A smooth segue from broadcast into digital marketing
Name: Alex Jamieson Age: 34 Position: Digital marketing manager at Bunzl Canada
Job description: My job varies greatly, but in a nutshell I manage all digital content creation and dissemination for Bunzl’s Canadian operations (food and retail packaging, cleaning supplies and equipment, safety products and industrial packaging). Bunzl is a global $10-billion FTSE 100 company and it’s great to be a part of something so big.
Some of my jobs include: creating and optimizing web pages, writing and executing email campaigns, creating videos (filming and editing) practising the latest SEO techniques, writing content, executing online advertising and organic traffic growth tactics through various strategies, using digital analytics to improve performance — all of which is aimed at lead generation.
How did you come to be in this job?
Back in the U.K. I had a 10-year freelance career in broadcasting working as a cameraman, director, producer, writer, editor and development (coming up with new program ideas). I got the chance to work with outstandingly famous talent and I was employed on everything from science programs, children’s shows and documentaries to property formats. I even won a BAFTA. When I immigrated to Canada three years ago, I was ready for a career change. I didn’t want to travel as much, work such long hours and constantly be hustling for the next contract. I studied the job market to see where my skills could be transferred to and decided they would work well in digital marketing. I also realized digital marketing was the future. Once I started finding out about the industry, I took a real interest in it. Three years later, I haven’t looked back.
What gets you up in the morning?
There are five main things that get me up in the morning for work.
I get to create things every day, which also gives me a sense of achievement.
I will NEVER stop learning in this role. If you’re not learning something new, you get bored and are standing still.
Bunzl Canada is a tremendous company to work for, with a great work ethic and culture.
The team I work with is great. People really undervalue the importance of good co-workers and bosses.
The commute. Since moving to Canada I have always stayed in the local area and having such a great job with a large company, just next door in Burlington, is a huge bonus. Lessons learned? Let’s be honest, nobody REALLY loves working. If we could all win the lottery, we wouldn’t. Otherwise you need to do something that’s important to you, workwise. You spend so much of your life working, it needs to be for the right reason. I have a friend who is a dentist and hates his job, but the money is important to him. I couldn’t do that. I am fortunate: I make enough for the life I want and enjoy what I do. Also, don’t be scared to try new things and take new directions. If you had told me five years ago I wouldn’t be working in broadcast and instead be working in digital marketing, I wouldn’t have believed you.
Roots: Born in Scotland, raised in Glasgow, studied at Glasgow Caledonian University. Received a scholarship to go to Brock for a year, went home to finish my honours degree and then spent 10 years based out of Glasgow, but working all over the U.K. and the world. Since moving to Canada, I now call Hamilton home and I love the city. There are so many parallels to Glasgow.
Most recent social media post(s): Probably a picture of my puppy, Jura. Yeah, I’m that crazy and annoying dog person.
Contacts: alex.jamieson@bunzlcanada.ca; www.bunzlcanada.ca ; @jamieson3333
Groups and associations: The Hamilton Ibrox Exiles (personal), a fan club for my football (soccer team) in Glasgow. Professionally I am pretty active on LinkedIn and am fortunate enough to get invited to a lot of conferences and have even been a guest speaker at a couple. My last conference at Google was awesome.
Favourite place in the downtown:
The Ibrox Exiles watch the games at The Pheasant Plucker, so huddling in there at 7 a.m. in the middle of winter with a Tim’s coffee is an experience. The Powerhouse in Stoney Creek is great. Food-wise I love Saltlick but there so many great new bars and restaurants opening, it’s hard to keep up. I’m so lucky to stay close to Gage Park, as it’s a fantastic facility.
What would make Hamilton a better city?
Regeneration takes a long time. I’ve witnessed it in Glasgow with the fall of industry leaving behind so many derelict buildings and waste ground. Now though the city is unrecognizable to 15 years ago. Hamilton needs to go through the same thing. Too many abandoned/run down buildings and homes. You can see an improvement already and I have no doubt in 15 years it will witness the regeneration Glasgow has. What’s next for you? I have firm roots here now. I love Hamilton and my job; it’s taken me long enough to get to this point and I’m going to enjoy it. So while there are no big changes, I just plan to learn as much as I can to make me better at my job and thus a more valuable asset to my employers. On a personal note I really need to learn to skate since I live in Canada, but I realize how hilarious it would be to see 34-year-old man stumbling around like Bambi. I will need to find somewhere quiet!
If you know a Hamilton Professional who would make a good candidate for this profile series, send an email to shenderson@thespec.com