Career guide
How to Become a Senior Marketing Manager or CMO in Australia
What does a Senior Marketing Manager do?
Senior Marketing Managers and Chief Marketing Officers lead the marketing function at the highest level — setting brand strategy, managing significant budgets, leading large teams, and connecting marketing performance directly to commercial outcomes. In Australia, the CMO role increasingly spans digital, data, and customer experience alongside traditional marketing.
Key responsibilities
- Set and own the marketing and brand strategy
- Manage significant marketing budgets and agency relationships
- Lead and develop the marketing team
- Connect marketing performance to revenue and commercial outcomes
- Own brand positioning, customer experience, and market share
- Report to CEO and board on marketing performance
Qualifications for this role
Nationally recognised qualifications most commonly held by Senior Marketing Managers in Australia.
Typical career progression
- 1Marketing Manager → Senior Marketing Manager
- 2Senior Marketing Manager → Head of Marketing
- 3Head of Marketing → Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
Skills in demand
AI impact on this role: High
Marketing is one of the most AI-disrupted functions. Senior marketing leaders who can direct AI strategy, interpret data at scale, and build brand distinctiveness in an AI-saturated content environment will be the most valued.
Salary data: SEEK Salary Insights 2025. Figures are indicative and vary by employer, state, sector, and experience level.
Study to become a Senior Marketing Manager
Enquire free. A registered RTO will send you pathway and pricing information.