Marie has worked in Further Education for 35 years after an early career as a Chartered Engineer. After working for 25 years at The Manchester College, she became Principal and Chief Executive officer, firstly at Bolton College and then at Kirklees College for ten years all together. Her role involved having academic oversight alongside the responsibility of running the business in an effective and efficient manner. In July 2021 Marie retired from full time employment. 

Marie also has Non-Executive Director experience as she is currently a Board Member at The Growth Company Workforce Development Advisory Board.