Marketing Director

Marketing Director – EMEA

Based in the UK, Europe, or the Middle East, with occasional regional and global travel

37.5 hours, full-time

Reporting to: VP Marketing, International Higher Education

Purpose

We are looking for a visionary Marketing Director to lead Pearson Higher Education’s growth across the EMEA region. This leadership role requires someone who can accelerate growth across established markets and boldly position Pearson as a trusted brand in emerging regions. Education is a transformative force, and Pearson is at the forefront of this change with innovative learning solutions. In this role, you will champion our mission, using your marketing expertise to amplify our impact and drive business growth across the region.

As the Marketing Director for EMEA, you will be instrumental in shaping Pearson’s future by developing and executing B2B and D2C marketing strategies that directly drive sales and generate quality leads. You will lead integrated campaigns that enhance brand awareness, engage educators and students, and foster lasting advocacy. Your efforts will grow Pearson’s presence in established markets and ensure successful entry into new regions. This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing marketing team and shape the trajectory of Pearson’s success across EMEA, cementing Pearson’s leadership in higher education.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Marketing Leadership: Own and lead the marketing strategy across the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, positioning Pearson as the leading education company. Tailor strategies to meet the needs of educators and students, while aligning with global objectives.

Team Leadership & Development: Lead and nurture a high-performing marketing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth.

Integrated Campaigns: Plan and execute innovative, multi-channel marketing campaigns that cater to both mature and emerging markets, driving brand recognition, customer engagement, and overall business growth across the region.

Performance Optimization & ROI: Oversee regional marketing budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources to maximize ROI. Use data-driven insights to refine campaigns, ensuring that performance targets are met.

Market Penetration: Design and execute strategies that support the successful market entry and expansion across the EMEA region. Establish a strong regional brand presence that ensures Pearson’s continued success in both new and established markets.

Market Insights & Trends: Stay ahead of the curve on regional market dynamics, cultural nuances, and emerging opportunities across EMEA. Leverage this knowledge to tailor strategies that meet the needs of local and regional audiences.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with sales, product, and operations teams to ensure marketing initiatives align with broader business objectives. Foster a collaborative approach to the execution of marketing strategies across the region.

Stakeholder & Executive Reporting: Provide regular performance updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership. Present actionable insights and a roadmap for marketing success, contributing to the long-term marketing strategy for the EMEA region.

Competencies

• Expertise in B2B and D2C Marketing: Demonstrated experience leading successful, data-driven, multi-channel campaigns that drive brand awareness, growth, and customer engagement across diverse markets.
• Leadership & Influence: Strong leadership capabilities with a track record of building and guiding high-performing regional marketing teams. Skilled at influencing business decisions and shaping strategies across different markets.
• Market Dynamics & Cultural Fluency: Deep understanding of regional market dynamics and consumer behaviour in EMEA, with the ability to adapt marketing strategies for both established and emerging markets.
• Creative & Innovative Mindset: A forward-thinking marketer who excels at driving growth by exploring new ideas and embracing innovative marketing strategies.
• Communication & Storytelling: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to senior leadership and cross-functional teams. 
• Data-Driven & Analytical: Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable marketing strategies that enhance performance.
• Agility in a Fast-Paced Environment: Results-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver on business objectives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Education, Qualifications & Training

Educated to degree level or equivalent, with a professional marketing qualification considered a plus.

Fluency in English; additional languages spoken across EMEA are highly desirable.