A head of marketing, also called a marketing director, is someone who takes care of the entire marketing department.
They usually report to the company’s CEO and upper management, and have several employees working under them. It takes some specific skills to successfully work as a head of marketing. It is also a very important job because marketing is what helps a business become even more successful.
Here are some things to look for when you’re hiring a head of marketing for your company.
1. Analytical Skills
A good deal of marketing and advertising is looking at current data and analytics, and being able to make changes or improvements based on those.
A good head of marketing candidate has excellent analytical skills and is able to determine the value of data they are presented with.
They generally have an analytical mind, which is something not taught, but that this individual already possesses. It means looking at data to discuss marketing approaches and consumer behavior in their industry.
They also must be able to look past the data and pick up on other patterns or trends.
2. Technical Skills
Due to the importance of technology with modern marketing and advertising methods, technical skills are also essential for a head of marketing employee.
They must be up to date on modern technology, including computer and mobile device use, social media applications, and be able to use various tools and apps effectively.
Being technology-savvy makes a candidate a top notch employee for a marketing manager or marketing director. It is also something to help narrow down your results.
3. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking involves being able to analyze certain situations, figure out if they’re valid, and coming up with a reasonable resolution. Critical thinkers have great management potential, including for the marketing field.
As a head of marketing, they will be a director or manager of the marketing department, so they must have the ability to sort through problems and use rationalization to come up with compromises for everyone involved.
4. Project Management Skills
Additionally, project management skills are useful for all business professionals and management level employees; head of marketing professionals are no exception. They must be able to work out various projects, whether short-term or long-term projects.
A big part of marketing is having various advertising campaigns, whether it is with social media, general online advertising, local advertising or a combination of these methods.
Project management skills are vital for this profession so they can accomplish their goals and objectives, and lead the department.
5. Communication Skills
This is a fairly obvious skill, but something to look for in your head of marketing candidate.
Communication is everything in marketing. Not only with potential advertising spots and public relations, but communication with other employees as well. You should be able to analyze their basic communication skills through the various interviews.
Head of marketers are responsible for bringing your company to success through the various strategies.
Aside from proper education and experience, these skills must be present.