Top 9 Emerging Marketing Careers To Know

Summary

• Companies in the UK seek candidates with specialist skills like AI literacy, growth strategy and B2B marketing.
• A recent report estimates that 88% of marketers already use some form of AI in their day‑to‑day roles, typically to speed up content creation, gain insights, or make faster decisions.
• The digital marketing industry in the UK is expected to grow at about 3% CAGR from 2022‑2027, which means there are enough opportunities for those entering marketing careers.
• While the Digital Sector saw a small drop in total filled jobs in 2024 (from ~1.89 million to ~1.77 million), demand for new marketing jobs in AI, performance, community and e‑commerce roles is strong.
• This guide introduces you to nine emerging marketing careers which offer the best potential for 2026 and beyond.

If you’re looking at marketing jobs in the UK, you’ll notice the landscape is moving fast; much faster than most people realise.

Not long ago, marketing was all about:

• print ads and radio spots
• running events
• sales support or writing PR

Today, marketing has changed. And the pace of change is only speeding up.

It’s no longer enough to just “do” marketing.

You need to know where the industry is heading, and why.

That’s why we put together this guide.

We’ll show you the most in-demand, future-focused marketing careers in the UK.

Each of these careers offers real opportunity for growth, strong earnings, and a chance for you to shape what marketing means in a new digital age.

Below, you’ll find our handpicked list of the top emerging marketing jobs for 2026 and beyond.

Disclaimer: All salary ranges, perks, skills, and career paths shown here are based on analysis of leading UK job platforms (including LinkedIn, Reed, and Glassdoor) as well as employment analytics reports.

1. AI Marketing Strategist

The world of marketing jobs is changing, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the role of the AI Marketing Strategist. This career sits at the crossroads of data, technology, and creativity. More UK brands want people who can use artificial intelligence not just for buzzwords, but for real and measurable business growth.

• Job Description: Designs and manages marketing campaigns powered by AI, using data and machine learning to personalise content.
• Key Skills & Tools: Python or R for data analysis, AI platforms (like TensorFlow), digital marketing dashboards (Tableau, Power BI), and emerging content tools.
• Career Path: Start as a Data Analyst or Digital Marketing Executive, move up to AI Marketing Strategist, and eventually reach Head of AI Marketing or CMO (AI).
• Entry without a degree: You can break in through digital marketing apprenticeships or online courses (in data analytics, AI, or digital marketing).
• UK Salary: £35,000–£50,000 at entry/mid-level; £55,000–£68,000 as a strategist; £80,000–£120,000+ at senior level.
• Perks: Flexible working, ongoing training, and early access to the latest AI tech.
• Possible Employers: Digital marketing agencies, tech start-ups, brands with in-house marketing teams (like Sky, BT, Tesco).

2. Creator & Influencer Partnerships Manager

Marketing is no longer just about traditional ads. Audiences trust people they follow online. That’s why Creator & Influencer Partnerships Managers have become essential in modern marketing careers.

• Job Description: Builds and manages relationships with creators and influencers, running campaigns that drive awareness, engagement, and trust on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
• Key Skills & Tools: Influencer sourcing, campaign management, analytics, contract negotiation, and understanding of social commerce tools (TikTok Shop, Shopify).
• Career Path: Start as Influencer Marketing Executive, grow into Partnerships Manager, and climb to Head of Partnerships or Global Partnerships Lead.
• Entry without a degree: Start by running social media accounts, volunteering, or interning with influencer agencies to learn campaign management hands-on.
• UK Salary: £40,000–£55,000; up to £75,000+ in senior roles, especially in fashion or beauty sectors.
• Perks: Hybrid work, industry event access, creative campaign budgets.
• Possible Employers: Top fashion and beauty brands (e.g. ASOS, Boohoo, Gymshark), consumer product companies, digital agencies, and influencer marketing platforms.

As partnerships grow, so does the need for results. The next career is all about making digital campaigns deliver.

3. Digital Performance/Growth Marketing Manager

In the UK, every company is under pressure to show digital results. The Growth Marketing Manager makes sure campaigns are performing.

• Job Description: Plans, runs, and optimises digital campaigns, using paid search, paid social, and analytics to grow customers and revenue.
• Key Skills & Tools: Google Ads, Meta Ads, PPC, SEO, data analytics (GA4, Tableau), A/B testing, and campaign optimisation.
• Career Path: From Media Executive to Growth Marketing Manager, then to Head of Growth or Performance Marketing Director.
• Entry without a degree: Manage small marketing campaigns, earn Google/Meta certifications, and build practical skills with personal or freelance digital projects.
• UK Salary: £50,000–£60,000 at mid-level; £70,000+ in top sectors; £40,000–£60,000 for digital marketing managers overall.
• Perks: Bonuses tied to performance, hybrid work, strong paths to commercial or digital CMO roles.
• Possible Employers: High-growth tech companies (e.g. Monzo, Revolut), e-commerce retailers, media companies, and full-service digital agencies.

But optimising campaigns is only part of the journey. How a customer feels at every touchpoint is just as crucial.

4. Customer Experience (CX) Designer/Journey Designer

Customers expect seamless experiences, whether they’re online, offline, or everywhere in between. That’s where CX Designers come in, making this one of the fastest-growing marketing careers for people who care about the user journey.

• Job Description: Designs, maps, and improves every step of the customer journey, using research and UX tools to build loyalty and satisfaction.
• Key Skills & Tools: Journey mapping, user research, Figma, UXPin, analytics, and workshop facilitation.
• Career Path: Begin as a Junior CX Designer, progress to a CX Designer, and advance to Lead Journey Designer or Director of Customer Experience.
• Entry without a degree: Develop UX skills through online courses, create portfolio projects, or volunteer in user research or service design roles.
• UK Salary: £34,000–£40,000 for juniors; £45,000–£60,000 for CX Designers; £65,000–£80,000 for senior roles.
• Perks: Flexible/hybrid work, professional development, wellness support, and management opportunities.
• Possible Employers: Major retailers (e.g. John Lewis, Marks & Spencer), banks, SaaS and tech firms, customer experience consultancies.

Of course, for many brands, sales still happen online. The next career is all about making e-commerce thrive.

5. E-Commerce Marketing Specialist

E-commerce is booming, and the E-Commerce Marketing Specialist ensures that brands stand out in a crowded online market.

• Job Description: Plans and executes digital strategies for online retail, optimising everything from product listings to paid ads and email campaigns.
• Key Skills & Tools: Platforms like Shopify and Magento, paid media (Google Shopping), CRO, SEO, A/B testing, email marketing, and analytics.
• Career Path: Start as E-commerce Marketing Assistant, grow to Specialist or Category Manager, and reach Head of E-commerce or Digital Director.
• Entry without a degree: Get hands-on with online store platforms, manage your own shop, or intern with an e-commerce team.
• UK Salary: £28,000–£45,000 (specialist); £50,000–£60,000+ (manager/London); £28,000–£32,000 (entry/junior).
• Perks: Hybrid work, bonuses for hitting targets, discounts, fast-track to global leadership.
• Possible Employers: Leading online retailers (e.g. ASOS, AO.com, Currys), direct-to-consumer brands, marketplace platforms, and specialist e-commerce agencies.

6. Community & Engagement Manager

Communities have real power. The Community & Engagement Manager brings people together around a brand (online or offline) and builds loyalty that ads alone can’t achieve.

• Job Description: Builds and nurtures brand communities, manages forums and events, and creates programmes for customer advocacy and engagement.
• Key Skills & Tools: Community platforms (Discord, Facebook Groups), moderation, content planning, analytics, and event management.
• Career Path: From Community Moderator or Coordinator to Manager, then Head or Director of Community.
• Entry without a degree: Volunteer to manage online communities, run social groups, or support events to gain practical engagement experience.
• UK Salary: £32,000–£48,000 (manager); £50,000–£70,000 (senior); £25,000–£32,000 (entry/junior).
• Perks: Flexible work, wellness programmes, travel/event budgets, and rapid growth to strategy roles.
• Possible Employers: Challenger banks (e.g. Monzo, Starling), consumer tech brands, gaming companies, SaaS providers, community-first startups, and membership organisations.

7. MarTech/Marketing Operations Lead

Marketing relies on dozens of platforms and tools. The MarTech Lead is the architect who makes sure it all runs smoothly and efficiently, which is vital for every modern marketing job.

• Job Description: Oversees the tech stack, automates marketing processes, and optimises workflows for better measurement and ROI.
• Key Skills & Tools: CRM and automation (Salesforce, HubSpot), analytics (Tableau, Power BI), project management (Asana), process design, and GDPR compliance.
• Career Path: Begin as Marketing Ops Analyst, move up to Manager, and reach Head of Marketing Operations or MarTech Director.
• Entry without a degree: Learn marketing platforms (like CRM tools) through online courses and entry-level tech or admin roles in marketing teams.
• UK Salary: £31,000–£45,000 (early); £45,000–£54,000 (mid); up to £80,000+ (senior/London).
• Perks: Remote/hybrid work, training budgets, strong career path to C-suite.
• Possible Employers: Large marketing agencies, FTSE 100 companies, SaaS providers, financial services groups, and specialist MarTech consultancies.

But what if your passion is purpose, not just profit? The next marketing career is for those who want to make a real impact.

8. ESG Marketing Specialist

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is more than a buzzword. ESG Marketing Specialists ensure brands don’t just talk about values; they live them, and share them honestly.

• Job Description: Develops and implements campaigns focused on sustainability, ethics, and responsible governance, aligning marketing with global ESG goals.
• Key Skills & Tools: ESG frameworks (GRI, SASB), sustainability reporting, comms and PR, stakeholder management, policy analysis.
• Career Path: Entry via ESG Coordinator or Sustainability Marketing Executive, then into ESG Marketing Lead or Director.
• Entry without a degree: Start in communications or non-profits, volunteer in sustainability roles, or take short courses on ESG fundamentals.
• UK Salary: £45,000–£55,000 (entry/specialist); £60,000–£200,000 (senior/head, especially in finance/tech).
• Perks: Health and pension benefits, hybrid work, sector networking, and purpose-driven work.
• Possible Employers: Major corporates (e.g. Unilever, NatWest), public sector, green energy companies, NGOs, and marketing agencies with a sustainability focus.

9. AI Content Strategist/Generative Content Specialist

AI isn’t just for data. The AI Content Strategist leads the charge in using generative tools to create blogs, social posts, and even video content.

• Job Description: Develops and leads content strategies using the latest AI tools, managing brand voice while driving creative and effective content production.
• Key Skills & Tools: Generative AI (ChatGPT, Midjourney), editorial direction, SEO, analytics, collaboration across creative and product teams.
• Career Path: Content Strategist or Digital Content Specialist at entry, moving up to Lead AI Content Strategist or Head of Generative Content.
• Entry without a degree: Practice with AI content tools, publish your writing online, and create a portfolio showing real content results.
• UK Salary: £39,500–£50,000 (content strategist); up to £58,000+ (senior/AI-integrated).
• Perks: Remote/hybrid work, access to new tech, creative project leadership, and ongoing learning.
• Possible Employers: Digital publishers (e.g. Future, Immediate Media), creative agencies, SaaS and tech startups, content marketing firms, or even freelance for multiple brands.

Each of these marketing careers tells us something about where the industry is going:

• More digital, more measurable, more personal
• Driven by both technology and human values
• Filled with opportunity for those who are ready to adapt and lead

Explore the roles above, reflect on your strengths, and see where you can lead. Or if you would like to add a suggestion to our list, get in touch with us!

Frequently Asked Questions: UK Marketing Jobs in 2026

1. What are the top emerging marketing careers in the UK for 2026?

The most in-demand marketing jobs are AI Marketing Strategist, Growth Marketing Manager, Creator & Influencer Partnerships Manager, Customer Experience Designer, and E-commerce Marketing Specialist. These roles blend creativity, digital skills, and data and meet the new needs of UK businesses.

2. Which marketing jobs offer the best salary growth in the UK?

Senior roles like Head of Digital Marketing, AI Marketing Strategist, and E-commerce Marketing Manager are leading the way in pay growth. In London and fast-growing sectors, salaries for these positions exceed £70,000 per year.

3. What skills do I need for a marketing job in 2026?

You’ll need a combination of digital know-how and creativity:

• Data analysis
• AI and automation tools
• Campaign management
• Content creation
• Confident communication

Experience with Google Analytics, social platforms, and e-commerce is a plus.

4. Are there entry-level marketing jobs in the UK for beginners?

Absolutely. Many people begin as Marketing Assistants, Social Media Executives, or Digital Marketing Analysts. Employers value energy and willingness to learn, sometimes even more than formal experience.

5. How is the marketing job market evolving in the UK?

The landscape is moving rapidly toward digital-first, AI-powered, and customer-centric roles. Employers want marketers who can use technology and data to drive results but also understand people and storytelling. So it’s an exciting time to start or pivot your marketing career.