Social Media Manager recruitment
If you are seeking a career as a Social Media Manager, or looking to hire a candidate for this role, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential information you need.
We cover everything from the key responsibilities of a Social Media Manager, the required skills, salary expectations and what employers are looking for today.
If you’re an employer looking to recruit a Social Media Manager please see our Digital Marketing page or click the button below to speak to us directly.
What does a Social Media Manager do?
A Social Media Manager is responsible for managing a company’s presence across social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. They create and share engaging content, interact with followers and build a strong online community that aligns with the brand’s voice and goals. Whether it’s handling content creation, managing paid ads, or tracking campaign success through analytics, Social Media Managers play a crucial role in enhancing a company’s digital visibility.
Main objectives and responsibilities for a Social Media Manager
The roles and responsibilities of a Social Media Manager can vary depending on the size of the company and the industry, but typically these will include:
- Developing and implementing social media strategies aligned with business goals.
- Managing content creation for social platforms—posts, images, and videos.
- Engaging with audiences through comments, messages, and live chats.
- Running and optimizing paid social media campaigns across platforms like Facebook and Instagram Ads.
- Tracking and reporting on social media performance using tools like Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and Facebook Insights.
- Staying up to date with the latest social media trends, tools, and technologies.
Essential skills for a Social Media Manager
To succeed as a Social Media Manager, candidates need to bring a diverse set of skills that combine creativity, technical know-how and analytical thinking. Key skills include:
Content creation
Proficiency in crafting engaging text, visuals and video content.
Social media analytics
Ability to analyse and interpret performance metrics to optimize future campaigns.
Community engagement
Strong communication skills for engaging with online communities and maintaining brand tone.
Paid advertising
Expertise in managing social media ads, particularly on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and TikTok.
Graphic design & video editing
Basic skills in tools like:
Time management
Ability to successfully juggle multiple tasks, campaigns and deadlines simultaneously.
Social Media Manager salary expectations
What can you expect to earn as a Social Media Manager? Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the size of the company.
If you are starting off in this role, you can expect to earn in the region of £20,000 to £28,000 per year. Whereas a highly skilled, experienced Social Media Manager can command upwards of £40,000 – £50,000 per annum.
This figure can be influenced by location, experience and the industry concerned. If you can evidence a proven track record of successful achievement over the years, this can enhance the package being offered. Equally, the overall salary package can include equity, pensions, health care and other benefits.
Education and qualifications required for Social Media Managers
While there is no strict educational requirement to become a Social Media Manager, many employers look for candidates with:
- A degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or Business.
- Relevant certifications such as Google Analytics, Facebook Blueprint, or certifications from Hootsuite or HubSpot.
- Experience managing social media accounts—whether personal, freelance, or as part of a company.
Career progression and growth opportunities for a Social Media Manager
A career in Social Media Management offers plenty of room for growth, with progression opportunities in both specialist and leadership roles. Here are some typical roles Social Media Managers progress to:
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Senior Social Media Manager
- Head of Social Media
- Head of Marketing
- Head of Content
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
- Chief Digital Officer (CDO)
Social Media Manager job description
Here is a typical job description for a Social Media Manager:
We are seeking a creative, experienced, and results-oriented Social Media Manager to drive our social media presence and engage with our audience in meaningful ways. Reporting to the Head of Digital Marketing, the Social Media Manager will be responsible for crafting and executing our social media strategy, managing content calendars, and fostering community engagement across various platforms. The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of social media trends, an eye for detail, and a passion for building brand loyalty and online engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Social Media Strategy:
Develop and implement a social media strategy that aligns with our business objectives, enhancing brand visibility, engagement, and follower growth.
Content Creation & Curation:
Create, schedule, and manage high-quality content across social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn). Work closely with the design and content teams to ensure consistency and effectiveness in brand messaging.
Community Engagement:
Monitor and actively engage with our community on social media, responding to comments, messages, and mentions promptly to enhance customer satisfaction and build loyalty.
Campaign Management:
Lead social media campaigns that drive engagement, conversions, and brand awareness. Manage campaign timelines, budgets, and analyse performance metrics to ensure success.
Performance Analysis:
Utilise social media analytics tools such as Facebook Insights, Twitter Analytics, and Hootsuite to track, analyse, and report on campaign performance. Make data-driven adjustments to improve results and maximise ROI.
Collaboration:
Work collaboratively with internal teams (such as Digital Marketing, Content, and Customer Support) to align social media efforts with wider business goals. Liaise with influencers and third-party agencies where necessary to expand brand reach.
Trend Monitoring & Innovation:
Stay up-to-date with social media trends, tools, and best practices. Continuously seek opportunities to innovate and improve our social media presence and engagement.
Requirements:
Proven Experience:
3-5 years of experience managing social media for brands, with a track record of building and engaging communities. Experience in a similar industry is a plus.
Platform Expertise:
Strong knowledge and experience with key social media platforms and their advertising options (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter). Familiarity with social media management tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social.
Analytical Skills:
Proficiency in social media analytics and reporting. Ability to interpret data to optimise content and campaigns for better engagement and performance.
Creative Skills:
Excellent written and visual communication skills, with an ability to create engaging, on-brand content that resonates with our target audience.
Organisational Skills:
Strong ability to manage content calendars, project timelines, and multiple campaigns. Detail-oriented with the ability to balance multiple priorities effectively.
Adaptability & Proactivity:
A forward-thinking attitude with the ability to adapt quickly to social media trends and platform changes. Eagerness to explore new opportunities for growth and engagement.
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
This role offers the chance to be part of a dynamic and collaborative team, with ample opportunities for creativity and impact. If you have a passion for social media and a strategic approach to content, we would love to hear from you.
Typical Social Media Manager interview questions
Hiring a Social Media Manager requires evaluating their strategic thinking, creativity and data analysis skills. Some common interview questions for this role include:
- “Which social media platforms are you most experienced with?”
- “Can you give an example of a successful social media campaign you’ve led?”
- “How do you track and measure the performance of your social media efforts?”
- “How would you handle a social media crisis?”
- “What trends do you think will shape social media marketing in the next few years?”
These questions help recruiters assess whether the candidate can bring both creativity and results-driven strategy to the role.
How to become a Social Media Manager
If you’re looking to become a Social Media Manager or help someone build a career in this field, here’s how to get started:
- Gain experience
Whether through internships, freelance work, or managing your own accounts, hands-on experience is key.
- Build a portfolio
Showcase your ability to create engaging content and grow a social following with a strong portfolio.
- Get certified
Certifications in digital marketing, analytics, or specific platforms can give you an edge.
- Stay updated
Follow industry blogs, attend webinars and stay on top of new trends and tools in social media.
Social Media Manager FAQs
- What does a Social Media Manager do daily?
- They create, schedule, and monitor content across platforms, engage with followers, and track performance metrics to adjust strategies as needed.
- What skills are essential for a Social Media Manager?
- Key skills include content creation, copywriting, analytics, knowledge of social media tools, creativity, and good communication.
- What platforms are most important?
- Common platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok, with the choice depending on the audience and industry.
- How is success measured?
- Success is tracked through KPIs like follower growth, engagement rate, click-throughs, and conversions, using platform analytics and tools like Google Analytics.
