Flexibility, Agility, Results: The Rise of Fixed-Term Roles in UK CPG

​If you work in FMCG, you’ve probably noticed that recently,  Fixed-term contracts are becoming increasingly popular and the volume of Interim roles are on the rise! It’s not a coincidence. This trend reflects a combination of end-of-year budget pressures, the impact of recent changes to National Insurance and businesses preparing for what looks to be a busy year ahead. So, what’s driving this shift, and what does it mean for marketers and businesses?

The Current Landscape

Budgets Under Pressure
As the end of the year approaches, most companies are feeling the strain of tighter budgets. Hiring decisions have to be sharper than ever. Fixed-term contracts are an ideal way to bring in talented marketers for specific projects without committing to permanent headcount costs. For businesses navigating economic uncertainty, it’s a practical and flexible solution. Additionally, recent changes to National Insurance have added extra pressure to payroll budgets, making companies rethink their hiring strategies. Fixed-term contracts offer a way to manage these increased costs while still bringing in the expertise needed to deliver on key business objectives.

Gearing Up for a Busy 2024
Looking ahead, the FMCG sector is gearing up for what is expected to be a busy year. Businesses are already preparing for new product launches, fresh campaigns and a renewed focus on innovation. Fixed-term contracts allow them to act quickly and strategically, ensuring they have the right people in place to hit the ground running and often with a useful breadth of experience and skill if they are a seasoned interim professional.

Why Fixed-Term Contracts Make Sense Right Now

Flexibility to Adapt

The FMCG market is fast-paced and agility has become the name of the game. Whether it’s launching a new product or reacting to shifts in consumer behaviour, companies need to act quickly. Fixed-term contracts provide the flexibility to bring in specialists for key projects, ensuring that marketing strategies stay on point without the burden of permanent staffing costs.

The Digital Transformation Push
Digital marketing continues to dominate and for many businesses, it’s an area where expertise is needed more than ever. From e-commerce campaigns, a rise in the D2C sales model and increasingly data-driven strategies, there’s a growing demand for marketers who can hit the ground running and deliver results. Fixed-term contracts make it easier for businesses to find the right people for these roles, especially as they focus on staying competitive in a rapidly evolving space.

What’s in It for Marketers?

Building a Diverse Skillset
For marketers, fixed-term roles are a brilliant way to grow. They offer exposure to a variety of projects and brands, helping you develop new skills and strengthen your CV. Whether you’re driving a rebrand, rolling out a digital strategy, or managing a seasonal campaign, each role brings unique challenges and opportunities to learn. In my experience, candidates who have demonstrated success across a range of brands and built a diverse portfolio of achievements are in high demand right now.

Creating a Career with Impact
Every contract tells a story. Fixed-term roles allow marketers to work on high-impact projects, delivering results that genuinely make a difference. It’s a great way to build a portfolio of experience while keeping your career exciting and varied and can often offer the flexibility lacking in permanent roles.

Looking Ahead

The rise of fixed-term contracts isn’t just a reaction to economic pressures; it’s a smart strategy for navigating a rapidly changing market. For businesses, it’s about staying flexible and competitive. For marketers, it’s about seizing opportunities to grow, adapt, and shine.

If you’re a marketer curious about interim roles or ready to take on your next exciting project, let’s chat. I’d love to help you find the right opportunity that fits your skills and career goals.

If you’re looking for interim support to bridge a gap or need a short-term solution while we find your perfect permanent hire, I can help. With extensive experience in placing marketing professionals in the FMCG industry, a track record of successfully completing similar assignments, and access to a strong network of interim candidates, I can help you secure the right talent to keep your business moving forward seamlessly.