Marcus Smart

As Product Marketing Specialist at HiB, I worked collaboratively with the Sales, Product and Marketing teams to develop and execute marketing strategies for business growth and product launch objectives. I was responsible for briefing creative and operational teams, managing concurrent projects ensuring successful delivery against agreed timelines and budgets.

As the Marketing representative within weekly Product Pathway and monthly Go-to-Market reviews, I ensured effective cross-departmental communication and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment on product development, launch activities, and strategic priorities.

As Showroom Design Manager, I led the department using strong team leadership and project management skills. Established processes that were successfully adopted by both the Sales and Showroom Design teams. I ensured consistency and efficiency across the department. Responsibilities included maintaining and updating all CAD catalogue software programmes to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Oversight of showroom point-of-sale materials and marketing collateral ensured suitability for different regional requirements, while effective budget management and stock control supported operational performance. Working closely with the showroom designer, I ensured accurate design plans were produced, workloads were effectively managed, and a consistent flow of projects was maintained to meet deadlines, and business objectives.

'smarttechnique' was a design agency established following three freelance contracts I secured after leaving university: a software developer in London, a magazine publisher in Birmingham, and a web development company in Stourbridge.

Over six years, I grew the business steadily, providing me with invaluable experience in client pitching, project management, supplier relationship management, and budget control. My agency operated from an office in the Custard Factory, Digbeth, and specialised in branding and DOOH for both start-ups and established companies.

During this time, work produced by me was featured in the design publication Computer Arts.