Upload Your CV
Send us your CV and a member of the team will be in touch to discuss open opportunities with you.
Social Media Manager job description
Hire digital marketing talent with a specialist recruiter by your side.
This page details everything you need to know about the Social Media Manager job title. From key responsibilities through to how to approach social media recruitment.
Looking for more advice? Get in touch with our expert recruiters for a no-strings-attached chat.
What does a Social Media Manager do?
A Social Media Manager is responsible for building a brand's online presence across a variety of social networks. This role will increase brand awareness and generate leads through a strong social media strategy. They share quality content across multiple channels that align with the target audience's expectations and overall marketing strategy.
Key responsibilities
Responsibilities of the role may vary depending on industry, company size, team structure and business goals. The normal duties of a Social Media Marketing Manager will include:
- Collaboration: Work closely with the marketing, content and design team to develop and deliver a cohesive brand personality.
- Social media strategy: Manage the social media calendar, considering all types of content to ensure channels achieve strong reach and engagement.
- Create and share content: Plan, create and post on social media quality content that is tailored to each channel, including TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest (and any future channels)
- Social media expertise: Stay up to date with the latest trends. The SMM will advise on cultural and social moments to ensure the business is part of relevant conversations.
- Community management: Engage with social media users by replying to comments and DMs, delivering good customer service and maintaining the brand voice throughout all comms.
- Attend external events: Confidently represent the brand at marketing events, photoshoots and brand activations.
- Personal branding: Use your expert knowledge of different platforms to share personal branding best practice and promote leaders in your business.
- Influencer marketing: Manage influencer relationships as well as building new partnership opportunities.
- Report on key activity: Regularly review and report on performance, benchmarking against business goals, market trends and competitor activity.
Skills and requirements
Skills a Social Media Manager should have include:
- A minimum of 2 years' experience creating and/or executing social media marketing strategies
- In-depth knowledge of social media platforms and best practises
- Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail
- Excellent copywriting and communication skills
- Excellent short-form video editing skills
- Experience with social listening and social media management tools, such as Sprout Social or Hootsuite
- Knowledge and/or passion for the industry
Salary expectations
The average permanent salary for a Social Media Manager is £40,000 - £60,000. A contractor can expect a day rate of £200 - £300.
Pay ranges can vary based on business size, industry, and location. For more in-depth advice, download our salary guide below.
Why hire a Social Media Manager?
A Social Media Manager is a valuable role in a large variety of businesses. Whether you're a large corporation launching exciting new products or a business owner wanting support with your personal brand. The Social Media Marketing Manager job title represents unique individuals who can approach social media with an analytical and creative mindset.
Social media is where the majority of customers will discover your products for the first time. The Manager role will allow you to raise brand awareness and capture the attention of your desired audiences. This might include the use of:
- User-generated content (UGC)
- Influencer marketing
- Paid social campaigns
When to hire a Social Media Manager?
While a company might have experimented with social media previously, the hiring of a Manager signifies real investment in the channels. You should hire your first Social Media Manager when you're ready to take full advantage of the platforms. At this point, you should have a product you want to showcase to existing and new audiences.
Most businesses choose to hire a Social Media Manager alongside a Content Marketing Manager. By introducing both roles at the same time, the team can build and execute a cohesive content strategy across all channels.
Career path and opportunities
If you're looking for a different role in content and social media, check out some of the ways you could develop your career below.
Content Marketing Manager
With the experience gained in content creation, Social Media Managers may consider a lateral move to a content role. Content Marketing Managers are responsible for producing and executing content marketing strategies across a breadth of channels. This role will broaden your experience beyond social media.
Head of Social
With enough experience managing social media channels, your career path could lead you to a Head of Social role. This position is responsible for leading a team of digital marketers to execute social media campaigns and strategies.
Latest content and social media jobs
Meet the Team
Frequently-asked questions
How to become a Social Media Manager?
The Social Media Manager job is a specialist digital marketing role. You can work up to the role by gaining experience as a Digital Marketing Executive or Social Media Executive. Or, as a highly-creative role, you might have previously worked in a Content Executive/Manager job.
You'll have a passion for and deep understanding of social media platforms. Depending on the industry you work in, you might specialise in certain channels. For example, retail small businesses are more likely to invest in B2C platforms, such as Instagram or TikTok. For those in the professional services sector, you're more likely to be an expert in LinkedIn.
Is a Social Media Manager a good job?
The Social Media Manager role is a great job for those who love keeping up with the latest trends, delivering creative content and building a brand presence.
The role is well paid, with the average Social Media Manager earning between £40,000 - £60,000. This is above the UK average salary of £35,000.
What other job titles use social media?
Other roles that have exposure to social media platforms, include:
- Paid Social Specialist - A Paid Social Specialist is responsible for paid advertising on social media platforms.
- Digital Marketing Manager - In small businesses, it's likely that the Digital Marketing Manager will manage the social media presence.
- SEO Manager - The Search Engine Optimisation Manager will optimise social media accounts for searches.
Related Content
Talent Search
Growing your digital or marketing team? Find out how we can support your search here.