Senior Social Strategist
Company: VML
Location: Hybrid – Home / Sea Containers, London
About VML
At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built on more than a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology and diverse perspectives drive inspiration.
Following the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, VML has become a global growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.
With more than 30,000 people across 150+ offices in 64 markets, we help build connected brands that drive growth for our clients. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey through three core practices:
- Brand Experience
- Customer Experience
- Commerce
Across these practices, we deliver expertise in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, data, production and technology to create end-to-end solutions that deliver revolutionary work.
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Social Strategist to join our growing Social team.
You’ll lead the development of innovative social strategies for a major global brand, helping shape how it connects with audiences across social platforms. You’ll combine audience insight, cultural trends and platform expertise to create strategies that are rooted in social behaviour and designed to deliver meaningful business impact.
You’ll become one of our go-to social experts, helping clients embrace the very best of social media while owning key workstreams and building strong client relationships.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about social media, naturally curious about emerging trends and platforms, and excited by the opportunity to work alongside a specialist team of strategists, creators, influencer experts, social account managers and data specialists.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development of social, content and campaign strategies for key client accounts.
- Develop thought leadership around audiences, cultural trends and social best practice.
- Identify new opportunities to strengthen clients’ social presence.
Collaboration
- Work closely with Strategy & Planning, Data & Insights, Creative and Client Engagement teams.
- Ensure social thinking is integrated into wider marketing and communications plans.
- Contribute to integrated campaign planning across multiple disciplines.
Client Partnership
- Build trusted relationships with clients.
- Confidently present recommendations and strategic thinking.
- Challenge assumptions and guide clients towards the best social solutions.
Insight & Innovation
- Translate cultural trends and audience insights into actionable social strategies.
- Stay ahead of emerging platforms, features and industry developments.
- Share knowledge and thought leadership across the wider business.
Social Expertise
- Demonstrate expert knowledge across platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and emerging channels.
- Understand platform behaviours, algorithms, content formats and competitor activity.
- Ensure brands show up authentically and effectively across every channel.
Brand Stewardship
- Develop a deep understanding of each client’s brand and how it should come to life across social.
- Balance brand consistency with platform-native creativity.
About You
You’ll ideally have:
- Proven experience developing successful social strategies for large brands.
- Agency or client-side social strategy experience.
- Strong strategic thinking and the ability to turn data into actionable recommendations.
- Excellent storytelling, presentation and communication skills.
- A collaborative approach with experience working across multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- A genuine passion for social media, culture and emerging trends.
- Strong analytical skills with experience measuring campaign performance and optimising strategy.
- A proactive mindset and commitment to delivering outstanding work.
Skills & Experience
- Experience in a Social Strategy role within an agency or client-side marketing team.
- Strong understanding of social platforms, social behaviours and emerging technologies.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience presenting to senior clients.
- Ability to build lasting client relationships.
- Comfortable working across multiple workstreams simultaneously.
- Experience working on major brands is advantageous but not essential.
- A degree or equivalent experience is welcomed.
What’s in it for You?
Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from:
- Generous annual leave
- Pension contributions
- Life Assurance
- Permanent Health Insurance
- BUPA healthcare
- Flexible hybrid working
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Wellbeing programme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Eye care and glasses vouchers
- Season ticket loans
- WPP employee discounts
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Clear long-term career progression
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
VML is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
We consider all applicants regardless of race, colour, religion or belief, sex, age, nationality, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, our People Team will be happy to support you.
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