Social Lead— Social-First Brand Strategy&Execution, Johannesburg

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to drive growth for client partners such as AstraZeneca, Colgate‑Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca‑Cola Company, and Wendy’s. VML’s global network consists of 26,000 talents across 55+ markets.

Role Purpose The Social Lead is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the brand’s social presence while ensuring execution remains culturally relevant, operationally sound, and performance‑driven.

Strategic Leadership Sit on the balcony

Develop and evolve the brand’s social media strategy.

Translate business and marketing objectives into actionable social plans.

Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and cultural relevance.

Guide campaign thinking and platform prioritisation.

Ensure the brand maintains a consistent and distinctive voice.

Anticipate shifts in audience behaviour and platform dynamics.

Provide strategic leadership to the social team.

What Success Looks Like– Strategic

Clear strategic direction.

Strong alignment between social and business outcomes.

Proactive decision‑making.

Long‑term brand growth.

Operational Leadership (Dance on the floor)

Review and guide content plans and campaign execution.

Provide hands‑on support during key campaigns or moments.

Ensure content reflects the strategy and brand positioning.

Identify and resolve delivery risks early.

Maintain quality standards across all outputs.

Support the team in problem‑solving and decision‑making.

What Success Looks Like– Operational

High‑quality execution.

Consistent brand presence.

Reduced delivery risk.

Strong operational flow.

Team Leadership&Capability Development

Coach and mentor Senior Social Media Managers and team members.

Provide clear direction, feedback, and performance guidance.

Identify skills gaps and development opportunities.

Foster a culture of accountability and collaboration.

Encourage curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning.

Support team resilience and confidence.

What Success Looks Like– Team

Strong team capability.

Clear ownership and accountability.

Improved confidence and decision‑making.

Reduced reliance on escalation.

Client / Stakeholder Leadership

Build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Present strategy, performance insights, and recommendations.

Translate complex social dynamics into clear business language.

Challenge assumptions and guide better decision‑making.

Align stakeholders around realistic expectations.

We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. We’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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