Senior Social Media Manager - F1

Wunderman Thompson; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency is seeking a Senior Social Media Manager with a strong background in Formula 1. The role focuses on developing innovative social media strategies, engaging with fans, and creating impactful content to enhance the brand's presence in motorsport. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in social media management and a passion for storytelling, with responsibilities including content strategy, community engagement, and performance analysis.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in social media management, especially in motorsport.
• Strong expertise in platform-specific strategies for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube.
• Ability to create engaging content and manage real-time events.

Responsibilities

• Lead social media strategy for a Formula 1 team.
• Oversee content creation and community engagement.
• Monitor performance metrics and optimize strategies.

Skills

Social Media Management

Community Engagement

Content Strategy

Data Analysis

Tools

Hootsuite

Sprinklr

Brandwatch

Adobe Premiere Pro

Job description

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Social Media Manager with a strong background in Formula 1 (F1) and motorsport to join our team. This role will be pivotal in shaping the social media presence for a Formula 1 racing team, ensuring that we build an innovative, culturally relevant, and highly engaging platform that resonates with global audiences. The successful candidate will lead the delivery of cutting-edge social strategies, working closely with creative teams, community managers, and content creators to deliver on the team's mission, to position them as a pioneer in motorsport.

This role will sit across VML’s LIVE and Social Media team as part of the core brand marketing team for the Formula 1 client. This role is based with VML and not directly a ‘Team Social’ role.

More than just motorsport, we want someone who understands the potential of partnerships and culturally relevant content to bring new eyes to the grid.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Content Strategy Development & Execution
2. Lead the creation and implementation of the brand’s social media strategy across key channels.
3. Develop platform-specific strategies tailored to audiences, leveraging insights from F1 culture, trends, and insights.
4. Collaborate with the creative team to ensure all content aligns with the brand’s strategy and creative platform.
5. Drive always-on social media activity, including race-day coverage, cultural moments, and fan engagement initiatives.

Content Creation & Management:

1. Oversee the ideation, planning, and publishing of high-quality, engaging, and innovative content.
2. Work closely with the brand and racing teams to create content and briefing materials beyond social native content.
3. Ensure content adheres to the brand’s tone of voice.

Community Engagement:

1. Foster a vibrant online community by engaging directly with fans, responding to comments, and amplifying user-generated content (UGC).
2. Champion diversity and inclusivity within the F1 fanbase.
3. Build relationships with influencers, creators, and ambassadors to extend the F1 brand’s reach into broader cultural conversations based on the brand’s partnership strategy.

Campaign Leadership:

1. Lead major social activations, manage teaser campaigns and milestone announcements, ensuring they generate excitement and align with the brand’s overarching narrative.
2. Collaborate with paid media teams to amplify organic content and drive measurable results based on the social strategy.

Data & Performance Analysis:

1. Monitor and analyze social media performance metrics, providing monthly reports and actionable insights to optimize strategy, content, and community engagement.
2. Collaborate with the data and insights team to track key metrics such as sentiment, share of voice, and audience growth.
3. Stay ahead of F1 industry trends, social platform updates, and emerging technologies to keep the brand at the forefront of innovation.

Team Collaboration:

1. Work closely with cross-functional teams, including creative, production, analytics, wider social team, and motorsport specialists, to deliver cohesive and impactful campaigns.
2. Responsible for supporting junior team members with community management and content calendar tasks.
3. Possibility of coordinating with global offices and local markets to ensure consistency and cultural relevance across regions.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in social media management, with a proven track record of success in motorsport or F1-related roles.
• Deep understanding of the Formula 1 ecosystem, including fan culture, race-day dynamics, and key stakeholders.
• Strong expertise in platform-specific strategies, especially for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and emerging channels like Threads.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale social campaigns from concept to execution in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing real-time content creation during live events, including nights and weekends.
• Proficiency with social media tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprinklr, Brandwatch) and familiarity with AI-driven solutions for optimization and efficiency.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a flair for crafting engaging copy and captions that align with the F1 brand and audience.
• A passion for storytelling, creativity, and community building.
• Ability to create short-form social content using native or third-party tools (e.g., TikTok, CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro).
• This role will likely include travel, such as attending some race weekends, meeting clients face-to-face abroad, or touring London offices.

Non-essential but nice-to-have skills:

• Knowledge and experience working with luxury automotive brands.
• Familiarity with cultural industries such as fashion, music, art, and their intersection with motorsport, especially around partnerships.
• Video editing and graphic design skills are a plus.

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