DIGITAL AND MARKETING MANAGER
Manchester Art Gallery Trading Company
Part Time: 24 hours per week (0.6 FTE)
Salary: £38,126 pro rata
Reporting to: General Manager
DESCRIPTION OF ROLE
This role leads the planning and delivery of marketing and communications activity for Manchester Art Gallery Trading Company (MAGTC), supporting the achievement of commercial objectives and revenue targets.
The postholder will be responsible for marketing strategy, branding, digital communications, audience development and commercial promotion, delivering effective campaigns that enhance visibility, drive sales and strengthen the Trading Company's market presence. The successful candidate will manage the marketing budget for The Trading Company and sub-brands.
The post holder will work collaboratively with Manchester Art Gallery's Marketing and Communications Team, commercial partners, suppliers, MAGTC managerial colleagues and board members to ensure a consistent and professional brand presence while developing the Trading Company as a distinctive sub-brand aligned with the wider Manchester Art Gallery identity.
The role holder will lead the development, implementation and evaluation of marketing strategies, campaigns and promotional activities that increase awareness, engagement and commercial income across the Gallery Café, venue hire, events and other trading activities.
KEY ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES
Marketing Strategy and Brand Development
- Develop and deliver short, medium and long-term marketing strategies that support the commercial objectives of Manchester Art Gallery Trading Company.
- Manage and optimise marketing budgets to maximise return on investment, ensuring effective allocation and measurable business growth across The Trading Company.
- Establish and maintain a strong sub-brand identity for the Trading Company that aligns and compliments Manchester Art Gallery's overall brand whilst creating a distinctive commercial presence.
- Ensure all marketing activity delivers measurable return on investment and supports visitor growth, customer retention, customer acquisition and commercial income generation.
- Manage any external agencies, designers and suppliers, ensuing they work within The Trading Company guidelines and follow clear briefs, produced by the postholder.
- Support the successful relaunch, promotion and ongoing growth of The Gallery Café through targeted and integrated marketing activity.
- Analyse and improve the conversion rate from advertising, outreach and awareness to confirmed bookings for the events brand, using our CRM system to track pipeline progression.
Digital Marketing and Communications
- Lead the creation, delivery and evaluation of digital marketing campaigns across social media, websites, email marketing and digital advertising platforms.
- Create engaging, high-quality content that promotes the Gallery Café, venue hire opportunities, weddings, corporate events and other commercial activities.
- Manage and oversee Trading Company social media channels, ensuring regular, consistent messaging, visual identity and audience engagement.
- Work closely with Manchester Art Gallery's Marketing and Digital Team to ensure all communications maintain an appropriate tone, professional standard and alignment with wider organisational objectives.
- Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies and best practice to maximise digital reach and audience engagement.
- Create and publish content for online webpages, including Trading Company websites and sub-brands, online advertising platforms such as Hitched, Venue Scanner and TAG Venues.
- Monitor, adjust and report on website performance, user journey and guest conversion.
- Manage SEO, Google Business Profile optimisation and search visibility to enhance online presence and customer acquisition.
- Ensure accessible business information across platforms remain accurate.
Commercial Promotion and Audience Growth
- Develop targeted marketing campaigns to promote:
- Seasonal food and beverage
- The Gallery Café
- Private hire opportunities
- Weddings and celebrations
- Corporate functions and conferencing
- Commercial events and experience
- Identify and develop opportunities to grow existing audiences while attracting new visitors and customers.
- Support customer retention initiatives and encourage repeat visits through effective marketing and communication activity.
Print, Design and Content Management
- Manage the development and production of high-quality promotional materials including:
- Information packs
- Café and Events menus
- Flyers
- Event collateral
- External signage
- Advertising materials
- Digital assets
- Ensure all print and digital materials remain professional, on-brand, accessible and fit for purpose.
- Oversee content creation including photography, videography, copywriting and graphic design delivered internally or through external suppliers.
Networking and Business Development
- Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, event organisers, wedding planners, tourism partners and corporate clients.
- Represent Manchester Art Gallery Trading Company at networking and promotional events where appropriate.
- Identify partnership opportunities that increase awareness, bookings and commercial revenue.
Performance Management and Reporting
- Monitor and evaluate marketing performance across all channels.
- Produce regular reports detailing campaign effectiveness, reach, engagement, conversion and return on investment.
- Use data, customer insights and analytics to inform future marketing activity and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the collation of management information and marketing performance metrics, ensuring accurate and consistent reporting.
Governance, Compliance and Inclusion
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and all relevant data protection regulations.
- Maintain knowledge of digital accessibility standards, including WCAG guidelines, ensuring all communications and digital content are inclusive and accessible.
- Develop and deliver inclusive marketing campaigns that represent and appeal to diverse communities, promoting engagement and participation across a broad range of audiences.
- Embed sustainability principles within marketing plans and activities, prioritising environmentally responsible practices, reducing waste, and supporting The Trading Company and Manchester Art Gallery sustainability objectives.
- Ensure all communications protect and enhance the reputation of Manchester Art Gallery and Manchester Art Gallery Trading Company.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will work closely with:
- Manchester Art Gallery Trading Company Leadership Team
- Manchester Art Gallery Trading Company Board Members
- Manchester Art Gallery Marketing and Digital Team
- Manchester Art Gallery Leadership Team
- Gallery Café management and operational teams
- Events Manager and Events Co-ordinators
- External agencies, designers and suppliers
- Wedding planners, corporate clients and event partners
- Local businesses and tourism organisations
Role Outcomes
Success in this role will be demonstrated through:
- A successful and measurable relaunch of The Gallery Café
- Increased commercial revenue across café and events operations
- Growth in venue hire, wedding and corporate bookings
- Development of a strong and recognisable Trading Company sub-brand
- Increased digital engagement and audience reach
- Delivery of professional, high-quality marketing and communications materials
- Demonstrable return on investment from marketing activities
- Strong collaboration and alignment with Manchester Art Gallery marketing and communications standards
Person Specification Criteria
- Experience in marketing, communications, or digital marketing, supported by either 2 years' professional experience or relevant industry-recognised qualifications. (Essential)
- Experience developing and delivering successful multi-channel marketing campaigns. (Essential)
- Strong knowledge of digital marketing, including social media, email marketing and website content. (Essential)
- Experience creating engaging and inspiring marketing content and digital assets. (Essential)
- Experience managing and growing social media channels and audience engagement. (Essential)
- Ability to develop and implement marketing strategies that support commercial objectives. (Essential)
- Experience monitoring, analysing and reporting on campaign performance, KPIs and ROI. (Essential)
- Strong understanding of branding and maintaining consistent brand standards. (Essential)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. (Essential)
- Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities. (Essential)
- Experience producing high-quality print and digital marketing materials. (Essential)
- Commercial awareness with the ability to support revenue generation and audience growth. (Essential)
- Experience marketing venue hire, weddings, hospitality, conferencing or commercial events, and using CRM, analytics or design platforms (e.g. Hootsuite, Mailchimp, GA4, CRM, WordPress, Shopify, Adobe, etc.) (Essential)
- Professional marketing qualification (e.g. CIM). (Desirable)
- Experience within arts, culture, hospitality, tourism or events sectors. (Desirable)
Pay: £38,126.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Manchester M2 3JL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- As part of our candidate selection process, we'll ask shortlisted candidates to submit a short portfolio of experience. Please ensure this can be produced if you wish to continue?
Experience:
- Marketing: 2 years (preferred)
- Social media management: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
