AMS PSR

On behalf of DEFRA we are looking for a Campaign & Marketing Manager (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract on a hybrid basis at any of the DEFRA locations – York, Bristol, London and Newcastle main offices sites (2-3 days office attendance expectations)

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (https://www.gov.uk/)

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/)

About the role

The Campaign & Marketing Manager is responsible for leading and delivering integrated behaviour change campaigns that support Defra Group and wider government priorities. Reporting to the Senior Campaigns & Marketing Manager (G7) and sitting within the Campaigns, Digital Engagement and Brand function, the role has end-to-end responsibility for campaign development, implementation, evaluation and budget management.

The postholder operates with a high degree of autonomy, managing significant financial resources and external suppliers, working across internal teams, cross-government departments and external partners. The role requires strong strategic thinking, stakeholder management and delivery capability to ensure campaigns are insight-led, cost-effective and demonstrably impactful.

As a Campaign & Marketing Manager, your role responsibilities will be:

• Lead the development and delivery of integrated national (and where required international) behaviour change campaigns across the full marketing communications mix (paid, owned and earned channels).
• Translate business objectives into clear campaign strategies, objectives and delivery plans aligned to organisational priorities.
• Identify target audiences and apply data, research and insight to design targeted and effective marketing strategies.
• Develop robust campaign methodologies, KPIs and evaluation frameworks to optimise performance, measure success and demonstrate return on investment.
• Manage end-to-end campaign implementation across internal teams, cross-government departments, external partners and agencies.
• Lead procurement and contract management of external suppliers, overseeing briefing, pitch, evaluation, appointment and performance management in line with government processes.
• Provide expert advice on media buying and paid advertising, working within cross-government contracts and frameworks.
• Commission and manage creative and content development from in-house teams and agencies, from briefing through to approval and delivery.
• Manage and monitor campaign budgets, ensuring delivery to time and cost constraints while demonstrating value for money.
• Line manage and develop communications staff, setting priorities and supporting professional growth.
• Deputise for the Senior Campaigns & Marketing Manager as required.

Essential criteria

• Demonstrated experience leading and delivering integrated behaviour change or marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
• Strong ability to translate strategic business objectives into evidence-based campaign plans and measurable outcomes.
• Experience using audience insight, research and performance data to inform targeting, optimisation and evaluation.
• Proven experience managing external suppliers and agencies, including procurement and contract management.
• Experience managing budgets and delivering activity within financial controls while demonstrating value for money.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience working across departments and with senior colleagues.
• Experience line managing or developing team members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to provide professional marketing and communications advice.

Desirable criteria

• Experience delivering cross-government or multi-partner campaigns.
• Experience working within government procurement frameworks or media buying contracts.
• Knowledge of behaviour change frameworks and evaluation methodologies.
• Experience delivering international campaigns or activity across multiple markets.
• Relevant professional marketing or communications qualification.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.