Senior Digital Marketing Manager, Johannesburg, South Africa

An established organisation within the financial services sector is seeking a highly experienced Senior Digital Marketing Manager to lead and drive digital acquisition, performance marketing, and digital growth strategies.

This senior leadership role requires a results-driven digital specialist with extensive experience in paid media, SEO, social media strategy, and performance marketing optimisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering measurable marketing outcomes, improving customer acquisition strategies, and ensuring strong return on marketing investment across all digital channels.

The role offers the flexibility of being based in Gauteng or working remotely, with an expectation of periodic travel to the head office in Johannesburg for strategic planning, leadership collaboration, and key stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive digital marketing strategy aligned with business growth objectives.

• Lead the organisation's digital marketing initiatives across paid media, social media, SEO, and performance marketing channels.

• Drive customer acquisition and digital lead generation strategies across multiple digital platforms.

• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the digital marketing team.

Paid Media & Performance Marketing

• Lead the planning, execution, and optimisation of paid media campaigns including search, display, programmatic, and social advertising.

• Manage large-scale digital marketing budgets and ensure optimal allocation to maximise ROI.

• Continuously analyse campaign performance and implement optimisation strategies to improve conversion rates and reduce customer acquisition cost.

• Oversee digital media planning and work closely with internal teams and external partners where required.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

• Develop and implement SEO strategies to improve organic search visibility and traffic.

• Conduct ongoing keyword research, competitor analysis, and technical SEO improvements.

• Monitor SEO performance and implement data-driven improvements to maintain competitive search rankings.

Social Media Strategy

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic social media marketing initiatives.

• Oversee social media campaigns designed to increase brand awareness, engagement, and customer acquisition.

• Monitor trends, analytics, and platform changes to continuously improve social performance.

Data, Analytics & Reporting

• Establish and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) across all digital channels.

• Analyse digital marketing performance using analytics tools and dashboards.

• Produce performance reports and insights for senior leadership.

• Use data-driven insights to guide strategic decision-making and campaign optimisation.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of digital marketing professionals.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including marketing, product, sales, and analytics teams.

• Manage relationships with external agencies, media partners, and digital platforms where applicable.

• Foster a culture of performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Digital Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.

• 10–15 years of professional marketing experience, with a strong focus on digital marketing.

• Minimum 6 years' experience in a management or leadership role overseeing digital marketing teams.

• Proven expertise in paid media strategy and performance marketing.

• Extensive experience managing SEO strategies and organic growth initiatives.

• Strong understanding of social media marketing and digital campaign management.

• Demonstrated ability to manage large digital marketing budgets and deliver measurable ROI.

• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.

• Experience managing marketing performance through defined KPIs and reporting frameworks.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience within the insurance, financial services, or highly regulated industries would be advantageous.

• Experience working in high-volume customer acquisition environments.

• Exposure to marketing automation platforms, CRM systems, and advanced analytics tools.

• Experience managing relationships with digital marketing agencies and media partners.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and digital innovation

• Performance marketing expertise

• Data-driven decision making

• Leadership and team development

• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration

• Budget management and ROI optimisation

Additional Information

• This is a senior-level leadership role within the digital marketing function.

• The position is permanent and full-time.

• Candidates may be based in Gauteng or work remotely, with periodic travel required to Johannesburg Head Office.

Note: Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered for this position.