Senior Direct Marketing Manager (12-month mat cover)

Application Deadline: 12 May 2026

Department: Engagement

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: London/Hybrid

Compensation: £54,101 / year

Description

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.
Are you a strategic marketing leader with a passion for making a difference? Blood Cancer UK is looking for a Senior Direct Marketing Manager to manage a high-performing team, deliver insight-led, multi-channel campaigns, and make a real difference to the lives of people affected by blood cancer. This is an exciting opportunity to be responsible for impactful direct marketing campaigns that grow individual giving and engage supporters. 
Based in London with hybrid working options (2–4 days per month in the office, may increase dependent on business needs), this role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team, innovate with digital channels, and champion campaigns that engage and inspire supporters. If you thrive on turning data into action and delivering outstanding results, we want to hear from you.
We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives. 

Key Responsibilities

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Lead and deliver the Direct Marketing strategy
 Develop and implement a strategy that grows individual giving income and supporter numbers, ensuring activity aligns with the Fundraising Strategy and organisational priorities.

2. Drive innovation and digital transformation in supporter engagement
Lead the integration of digital channels and new products into the direct marketing programme, testing and scaling approaches that improve efficiency and reach.

3. Manage campaign planning and delivery
Oversee planning, creative development, delivery and evaluation of acquisition and retention campaigns across multiple channels, ensuring delivery on time, on brand and within budget.

4. Lead data-driven decision making
Translate campaign and CRM data into actionable insight, identifying trends and opportunities to improve audience segmentation and campaign performance.

5. Manage and develop the Direct Marketing team
Provide clear direction, coaching and performance management for team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture where staff can develop and succeed.

6. Manage budgets and financial performance
Forecast, monitor and report on income and expenditure, ensuring efficient use of resources and delivery of agreed financial targets.

7. Manage external relationships and suppliers
Lead relationships with agencies and suppliers, ensuring quality, compliance and value for money, while championing creative excellence and innovation.

8. Promote equality, diversity and inclusion
Ensure that fundraising activity reflects and reaches the diversity of the blood cancer community, and that inclusive approaches are embedded in team practices and campaign design.

9. Manage, lead and develop the team to ensure excellent levels of engagement and performance and that objectives are achieved.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of direct marketing principles and fundraising best practice, including digital and multi-channel approaches.
• Awareness of current trends, innovations and audience insights in individual giving and digital fundraising.
• Strong understanding of data protection, fundraising regulations and CRM systems.

Skills

• Excellent planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Analytical and strategic thinker able to translate data into clear recommendations.
• Confident communicator able to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, coaching and performance management capability.

Experience

• Proven experience in delivering successful acquisition and retention campaigns from planning through to evaluation.
• Demonstrated success in managing budgets and forecasting.
• Experience of managing and developing staff.
• Experience of working with and managing external agencies.
• Experience in a fundraising or commercial direct marketing environment.