Jerome began his career as a trainee with Huddersfield Town, Grimsby Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough before signing a professional contract with Cardiff City in the summer of 2004. He quickly became a regular at Ninian Park and after scoring 20 goals in the 2005–06 season he was signed by Birmingham City for a fee of £3 million. He spent five years at St Andrew's where he experienced two promotions and two relegations and also helped the side win the 2011 Football League Cup.