Strategic Brand Lead

Purposeful vision. Agile planning.Steadfast persistence.

STRATEGIC BRAND LEAD

Salary: £62,000 - £67,000 per annum

Reports to: Head of Strategic Brand & Marketing Planning

Department: Marketing, Fundraising and Engagement

Contract: 12 month fixed-term contract

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford w/ high-flex (1 - 2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: Sunday 30 March 2025, 23:55

Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That's why we're looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us as a Strategic Brand Lead. We need you to drive the delivery of the CRUK brand strategy to help CRUK achieve its vision, aims and objectives and to effectively manage brand performance, reputation and appeal of the CRUK core brand and recognised sub-propositions. You'll work closely with the Head of Brand and Strategic Marketing Planning and the Creative Head and team, as well as partnering with teams across the organisation, to drive brand performance, clarity, relevance and engagement across all audience touchpoints and experiences.

What will I be doing?

• Leading on all aspects of strategic brand development and implementation, building a holistic brand experience across all outputs and optimising the way CRUK is viewed by the public, our supporters and partners, key opinion leaders and the research community

• Acting as a consultant with teams across marketing and the wider organisation to understand their annual plans and target audiences and support their brand needs, advising on brand and creative development where needed

• Delivering key strategic brand projects, getting support from internal delivery teams where required

• Line managing and supporting the Brand Managers and Project Manager, working collaboratively on strategic brand projects, and matrix management of broader resource on project delivery

• Work closely with the Creative Head and team to ensure the creative outputs from our in-house team are maximising the value of the CRUK brand, and that there is effective brand guardianship across all creative activity

• Working with insight and other relevant stakeholders to conduct analysis and research that will help set our future strategic brand direction, and partner with the Senior Performance Manager in measuring brand performance on an on-going basis, agreeing measurable KPIs for the brand

• Driving the organisations understanding and engagement with brand via brand inductions and the Brand Partner network across the organisation

• Ensuring we are getting the most from our external creative agencies and suppliers, and they are fully educated on how to effectively use the CRUK brand for maximum impact

• Engaging with stakeholders from all directorates to ensure we are taking a holistic, one CRUK approach to brand outputs across the entire organisation.

What skills will I need?

• Significant brand leadership experience and knowledge, with proven ability in brand strategy, positioning, architecture, creation and development

• Strategic thinker with significant experience of translating brand strategy into brand experience via marketing and communications outputs

• Ability to build collaborative relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels

• Experience of working with both external and in-house creatives including project management

• Proactive and creative thinker with the ability to think laterally and identify new ideas and opportunities

• Ability to champion the supporter and the delivery of relevant, engaging communications and excellent supporter experiences

• A flexible and agile approach to adapt to changing priorities

• Confident and effective communication skills at all levels, including in difficult situations.

What will I gain?

Each and every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that's impressive.

In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies and processes to enable you to do your job well.

Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more.

We don't forget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture.

Our work - from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy - will change the world. It's exciting to be part of our team.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.

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