Project Managers, Strategists, and Smarter Hiring Rules
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Project managers remain among the most resilient hires across sectors, valued for their ability to deliver outcomes fast. Freelance PMs in the UK earn around £410 per day on average, while senior programme managers can reach £738. Marketing strategists are also being brought in earlier, blending data, AI tools, and brand thinking to guide growth.
From April 2026, hiring becomes even easier for smaller firms as IR35 thresholds rise, reducing administrative friction. Combined with higher employer National Insurance costs, many businesses will prefer short-term specialists over permanent hires. For candidates, this means pricing work by project — and demonstrating AI-enabled productivity — will be key to staying competitive.