Head of Brand & Marketing
At Darlington Building Society, we're proud of our heritage, our values and the difference we make to our members and communities. As we continue to grow and evolve, we're looking for an experienced and ambitious Head of Brand & Marketing to lead the next chapter of our brand journey.
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping how we tell our story, strengthen our reputation, grow our membership and create meaningful connections with our colleagues, members, brokers and communities. You'll lead our Marketing and Communications team, driving a clear and compelling brand strategy that supports our commercial ambitions while staying true to our mutual values.
About the role
This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic marketing leader who can combine big-picture thinking with delivery excellence.
You'll have ownership of the Society's marketing, communications and brand agenda, ensuring every interaction reflects who we are and what we stand for. From major campaigns and digital marketing activity through to corporate affairs, media relations and internal communications, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping our voice and presence both internally and externally.
You'll be responsible for:
- Leading our brand strategy – building brand awareness, strengthening market presence and ensuring a consistent experience across every touchpoint
- Driving growth – delivering impactful marketing campaigns that support member acquisition, retention and commercial objectives
- Championing our story – bringing our purpose, values and community impact to life for members, colleagues, brokers and wider stakeholders
- Enhancing our digital presence – ensuring our website, social media and digital channels effectively engage audiences and support business goals
- Leading and developing a high-performing team – creating an environment where creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement thrive
- Building strong partnerships – working closely with senior leaders, external agencies, community partners and industry stakeholders
- Using insight to shape decisions – leveraging market trends, customer insight and performance data to continuously improve marketing effectiveness
What we're looking for
We're looking for a confident and inspiring leader with a passion for brand building and a proven track record of delivering results.
You'll likely bring:
- Significant experience in a senior marketing, communications or brand leadership role
- A strong track record of developing and delivering integrated marketing strategies that drive measurable business outcomes
- Experience leading and developing successful marketing teams
- Strong digital marketing expertise across multiple channels
- The ability to balance commercial objectives with exceptional customer outcomes
- Experience managing agency relationships, budgets and large-scale campaigns
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the credibility to influence at Executive and Board level
- Experience within financial services or another regulated consumer environment would be advantageous
Most importantly, you'll understand how a strong brand can support business growth, build trust and create lasting relationships with customers and communities.
Why join us?
This is more than a marketing leadership role.
It's an opportunity to shape the future of a well-established and respected mutual organisation, helping us tell our story in new and meaningful ways while building a brand that continues to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
You'll join a collaborative Executive leadership team and have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future direction of the Society, our brand and our member experience.
Alongside a rewarding and influential role, we offer:
- Competitive salary of £80,000 – £90,000 (dependent on experiance)
- Hybrid working, with a minimum of 3 days per week based at our Head Office
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
- Contributory pension scheme with generous employer contributions
- Annual bonus scheme linked to both personal and Society performance
- Life assurance for added peace of mind
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing initiatives
- Colleague discount and savings platform, offering a range of retail and lifestyle benefits
- Ongoing opportunities for professional development and career growth
- A supportive culture where you can be yourself and thrive, guided by our values: Be Better, Be Trusted, Be Yourself
If you're passionate about building brands, leading high-performing teams and creating marketing strategies that make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY ON OUT WEBSITE YOUR APPLICATION MAY BE ADDED TO OUR ATS FOR PROCESSING. FOR MORE INFROMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Pay: £80,000.00-£90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee mentoring programme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid volunteer time
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Darlington DL1 4PT