The Role
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Marketing Manager to lead our marketing initiatives across the UK and EMEA region. Reporting directly to the General Manager, Northern Europe & MEA, you will hold regional accountability for marketing activities, including oversight of Spain, France and Belgium by working in collaboration with relevant Country Managers and Sales staff. You will be responsible for designing, executing, and evaluating marketing strategies, encompassing digital marketing, media planning, trade marketing, PR, and our expanding eCommerce business
As a key member of the UK and European Management Team, you will work closely with our international headquarters and align all marketing strategies with Global Brand Marketing guidelines under the direction of the Los Angeles based Vice President, Global Brand Marketing. This role requires a balance of strategic oversight and hands-on execution to drive regional success while maintaining global consistency.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and execute marketing plans aligned with Global Brand Marketing’s annual strategies, ensuring adherence to brand positioning and guidelines.
* Lead marketing efforts for the UK/Ireland and provide strategic oversight for EMEA export markets.
* Deliver quarterly updates, including licensor reports and presentations, ensuring alignment with licensor expectations and global brand standards.
* Coordinate trade show and event participation, managing materials, logistics, and post-event reporting to stakeholders.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams and third-party partners to develop and execute impactful marketing and PR campaigns, including social media and influencer strategies, to drive brand awareness and conversions.
* Work closely with sales teams and retail partners to create retail initiatives that align with brand strategies and guidelines.
* Localize digital marketing campaigns in collaboration with HQ to maximize ROI, adapting content, packaging, and campaigns to meet regional language and cultural requirements.
* Conduct brand presentations for sales teams and retail buyers to ensure alignment and enthusiasm for marketing initiatives.
* Build and manage local annual marketing plans and budgets, ensuring alignment with global objectives.
* Identify and capitalize on industry trends to establish the brand as a leader in the toy category.
* Develop and manage point-of-sale and sales support materials using approved corporate processes and tools.
* Drive eCommerce growth by leveraging digital tools and media to achieve ambitious sales targets.
* Provide analytical oversight of external vendor activities (media, PR, social media) to measure campaign performance and ensure budget optimization.
* Collaborate with the Vice President, Global Brand Marketing to ensure all regional strategies and executions align with global directives and priorities.
* Perform additional duties as required to support business objectives.
Candidate Requirements
* Based in the UK, with the flexibility to travel overseas for biannual meetings in Los Angeles and to attend key trade shows and regional sales meetings.
* 5–7 years of experience as a Brand Manager or Marketing Manager in the UK toy, licensing, nursery, or similar consumer goods sectors.
* Genuine passion for toys and children’s brands, with a strong understanding of the market.
* Proven ability to execute strategies, deliver results, and meet critical deadlines.
* Expertise in digital marketing, including PPC (Amazon Advertising), SEO, email marketing, paid social (FB Business Manager, YouTube), and influencer marketing.
* Proficiency in organic social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X).
* Strong relationship-building, presentation, and leadership skills.
* In-depth knowledge of advertising fundamentals, brand development, and strategy.
* Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
* Exceptional attention to detail, with a strong sense of urgency and ownership.
* As a salaried employee, able to work extended hours when/where/if required to accommodate international time-zone meetings and other deadlines when necessary.
Location
This role is based at our UK head office in Milton Keynes, with some flexibility for remote working depending on business priorities.