Smart Spotlight: Ella Mumford on Life at Smart
By Smart Communications
At Smart Communications, we’re proud of the exceptional people driving innovation and excellence across our business. In our Smart Spotlight series, we highlight the achievements and experiences of employees who are making a significant impact.
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Ella Mumford, our Director of Marketing Operations. Ella's journey with Smart has been one of growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Her leadership in optimizing and growing the marketing operations team is just one example of how our team members contribute to our success.
Read on to learn more about Ella's role and what makes her work at Smart so rewarding.
1. What is your role at Smart, and how long have you been with the company?
I joined Smart in September 2022 as Senior Marketing Operations Manager, and in 2024 I was thrilled to be promoted to Director, Marketing Operations. Our team works behind the scenes to keep the marketing engine running smoothly. We manage and optimize processes, own the marketing technology stack, design and deliver team training, maintain a healthy and segmented marketing database, and monitor campaign performance for ongoing optimization.
We also keep a close eye on ensuring marketing compliance globally. It’s a varied role that requires both strategic oversight and operational precision, which I love.
2. What did you do for work prior to joining Smart Communications, and why did you make the switch?
After graduating from university, I spent five years at Micro Focus (now OpenText) followed by nine years at my previous company, always within the marketing operations space.
Joining Smart was an exciting move. The opportunity to work with a forward-thinking team, supported by a robust and extensive tech stack, attracted me to the company. I was eager to dive in, get everything firing on all cylinders, and make a real impact.
3. What skills are needed to be successful in your role/on your team?
A successful marketing operations professional needs a mix of technical knowledge and strong people skills. I work cross-functionally with teams across the business and also deliver training for the marketing team, so effective communication and tailoring my approach to match different learning styles is key.
4. What's your favorite aspect of your job?
The people! We’ve got an incredible marketing team here at Smart, and I enjoy collaborating with colleagues across the globe. I’m fortunate to have an incredible team, managing the brilliant Ali Vander Zaag and Tim Rockett, who are both outstanding at what they do. Together with our fantastic Marketing Analyst Jason Pauley, we dig into the data, uncovering insights to make meaningful improvements. We make sure to have some fun while doing it! The team’s energy, curiosity, and continual progress make the role rewarding.
5. What are you doing when you're not working?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, often hosting. I have a lively 4-year-old son, so weekends are all about finding adventures to keep him entertained. When the British weather allows, we love being outdoors, whether that’s heading to the park, exploring the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, or heading off on weekend family camping trips. We’re even braving a music festival as a family this year!
Interested in Working at Smart?
Ella’s story is just one of many inspiring examples of how our employees are driving innovation, collaborating across teams, and making Smart Communications a fantastic place to work. We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who are passionate about creating impactful change.
