Lead Social Media Strategist (Remote)

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Health and mental health support

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Social Media Strategist for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will shape and execute strategies to boost brand presence, engage communities, and drive direct sales.

Lead a team of specialists, manage content across platforms, and track KPIs with analytics. Ideal candidates have a Master's in Marketing/Communications, 7+ years in social media with 2+ in leadership, and a proven track record in data-driven campaigns.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years in social media marketing/strategy, with at least 2 years in leadership.
• Proven track record of data-driven campaigns with measurable results.
• Deep knowledge of major platforms and growth tactics.
• Strong analytical and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement overarching social media strategies aligned with brand goals.
• Lead and mentor a team of social media specialists.
• Oversee content creation across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok).
• Define KPIs and report insights with analytics tools.
• Manage budgets for social campaigns and optimize ROI.
• Collaborate with marketing, PR, product for integrated messaging.
• Build relationships with influencers and brand advocates.
• Conduct competitor analysis to stay ahead of trends.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the online retail space, is actively seeking a visionary Lead Social Media Strategist to spearhead their digital presence. This critical role is fully remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for shaping and executing innovative social media strategies that amplify brand awareness, foster community engagement, and drive direct sales. We are looking for an individual with exceptional leadership qualities, a deep understanding of evolving social media landscapes, and a proven ability to translate brand objectives into impactful digital campaigns. This position demands a blend of creativity, analytical prowess, and strategic foresight. As the lead, you will guide a team of social media specialists, ensuring alignment with broader marketing goals and maintaining a consistent brand voice across all platforms. Your success will be measured by the growth in audience engagement, lead generation, and ultimately, customer acquisition and retention. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on our client's digital journey and set new benchmarks in e-commerce social media marketing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement overarching social media strategies aligned with business objectives and brand identity.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of social media specialists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Oversee the creation and curation of engaging, high-quality content across all relevant social media channels (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok).
• Monitor social media trends, platform updates, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for social media campaigns and track performance using analytics tools, providing regular reports and insights.
• Manage social media advertising budgets and optimize campaigns for maximum ROI.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans for social media.
• Collaborate with marketing, PR, and product teams to ensure integrated and consistent messaging.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with influencers and brand advocates.
• Conduct thorough competitor analysis to stay ahead of industry trends and identify competitive advantages.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in social media marketing and strategy, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrable success in developing and executing data-driven social media strategies that yield measurable results.
• In-depth knowledge of major social media platforms, their algorithms, and best practices for organic and paid content.
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in social media analytics tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite Analytics, native platform analytics).
• Excellent understanding of SEO, content marketing, and digital advertising principles.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, projects, and teams effectively.
• Experience in the e-commerce or retail sector is highly desirable.
• Adaptability and a forward-thinking approach to the ever-changing digital landscape.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with an annual bonus structure.
• A comprehensive health and wellness program is provided, including medical aid and mental health support.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including access to online courses and industry conferences, are available.
• Enjoy the ultimate flexibility with a fully remote work arrangement, allowing for a better work-life balance.
• Contribute to a dynamic and innovative company culture that values creativity and initiative.
• Paid annual leave and public holidays are standard.
• Our client provides access to cutting-edge social media management and analytics tools.
• Regular virtual team events and workshops help maintain a strong connection among remote team members.
• There are clear pathways for career growth and advancement within the organization.