Meet the Experts: Insights on Marketing Recruitment with Michelle Young

Welcome to our Meet the Experts series, where we share the knowledge and perspectives of Six Degrees Executive's industry specialists. The insights shared reflect what we see in the market but also the expertise gained from having meaningful conversations with clients and candidates each day. 

In this edition, we’re featuring Michelle Young, a specialist in Marketing recruitment with extensive experience across Services, Technology, and B2B. Michelle partners with mid to senior-level professionals, including Marketing Directors, Heads of Marketing, and Product Managers.  

If you know Michelle, you’ll know her deep understanding of the quick and continuous changing marketing landscape. She consistently offers valuable insights into the trends shaping the industry and expertly aligns them with the skills required to thrive in today’s competitive market. 

We asked Michelle… 

What motivated you to specialise in Marketing recruitment, and how has your journey at Six Degrees Executive shaped your approach? 

Marketing exists at the intersection of art and science, much like recruitment. This blend is what initially drew me to specialise in the field. I had previously observed marketing from the perspective of industry roles, but stepping into recruitment allowed me to witness its evolution up close. Over time, marketing has transitioned significantly, moving from traditional brand marketing to performance-driven strategies and the rise of digital marketing. 

This dynamic nature of the field keeps my approach fresh and adaptable. Every conversation with clients and candidates provides an opportunity to uncover the nuances of their challenges and aspirations, helping me connect the right talent with the right opportunities. 

What are some of the most significant shifts you’ve seen in the Marketing industry that are influencing recruitment trends? 

Marketing has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, leading to shifts that are directly impacting recruitment. Clients are increasingly looking for strategic, commercially minded all-rounders who can navigate both brand and performance marketing. While there is still a place for specialists, roles are becoming more blended, with responsibilities often spanning multiple disciplines. 

The importance of data-driven decision-making has grown, with performance marketing expertise and the ability to personalise at scale becoming key drivers of success. For example, Account-Based Marketing (ABM) has gained traction as buyers are now further along the decision-making process before engaging with businesses. Additionally, channel diversification - such as the rise of podcasts - has changed how marketing teams engage with their audiences. 

Soft skills have also become vital, particularly in large, complex organisations undergoing digital transformation. Professionals with strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to influence are in high demand, as organisations seek individuals who can connect both "hearts and minds" during times of change. 

What skills and qualities do you believe are critical for marketing professionals in today’s market? 

Today’s marketing professionals need to be customer-obsessed, with a clear understanding of metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT). It’s no longer enough to rely solely on data - building emotional connections, even in the B2B space, is equally important. 

A commercially minded approach is also essential. Marketers must be able to shift the perception of their function from being a cost centre to a revenue driver, which includes understanding the “love language” of CFOs and how to align marketing metrics with broader business goals. In addition, familiarity with specific tech stacks and an ability to adapt to ever-changing digital tools are becoming must-haves for many roles. 

How do you help candidates position themselves to stand out in a competitive marketing job market? 

The key is to articulate tangible achievements. Marketing is highly measurable, so candidates need to clearly communicate what they’ve delivered - whether it’s increased campaign ROI, customer engagement metrics, or revenue growth. 

It’s also important to tailor their experience to the organisation they’re targeting. For example, does their background align with the customer group, digital transformation journey, or channels to market of their potential employer? Candidates who can demonstrate this alignment effectively will naturally stand out. 

What do you find most rewarding about working in marketing recruitment? 

I often describe myself as a “non-recruiter.” At my core, I’m a connector, driven by curiosity and the desire to understand people and their needs. For me, the most rewarding part of this role is having meaningful conversations—learning what truly matters to candidates and clients, and then connecting them in ways that create mutual value. 

If you’re looking to build your marketing team or explore opportunities in this dynamic field, reach out to Michelle Young for a conversation filled with curiosity and insights.