Salaries and costs
Hiring budgets in Edinburgh span junior to leadership roles, with pay determined by brand size, sector focus, and campaign scope. Marketing assistants and executives often sit near the entry to mid ranges, managers and specialists sit higher as skills narrow. Staffing agencies set recruitment fees as a percentage of salary; many employers plan for 15% to 25% for permanent hires. Day rates for contractors can range from £150 to £500, depending on channel expertise, seniority, and IR35 status. Temp agencies quote hourly pay rates for short bookings, with agency costs agreed upfront in a clear schedule of rates. Agree on terms that cover rebates, notice periods, and replacement support before you brief a vacancy.
Qualifications
Most employers ask for strong portfolios, platform knowledge, and evidence of campaign results. Degree routes in marketing, communications, and business are common, but many teams rate CIM or IPA training, Google Ads or Analytics certificates, Meta and LinkedIn accreditations, and hands-on CRM or marketing automation skills. For content roles, writing samples matter. For performance roles, testing frameworks, and reporting cadence matter. Recruiters will check right to work and may request references for senior or sensitive posts.
Regional or geographic variations
Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town host many brand headquarters and creative studios. Leith continues to grow as a home for digital shops and production houses. Edinburgh Park and South Gyle attract corporate marketing teams thanks to their tram links and quick access to the bypass. Haymarket and Waverley give easy commuter links for Midlothian, West Lothian, Fife, and the Borders. Agencies will discuss on-site, hybrid, and remote work patterns, with clear expectations for collaboration days.
Hiring challenges
Tight briefs for paid search, SEO, and marketing automation can slow down a process if the scope is unclear. Content roles often draw many applications, but shortlists thin out once you screen for regulated sectors, B2B depth, or ABM experience. Leadership searches need agreement on KPIs, P&L exposure, and stakeholder reach. Recruitment consultants help shape person specs, interview plans, and salary bands so that the job market is tested with a realistic offer.
Roles and career paths
Recruitment agencies in Edinburgh cover assistants, executives, and managers across digital, content, CRM, performance, brand, and communications. Common job paths move from executive to manager to senior manager or head of, then into marketing director. Specialist tracks include SEO, PPC, social, email, data, and marketing operations. Employment firms can advise on temp cover for campaigns, contract work for projects, and permanent builds for scale-ups and established brands.
Temporary, permanent, and contract work
Temp bookings are suitable for event spikes, campaign launches, or parental leave. Contract roles work well for platform migrations, website rebuilds, or paid media overhauls. Permanent hiring supports steady growth and retention plans. Local businesses use staffing agencies to hire staff quickly, find employees with verified skills, and keep workflows moving during busy periods. Candidates can register with an agency to receive updates on assignments and long-term moves.
Key sectors and employers in the region
Financial services, fintech, higher education, visitor attractions, and public bodies all recruit marketing teams in the city. Food and drink brands lean on seasonal campaigns and trade marketing. Tech firms hire growth and product marketers, with strong B2B demand in software and data. Recruiters know which boroughs and business parks hold clusters of roles, and can give insight on where your next hire is likely to come from.
Recruitment fees and agency costs
Agree on fee structures in writing so both sides can move quickly. Many recruitment agencies offer contingency for standard roles and executive search for senior leaders. Retainers may split into stages tied to the shortlist and offer. For temp agencies, confirm margins, pay rates, holiday accrual, pension, and any conversion terms. Ask for a clear breakdown so finance can approve the hire without delay.
Market and retention snapshot
The labour market in Edinburgh remains active, with demand steady for performance, automation, and content strategy. Retention improves when teams set honest progression paths, training budgets, and flexible working patterns. Recruiters can benchmark salaries and advise on benefits that land well in the city, such as learning allowances, wellness support, and structured hybrid policies.
Quick facts and frequently asked questions
How quickly can an Edinburgh agency fill a marketing role?
Straightforward hires can move in 1 to 3 weeks; leadership searches take longer and often benefit from an executive search.
Do agencies cover both temp and permanent marketing hires?
Yes, many agencies handle temporary, permanent, and contract work across digital and traditional marketing.
What information helps a recruiter start fast?
Share the job description, salary or day rate, interview process, and any must-have platforms such as HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Ads, or GA4.
Can recruiters help with employer branding in Edinburgh?
Many recruitment consultants advise on ads, candidate experience, and interview structure to ensure your brand feels consistent.
How do I register with an agency as a candidate?
Send a CV, portfolio links, and availability, then book a short call to confirm your goals and preferred locations.