Location: Hybrid (Minimum 2 days in the office) Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 per annum Benefits: Private pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Employer Supported Volunteering, Flexible working arrangements, Private health insurance Reports to: Head of Careers and Development Direct Reports: Marketing Executive Travel: Required (including some overnight stays) About the Company: MDS Ltd. is a leading management training scheme designed to develop future leaders for the food, fresh produce, and horticultural industries. We recruit, train, and develop ambitious graduates and provide them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in dynamic sectors. Role Overview: The Marketing and Sales Lead will be responsible for driving the recruitment and retention of members for the MDS programme, as well as promoting the scheme to potential Trainees. This role will involve developing and implementing strategic sales and marketing initiatives, with the aim of growing the programme's reach and impact. The successful candidate will work closely with the Marketing Executive, who will report into them, while reporting directly to the Head of Careers and Development. The role requires travel across the UK for events and meetings, with occasional overnight stays. Key Responsibilities: Sales Responsibilities: Develop and implement strategic plans to recruit new members (businesses) for the MDS programme. Build and maintain strong relationships with current members, ensuring high levels of engagement and retention. Identify and approach prospective companies in the food, fresh produce, and horticultural industries to introduce and promote the MDS programme. Attend relevant industry events, conferences, and exhibitions to network and promote MDS, both to companies and prospective trainees. Manage and track the sales pipeline, reporting regularly on performance and opportunities. Collaborate with the Head of Careers and Development to align sales strategies with organisational goals. Marketing Responsibilities: Lead the development and execution of marketing campaigns to raise awareness of the MDS programme among potential members and trainees. Oversee digital marketing strategies including social media, content marketing, email campaigns, and SEO to drive recruitment and brand awareness. Support in creating compelling content to promote the programme’s benefits and success stories. Collaborate with the Marketing Executive to ensure that marketing initiatives align with recruitment and retention goals. Monitor and analyse the effectiveness of marketing activities, reporting on key metrics to stakeholders. Work with external partners, such as industry organisations and educational institutions, to build partnerships that expand MDS's reach. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the Marketing Executive, providing support and development opportunities. Foster a collaborative and creative team environment, ensuring alignment on goals and performance. Work with cross-functional teams to ensure the consistency of brand messaging and strategy. Key Skills & Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in marketing and sales, ideally in the food, fresh produce, or horticultural industries. Proven track record of meeting sales targets and driving business growth. Experience in creating and executing marketing campaigns, with a strong understanding of digital marketing channels. Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders. Full UK driver’s licence and willingness to travel for work, with some overnight stays required. Creative, positive attitude with a proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid working environment. Additional Benefits: Private pension scheme Private health insurance Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Employer-supported volunteering opportunities Flexible working hours and part work-from-home (minimum 2 days in the office) How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their experience and suitability for the role. This role offers an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and growing organisation that is making a significant impact in the food and fresh produce industry. If you are a results-driven marketing and sales professional with a passion for developing future leaders, we encourage you to apply