Social Media Lead

Publicis Groupe Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global digital agency seeks a Social Media Lead in Johannesburg to develop and implement strategies for effective brand communication through social media. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of digital marketing experience, leading teams, and managing social campaigns. Responsibilities also involve analytics and client engagement. This role fosters innovative social-first experiences, ideal for proactive and creative thinkers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of digital marketing experience focused on social media.
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing direct reports.
• Proven track record in managing social media campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies.
• Manage and mentor a team of social media professionals.
• Oversee content calendars and paid social campaigns.
• Monitor KPIs and provide regular performance reports.
• Act as a primary social media expert in client meetings.

Skills

Social media management

Content creation

Analytics

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field

Tools

Sprout Social

Hootsuite

Meta Business Suite

Google Analytics

Job description

Join to apply for the Social Media Lead role at Publicis Groupe Africa.

Company Description

Digitas is the Networked Experience Agency, built on the vision that we create magnetic experiences that earn the right for brands to exist in human networks. Today, and tomorrow. We deliver Networked Experiences by leveraging comprehensive data, technology, creative, media and strategy capabilities. Digitas delivers ambitious outcomes via unique solutions that include Creative Experiences, Integrated Media, Addressable Relationships, Social Marketing and Total Commerce.

Overview

As the social lead working across multiple teams, you'll live at the intersection of media, creative, analytics, strategy, and content. There are tons of digital social and content opportunities out there—you'll figure out which opportunities are right for our clients and how to activate them. You are someone who champions a modern approach to connected brand experiences powered by social; who understands consumer behaviour and context, and architects and orchestrates social (paid, owned, shared, earned) communications to define how brands connect to people in a digital world.

Responsibilities

Leading the social strategic process, providing insights and tactics to create content, build audiences and amplify a client's reach. Providing perspective on overall social and content industry landscape, trends and best practices. Driving thought leadership around content development, engagement practices, measurement, and process. Helping brands develop governance and escalation policies for social media. Cultivating strong relationships with 3rd party content providers and platforms. Presenting to and strategising with clients on specific brand social initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning – Develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies tailored to client goals and target audiences. Lead social media planning for integrated campaigns, ensuring alignment with broader marketing objectives. Stay ahead of trends, platform updates, and emerging technologies.
• Team Leadership – Manage and mentor a team of social media managers, content creators, and community managers. Oversee daily operations of the social team, ensuring timely delivery of content and campaigns.
• Content & Campaign Management – Oversee content calendars, ensuring a consistent brand voice and visual identity. Collaborate with creative teams to produce engaging, platform‑appropriate content (video, static, stories, etc.). Manage paid social campaigns in partnership with media teams, optimising for performance.
• Analytics & Reporting – Monitor KPIs and performance metrics across platforms. Provide regular reports and insights to internal stakeholders and clients. Use data to refine strategies and improve ROI.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement – Act as the primary social media expert in client meetings and presentations. Provide strategic counsel and thought leadership on social trends and innovations.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in marketing, Communications, Digital Media, or related field.

5+ years of digital marketing experience, with an emphasis on social media and content development for major clients.

Minimum 3 years of managing direct reports.

Proven experience in managing social campaigns for brands in an agency or fast‑paced environment.

Proficiency in social media management and analytics tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Meta Business Suite, Google Analytics).

A strong understanding of social media planning, distribution and content syndication.

Superb experience leading creative thinking in the digital space: content, media, social and activation.

A strong sense of consumer insights and the ability to back up creative ideas with analytical reasoning.

Familiarity with prompt‑based interaction and commonly used generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, DALL‑E, MidJourney) is a plus.

Willingness to travel; open to new places, new faces and new ideas. Comfortable working from Publicis Groupe office on‑site. May need to travel between Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Personality Attributes

Team player with the ability to work independently. Able to remain calm in a highly pressurised environment. Assertive and resilient. Proactive, energetic, and approachable. Problem solver / solution driven and creative “out of the box” strategic thinker. Meticulous with attention to detail. Flexible to work beyond normal office hours (overtime if and when required).

Apply Now

Ready to make social magnetic? Apply now and help us shape the future of commerce through social‑first experiences. Digitas is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits any forms of discrimination or harassment. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees in line with our Employment Equity Plan. All appointments will be based on qualifications, experience and best fit but preference will be given to candidates from designated groups. Interested candidates must please submit a concise CV including a link to your portfolio. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within 2 weeks after submitting your application, please consider your application as unsuccessful.