Social Media Marketer Lead (Contract)
Our client is looking for an exceptionally proactive and strategic Senior Social Media Market Lead to oversee social media activity across Southern Africa and East/Central Africa. This role will serve as the primary social media lead and client partner across key markets including South Africa and Kenya, responsible for developing and executing social media strategies that drive engagement, cultural relevance, and brand growth. Working closely with strategists, creatives, analysts, and client stakeholders, this individual will lead a team of Community Managers, oversee social content planning and execution, identify emerging trends and opportunities, and ensure the brand remains at the forefront of digital conversation across the region. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior social media professional who combines strategic thinking, creative leadership, strong client management skills, and a deep understanding of the African digital landscape.
About this position
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
Social Media Strategy & Planning
- Develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies aligned to our regional and market objectives.
- Build and manage social content plans across Southern Africa and East/Central Africa.
- Collaborate with Strategists, Creative teams, and Data Analysts to develop impactful social campaigns.
- Ensure social media initiatives align with broader marketing campaigns and business goals.
- Identify opportunities for organic growth, paid amplification, and innovative storytelling.
Team Leadership & Management
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Community Managers.
- Oversee daily social media operations, content scheduling, community management, and escalation protocols.
- Drive team performance, development, and best practice implementation.
- Conduct regular feedback sessions and performance reviews.
Client Management & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary social media contact and strategic advisor for the brand
- Present strategies, campaign performance, insights, and recommendations to clients.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships.
- Manage expectations and ensure alignment on priorities and deliverables.
Trend Spotting & Innovation
- Monitor emerging social media trends, platform developments, and digital culture shifts.
- Identify opportunities to enhance our digital presence and engagement.
- Conduct competitor analysis and market research.
- Drive innovation across content, community management, and platform usage.
Performance Analysis & Optimisation
- Define and track social media KPIs alongside Data Analysts.
- Analyse campaign performance and audience engagement.
- Provide strategic recommendations based on performance insights.
- Continuously optimise content and campaign effectiveness.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with partner agencies, internal creative teams, strategists, and social teams.
- Support campaign planning and delivery alongside project management teams.
- Maintain brand safety, governance standards, and social media best practices.
Community Management & Governance
- Oversee community engagement strategies and response frameworks.
- Ensure adherence to brand safety guidelines and governance protocols.
- Manage crisis communication processes where required.
Technical Requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred.
Experience
- 6–8+ years' experience in Social Media Management.
- Minimum 2–3 years' experience in a senior leadership or management role.
- Proven experience managing social media teams.
- Experience working with major consumer brands, ideally FMCG or beverage brands.
- Experience developing social strategies across multiple markets.
- Strong understanding of Southern African and East/Central African digital ecosystems.
- Experience with creator partnerships and ambassador programmes.
- Experience managing brand safety, governance, and crisis communication.
Technical Skills / Software Proficiency
- Sprinklr
- Brandwatch
- Social media analytics and reporting tools
- Community management platforms
- AI-powered community management tools and AI agents
- Social listening platforms
- Reporting and dashboard tools