Job Description

You will be responsible for leading the development and execution of strategic, integrated, compelling and competitive marketing communications plans for the Investment Trust businesses managed by Columbia Threadneedle Investments. The role has a focus on the UK Direct to Consumer channel. In delivering for growth objectives for the Investment Trusts, the role must ensure clear alignment to the broader marketing strategy and corporate messaging, as well as contributing directly to the business objectives for this channel.
Delegated Authority:

• Support development and effectively execute the marketing strategy for the investment trust client companies and leveraging the UK Direct to Consumer channel
• Achievement of marketing targets in line with agreed KPIs for the relevant business area, and Columbia Threadneedle Investments risk appetite
• Support the Head of Marketing in the management and effective influencing of key relationships with the Investment Trust Boards of Directors
• Development of marketing strategies to ensure all opportunities are maximised, managing our existing clients and establishing relationships externally, across the industry and in the distribution chain to maximise effectiveness
• Effectively execute all marketing activities within agreed budget

How you'll spend your time

• Support Head of Channel Marketing (UK Direct) in successfully manging relationships with c.8 Investment Trust boards, including attendance at Boards, as required
• Work is close collaboration with the Head of Channel Marketing (UK Direct) to shape Investment Trust marketing strategies as well as independently work to follow through on commitments, implementation plans and establishing reporting frameworks
• Own and drive activation of Investment Trust marketing strategies and plans, tracking against KPIs and optimisation of activity to enable successful delivery externally as well as in line with Columbia Threadneedle risk appetite and policies
• Establish D2C platform provider relationships as a key distribution channel for Investment Trusts, leveraging both paid media and content pipeline opportunities
• Close planning partner with Columbia Threadneedle Distribution/Sales, Intermediary Marketing, Creative services and PR to maximise planning potential and driving outcomes for Investment Trusts
• Regular calibration of content strategies for Investment Trusts, working in partnership with the Senior Marketing Manager (UK Direct) to ensure briefs draw on strategic plans and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) insights
• Develop individual Investment Trust social media strategies and plans, in line with their respective Board strategies
• Support activation of bespoke PR mandates for Investment Trusts, fully leveraging initiatives for amplification and supporting Head of External Comms and Head of Channel Marketing (UK Direct) to demonstrate effectiveness back to the respective Investment Trust boards
• Proactively assess emerging and evolving direct to consumer marketing needs, ensuring the Investment Trust marketing is on or ahead of relevant marketing trends, as well as overall positioning with key target audiences, that can be leveraged to the benefit of shareholding growth
• Ensure plans are aligned to our broader data driven, digital-first marketing approach, focused on deepening engagement with our various target audiences, as well as clearly supporting the commercial objectives of the business, and our investment trust clients
• Key role in leadership, management and development of a high performing Direct to Consumer Channel Marketing team, consistently leading by example and in line with company values and policies with immediate team as well as broader marketing team, and stakeholders - driving positive engagement throughout
• Collaborate with relevant distribution and investment leaders to understand overall business, product, and distribution strategy, aligning these with the broader marketing objectives, and effectively managing stakeholders on an ongoing basis
• Constructively challenge the norm to deliver significant step changes in client experience and commercial results
• Serve as an expert and advocate for appropriate use of our brand and direct to consumer marketing activities in accordance with broader corporate messaging and positioning, and brand and style guidelines

To be successful in this role you will have

• Demonstrable experience and strong understanding of direct-to-consumer channel and routes to market - able to gain immediate credibility and hit the ground running
• Unapologetically client focussed, yet commercially driven with strong understanding of financial drivers / business requirements, and strong budget management skills
• Ability to build strong, trusted relationships with key directors within Investment Trust Board members, influencing and negotiating at a senior level
• A reputation as a sophisticated marketing expert as demonstrated through past results
• Demonstrable experience developing marketing strategies within Financial Services and for Direct to Consumer businesses, from developing the plan, execution of activity and measurement and working within a highly regulated industry
• Sound knowledge of marketing including experience of the full media mix, promotions and communications relevant to end retail investors
• Experienced campaign manager with proven project management skill, from writing a strategically aligned brief, leading agency briefing through to execution, delivery, reporting and post-campaign analysis
• Proactive, accountable and prepared to take ownership
• Ability to lead and influence a matrix team to drive results
• Experience of managing external 3rd party relationships and suppliers
• Strong people management skills
• "Student of the game"; stays up to date on Marketing and industry trends
• Naturally creative, idea generating and prepared to challenge the norm
• Good knowledge of the investment management industry preferred
• Digital Marketing expertise, including paid media, SEO and Social Media
• Proficient copywriting skills to support enhancement of content developed internally and by agency partners
• Strong presentation skills, with senior stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Strong change management skills
• High level of negotiation and influencing skills
• Experience with Workfront (or similar campaign management tool) would be beneficial

It would be great if you also had

• Marketing qualification with significant experience in a client focussed and commercially led marketing role, ideally with an understanding and / or interest in financial products

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.
We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,500 people working together. Our expertise is diverse with more than 650 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements.
Columbia Threadneedle is a people business and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that supports the diversity of our employees and reflects our broader communities and client-base.
We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.
Full-Time/Part-Time Full time
Worker Sub Type Permanent
Job Family Group Marketing/Product Management