I can’t say enough about the impact this course has had on my career, professional growth and outlook on marketing. The depth of knowledge in just 6 weeks is truly remarkable. From shaping my own professional development and profile to the conflict management skills acquired during the course. The course is structured exceptionally and is well organised. I highly recommend and have recommended this course to my counterparts.
From In house In demand: 6 Week Training and Mentorship to Launch Your Interim Marketing Career
July dates now live
Aspiring Fractional Programme: 6 Week Training & Mentorship to Launch Your Interim Marketing Career
The demand for interim marketing professionals is skyrocketing, with businesses increasingly turning to skilled freelancers to drive strategic growth. According to Forbes, UK companies are embracing interim talent, with 41% of businesses hiring freelancers for high-level projects. This growing trend presents a unique opportunity for senior marketers to pivot from traditional in-house roles to high-impact, flexible positions. Our Aspiring Fractional Programme equips you with the tools and mentorship needed to step confidently into this thriving market, helping you take full advantage of the flexibility and autonomy freelancing offers.
If you’re a senior marketing manager or head of marketing, ready to apply your expertise across industries, this programme is for you. The rise of interim CMOs is reshaping the marketing profession, and this 6-week training course will help you position yourself as a sought-after fractional leader, capable of earning £500-£1,200 per day* while working on your terms. As the freelance market expands, now is the time to unlock new career possibilities.
Reference: Read more about the rise of freelancing and interim roles in Forbes.
Who This Is For?
Senior Marketing Managers | Heads of Marketing | Aspiring Fractional Leaders
If you’re ready to:
- Trade office politics for autonomy
- Apply your skills across industries
- Earn £500-£1,200/day* while shaping your schedule (*based on 2024 UK interim rates)
This programme is your roadmap.
Mentored by James McCracken
Fractional CMO | 20+ Years Cross-Industry Experience | Career Transition Specialist
James McCracken brings over two decades of experience in marketing leadership, having successfully guided over 150 marketers into high-level interim roles. As a Chartered Marketer (CIM) and a qualified educator, James combines proven strategic frameworks with real-world recruiter insights. His deep network includes partnerships with top agencies like Hays, Michael Page, and niche interim agencies, ensuring you gain invaluable industry connections throughout your career transition.
With a robust academic foundation, including a Communications degree from the University of Lincoln and a Postgraduate diploma from The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing (IDM), James offers a unique blend of marketing expertise and teaching excellence. He crafts an immersive learning experience, merging hands-on industry knowledge with structured mentorship to guide you through every step of your career shift.
This programme is more than just training; it’s an opportunity to be mentored by someone who has walked the path before and can help you unlock your potential as a fractional leader. James’ extensive recruitment network and proven mentorship strategies will help you build the skills to succeed and connect you with opportunities to accelerate your interim marketing career.
Course overview
Week 1
Strategic Positioning
- Audit transferable skills & align with high-demand niches (e.g., SaaS scale-ups, PE-backed turnarounds)
- Craft a value proposition tied to ROI: “I help X companies achieve Y in 90 days”
Week 2
Brand Building That Attracts Clients
- Transform LinkedIn into a lead-gen tool (70% of interim roles are filled via networks)
- Develop case studies that speak to C-suite priorities (revenue growth, market entry)
Week 3
Network-Driven Business Development
- Master warm outreach: Convert ex-colleagues into client referrals
- Access James’ recruiter playbook: How to get onto preferred supplier lists
Week 4
Visibility as a Growth Hacker
- Leverage “soft PR”: Guest podcasts, bylined articles, and data-driven thought leadership
- Template: Pitch yourself for speaking slots at industry events
Week 5
Offer Design & Deal Closing
- Price confidently: Benchmark rates by niche and experience
- Scripts for discovery calls that turn prospects into £15k+ contracts
Week 6
Sustainable Freelance Operations
- Set up legally/financially (VAT, IR35, liability insurance)
- Pipeline hacks: How to maintain 3-6 months of booked work
Post Programme Support
- Lifetime Access to Frances & Kevin Network: Monthly masterminds, exclusive job leads, and peer accountability.
- CPD Certification: Enhances credibility with clients and platforms like Talmix.
- 1:1 Pitch Review: Get feedback on your proposal toolkit from James.
6 Week Training and Mentorship to Launch Your Interim Marketing Career
Weekly Training Course: Virtual Programme to help transition to a Fractional or Freelance Career
Key Information
- Tuesday Evenings
- Duration: 6 Weeks
- Time: 2 Hours a Week
- Virtual Tutor-led
Next start date
1 July 7pm-9pm
Transform your marketing career
98%
candidates achieved a significant skill improvement compared to their baseline knowledge before starting the course.
87%
of candidates have been promoted or found a new role after completing the course
80%
increase in conflict management resolution, equipping candidates with essenital tools to navigate workplace challenges.
100%
satisfaction rate, reflecting the value and positive impact the Marketing Launchpad Programme delivers
What our students say
Mandi Webb
Marketing Manager
Otilia Simionescu
CRM Executive
The course offered me the chance to have discussions with like-minded people outside of the normal day-to-day sprints. It was eye-opening to listen to other course attendees on their experiences and make reflections on my own role and current situation. James was very good at engaging with each and one of us, helping with the flow of the discussion points and brainstorming ideas. More importantly, it has allowed me to shape my personal objectives and develop a personal development plan with a clear short and long-term focus. Overall, the experience provided me with a great space for sharing and collaborations as well as new perspectives on how to manage career progressions.
Chris Shepherd
Head of Marketing
Having completed the Advanced Marketing Professional Development course, and I found it to be exceptional. The course is well-structured, covering a comprehensive range of topics crucial for any marketing professional looking to advance their career.
I benefited most from the Networking and Conflict Resolution modules. James, demonstrated a superior knowledge and made the complexities come together seamlessly. The way James teaches significantly boosted my confidence, not just in my current role but also in my potential to achieve more.
I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to advance their marketing career, especially those who may be held back by imposter syndrome. This course provides the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to take that next step.
Brian Martin
Marketing Manager
I recently had the privilege of participating in the Marketing Launchpad Programme. I can confidently say that it was a transformative experience. If you’re a marketing manager seeking to push your professional journey, look no further – this course is an absolute game changer.
Conflict management, a critical skill in any professional setting, is addressed comprehensively.
Digital marketing, branding, and data-driven decision-making are explored in-depth.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to advance your marketing career, develop essential skills, and connect with industry professionals.
Book a call to find out more
Not sure how our course fits into your career?
Watch Sarah’s story to find out how the course transformed her career
How is interim work different from freelancing?
Interims operate at strategic levels (e.g., leading teams, managing P&L), often filling C-suite gaps. Freelancers typically execute predefined tasks.
Can I do this alongside my current job?
Yes! 60% of participants transition gradually, taking their first project during the programme.
What if I lack a niche?
Week 1’s skills-mapping exercise identifies your unique “zone of impact” based on market demand.