Vacancies

Head of Brand- Universities

Job Introduction

At Gather & Gather, we are known as one of the UK & Irelands most distinctive catering experts, we are passionate about great food and great coffee and putting our employees and customers at the heart of everything that we do. We are currently recruiting for a Head of Brand to work with us in our University sector. This is an exciting role that provides a hybrid working pattern with travel required throughout the UK.

The Head of Brand – Universities is responsible for overseeing all marketing activities across multiple university and college sites. The role is primarily focused on retention (80%) while also contributing to acquisition efforts (20%). Working closely with operational teams and sales teams, this role ensures that all marketing needs are met across sites that do not have a dedicated marketing manager, while also overseeing and supporting marketing leads at other locations. The role includes strategic planning, brand management, digital communications, and support for new business development. Additionally, the role is responsible for driving innovation in marketing, enhancing engagement with students and staff, and overseeing event activations, including Freshers’ Weeks. The role also involves leading major digital transformation projects, including the rebranding and relaunching of the app, with a dedicated task team.

A key focus of this role is the continuous analysis of performance metrics to optimise marketing strategies and drive business growth. This includes reviewing sales returns, average transaction value (ATV), marketing performance, engagement rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, student retention statistics, campaign ROI, and other relevant data points to ensure data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Marketing Leadership

• Support and provide strategic guidance to marketing managers
  • Setting plans for each site, ensuring alignment with business objectives and client expectations.
• Manage branding, design work, signage (directional and promotional), digital communications, social media, and marketing collateral.
• Ensure effective communication strategies for student engagement and retention.
• Oversee the management of apps, refurbishment projects, and customer experience initiatives.
• Drive innovation in marketing strategies to enhance student and staff engagement.
• Lead the task team responsible for the rebranding and relaunching of the app, ensuring a seamless rollout and improved user experience.
• Continuously review marketing performance data, including engagement rates, social media insights, email open rates, footfall metrics, and other KPIs to refine marketing strategies
• Work closely with chef teams to brand food concepts, ensuring alignment with overall marketing and brand identity.

Client Strategy & Relationship Management

• Collaborate with university and college clients to establish a cohesive marketing strategy and brand identity at the beginning of each contract.
• Conduct ongoing reviews with clients to refine and enhance marketing strategies based on performance data and feedback.
• Act as the primary marketing liaison for key stakeholders, ensuring strong and effective relationships.

Sales & Business Development Support

• Support sales teams in the development of bids for new tenders and contracts.
• Conduct site visits for upcoming tenders, providing strategic marketing insights and recommendations.

Central Marketing Collaboration & Support

• Lead the coordination of marketing strategies for student recruitment, retention, and overall engagement.
• Provide strategic input based on marketing data analysis to refine central marketing strategies and campaigns.

Openings, Mobilisations & Customer Experience

• Lead marketing efforts for new site openings and mobilisations, ensuring a smooth transition and strong brand presence.
• Provide strategic guidance on customer experience and student journey flow.
• Ensure best practices in signage, wayfinding, and digital engagement are implemented for optimal student and visitor experiences.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a senior marketing role, preferably within the education, hospitality, or service industries.
• Strong strategic and operational marketing experience, including multi-site management.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in branding, digital marketing, social media, and communications.
• Ability to develop and execute marketing strategies that enhance customer retention and acquisition.
• Strong writing, design, and presentation skills, particularly for bid development and sales proposals.
• Experience working with design tools and digital platforms.
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret and apply insights to marketing strategies.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities.

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
• CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) qualification or equivalent is desirable.
• Experience in university or education sector marketing is a plus.

Key Attributes

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Creative and innovative approach to marketing.
• High level of organisation and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams and locations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
• Forward-thinking and proactive in implementing new technologies and digital solutions.
• Strong analytical mindset, using data-driven insights to optimise marketing strategies and performance.

What's in it for you?

Working with Gather & Gather has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits and development opportunities to keep you content.

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Private medical eligibility
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• A holiday purchase scheme
• Volunteering days
• Professional subscriptions
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers