Marketing Operations Lead

Darwin Recruitment; Umhlanga Rocks; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment company in Umhlanga is seeking a Marketing Operations Lead to manage marketing delivery, oversee community engagement, and drive content creation. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded marketing professional with 6+ years of experience, strong SEO skills, and familiarity with AI tools. This role offers the opportunity to shape marketing systems and processes in a new Shared Services Centre.

Benefits

Opportunity to shape marketing function

Work closely with international teams

Impact on a global recruitment brand

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6+ years in a marketing, content, or digital marketing role.
• Strong understanding of social media, community engagement, and SEO.
• Experience using AI tools for content and marketing automation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day marketing delivery across teams and regions.
• Manage and grow social and professional communities.
• Create and adapt content for digital campaigns.

Skills

Marketing experience

Content creation

Digital marketing

SEO

Community engagement

Tools

HubSpot

Canva

Google Analytics

Job description

Marketing Operations Lead

Location: Umhlanga, South Africa (Full-time, on-site)

Function: Shared Services – Marketing

Start: November 2025

Salary : 30,000 ZAR - 50,000 ZAR per month + package

About the Role

Darwin jhas established a new Shared Services Centre in South Africa, designed to centralise and elevate operational excellence across the business. Marketing is one of the first functions to transition into this hub, supporting both candidate acquisition and client engagement across our global network.

We’re seeking a multi-skilled, hands-on Marketing Operations Lead — someone who can combine creative capability with operational precision, and who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

This is a founding role within the South Africa centre, offering the opportunity to shape systems, processes, and delivery standards that will support Darwin’s global marketing strategy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Marketing Operations & Coordination

• Oversee day-to-day marketing delivery across teams and regions.
• Maintain and optimise marketing systems, processes, and templates to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Support campaign reporting, analytics, and performance tracking.

2. Community & Social Media Management

• Manage and grow Darwin’s social and professional communities across key markets (UK, Europe, US, Africa).
• Drive engagement through consistent, high-quality content and interaction.
• Monitor performance and use insights to evolve community strategy.

3. Content Creation & Optimisation

• Create and adapt content for digital campaigns, web, and social platforms — drawing on input from recruiters, consultants, and leadership teams.
• Use AI tools to enhance speed, consistency, and creativity in content production.
• Edit and format materials using Darwin’s design templates and brand guidelines.

4. SEO & Digital Growth

• Develop and execute SEO strategies to increase reach, inbound traffic, and lead quality.
• Continuously optimise digital content through analytics and keyword insights.

5. Marketing Advisory & Enablement

• Partner with business development and recruitment teams to advise on campaigns that drive both candidate attraction and client acquisition.
• Translate commercial goals into actionable marketing plans.
• Champion marketing best practices across the business.

About You

You are a well-rounded marketing professional who combines creativity, analytical thinking, and strong organisational skills. You’re comfortable advising teams, producing high-quality content, and managing multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.

Essential skills and experience:

• Minimum of 6+ years in a marketing, content, or digital marketing role.
• Strong understanding of social media, community engagement, and SEO.
• Experience using AI tools for content and marketing automation.
• Confident using platforms such as HubSpot, Canva, Google Analytics, or similar.
• Excellent written and visual communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

Desirable:

• Background in recruitment, professional services, or B2B marketing.
• Experience in campaign management and data-driven marketing strategy.

Working Model

• Location: Full-time, office-based in Umhlanga, South Africa.
• Reports to: Global Head of Marketing.
• Collaborates with: Regional BD leaders, recruitment teams, and global operations.

Why Join Darwin

• Be part of the launch of Darwin’s new Shared Services Centre in South Africa.
• Shape the marketing function’s systems and processes from day one.
• Work closely with international teams and contribute to the growth of a global recruitment brand.
• Combine creative execution with real commercial impact.