Marketing talent doesn’t live in one place - and neither do the best jobs. For the marketers who joined us at our first Future Marketer North event, the message was loud and clear: incredible careers are being made in the North. But more than geography, it’s mindset, momentum, and meaningful work that make the difference.
In a candid conversation with senior leaders from Channel 4, Morrisons and Identibase, we explored what the “best job” really looks like, and how to get there. Spoiler: it’s not about job titles or chasing the big brands. It’s about knowing who you are, growing with purpose, and doing work that matters.
There’s no single path - but there is a pattern.
Everyone has their own journey, but the common thread? Curiosity, resilience, and saying “yes” to the right stretch. Great jobs rarely come from following a linear path. They come from choosing roles that give you new skills, broaden your perspective, and set you up for the next opportunity - “Think about the job after the job you’re about to take.”
The best roles give you energy - not anxiety.
If you’ve got the Sunday Scaries every week, it’s time to reassess. The best jobs aren’t the most glamorous - they’re the ones where you feel empowered, fulfilled, and excited by what you’re building. It’s not about working for the biggest brand. It’s about working with the right people, doing the work you love, in an environment where you can thrive.
Build your ecosystem like you build your career.
No marketer succeeds alone. Your external partners, agencies, internal allies - they shape your outcomes as much as your ideas. Great marketers build strong support systems, filled with people who complement their skills, challenge their thinking, and help them push boundaries. And they don’t just build teams, they build relationships.
You can’t stand out if you don’t know what you stand for.
Personal brand isn’t a vanity project. It’s clarity. It’s knowing what you bring to the table and being able to communicate it. You don’t need to be on LinkedIn every day. But you do need to be consistent. What do you want to be known for? What’s your purpose? Whether you’re applying for a job or speaking on a stage, it’s your narrative that cuts through.
And yes, the North is a marketing powerhouse.
The proof? It’s already happening. From content creation and cultural impact to CRM and commercial strategy, the North is home to some of the most exciting marketing work in the country. Brands are hiring, offices are relocating, and ambitious marketers are choosing to build their careers outside of the capital.
So, if you’re asking how to land the best job in marketing, start with this: show up. Invest in your future self. Back your ideas. Build your brand. Build your network. Run towards the challenge.
And remember, great jobs aren’t given. They’re created.