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, offering autonomy, variety, and the opportunity to make a visible impact on brand and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy & Brand Direction (360)

Define and implement a joined-up marketing strategy across digital, physical retail, and brand partnerships Help reposition and elevate the WatchNation brand to attract customers and brand partners Develop and maintain brand identity guidelines, tone of voice, and creative standards Ensure consistency across website, email, social, content, and campaigns Create pitch decks and supporting materials to attract and onboard new brand partners Develop structured launch plans for new brands and collections

Content, Creative & Site Experience

Define and implement the content strategy for the next phase of growth, positioning WatchNation as a content-led destination for watch enthusiasts Build and manage a content roadmap across website, email, SEO, blog, social, and in-store assets Ensure content aligns with SEO best practices and commercial goals Brief, manage, and collaborate with designers, photographers, videographers, and freelancers Oversee homepage and category merchandising, and content updates on Shopify Continuously improve conversion through content, layout, storytelling, and UX enhancements

Email, Automation & Customer Lifecycle

Own the email marketing and automation strategy across the full customer lifecycle Develop and optimise abandoned cart, browse abandonment, welcome, post-purchase, and re-engagement flows Improve customer communication through smarter segmentation, timing, and messaging Ensure email supports both commercial performance and long-term brand building

Campaigns, Growth & Commercial Support

Plan and oversee digital campaigns across digital, retail, content, and social Support product launches, seasonal campaigns, and brand storytelling initiatives Work with performance partners on paid media, without being purely ad-led Use insight and data to inform promotions, pricing, and merchandising priorities

Social Media & Community

Define and manage a consistent social media content strategy across platforms such as TikTok, Meta, and YouTube Drive frequent, relevant posting aligned to brand and commercial objectives Identify and engage with relevant watch and enthusiast communities Use social as both a brand-building and traffic-driving channel Work with creators, influencers, freelancers, and partners to scale content output

Tools, AI & Efficiency

Leverage AI and modern marketing tools to improve efficiency, insight, and output Introduce smarter processes and systems across content creation, reporting, and execution

Collaboration & Ownership

Manage and coordinate freelancers, agencies, affiliates, and external partners Act as a central point of ownership across marketing initiatives Bring structure, clarity, and momentum to ongoing projects

Data, Insight & Reporting

Monitor performance across marketing, trading, and site metrics Translate data into actionable insight and clear recommendations Report on campaign performance, customer behaviour, and growth opportunities

What We're Looking For

Essential

Proven experience as a Digital Marketing Manager or similar role within e-commerce Strong understanding of digital marketing strategy and execution Experience managing Shopify or similar e-commerce platforms Confidence working with data, performance metrics, and commercial KPIs Experience managing freelancers, agencies, or external partners Strong eye for brand, creative, and content quality Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proactive, organised, and comfortable taking ownership Right to work in the UK

Desirable

Experience in retail, consumer brands, or lifestyle sectors Interest in watches, fashion, or design-led products Experience supporting international e-commerce growth Familiarity with Google Ads, Meta, GA4, and email platforms Marketplace experience (Amazon, eBay)
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Employee discount Free parking Store discount Transport links UK visa sponsorship Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:

Chester CH2 3AZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chester CH2 3AZ