📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Social Media Manager
🔹 Company: Value Retail
🔹 Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing social media strategy
- Managing social media channels for Bicester Village
- Creating engaging content and community management
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams on projects
- Analyzing performance and reporting on key KPIs
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and creative mindset, with a strong focus on community engagement and content creation.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Execute the social media strategy focused on content, community, and commerce
✅ Act as the ultimate expert across social media platforms
✅ Oversee the social media calendar for all Bicester Village social channels
✅ Understand global audiences, sensitivities, and nuances of localised markets
✅ Ideate and produce creative initiatives and concepts for activations that drive key KPIs
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams on projects and cohesive rollouts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively with various teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in building a brand's social media presence
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of successful social media campaigns
- Strong video editing skills, including mobile apps and Reels/TikTok platforms
- Passion and encyclopaedic knowledge of retail, fashion, brands, and designers
- Excellent communication and project management skills
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in multiple languages
- Experience with social media analytics tools
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in social media management and a deep understanding of the retail and fashion industries.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum (based on industry standards for mid-senior level roles in the UK retail sector)
Benefits:
- Life assurance, income protection, and pension
- Leisure travel insurance and an electric car scheme
- Discounted shopping portal and discounts across Bicester Villages
- Referral bonus and season ticket loans
- Private medical cover, dental insurance, health screening, and flu vaccinations
- Access to mental health professionals and support from trained mental health 'first aiders'
- Employee assistance programme and free access to Headspace and Thrive apps
- Yoga classes, summer parties, outdoor team activities, and time off for special occasions
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for mid-senior level roles in the UK retail sector. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Real Estate (Retail)
Company Size: Medium (30 employees)
Founded: 1988, with the first Bicester Village opening in 1990
Company Description:
- Value Retail is a global luxury shopping destination, offering a unique and upscale retail experience
- The company operates 12 villages across Europe, China, and the USA, with Bicester Village being the flagship location
- Value Retail is committed to creating magical and memorable experiences for guests, with a focus on authenticity, innovation, passion, critical thinking, and vision
Company Specialties:
- Luxury retail and brand management
- Destination development and management
- Marketing and customer experience
Company Website: www.valueretail.com
ASSUMPTION: Working at Value Retail offers opportunities to collaborate with high-end brands and gain experience in luxury retail management.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Director
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site at Bicester Village)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential progression to a leadership role within the marketing department
- Possibility to work on international projects across Value Retail's global portfolio
- Chance to develop skills in luxury retail management and brand collaboration
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and skill development within the luxury retail sector.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Upscale, luxury retail environment at Bicester Village
Office Location(s): Bicester, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Bicester is a market town in Northamptonshire, with a population of approximately 32,000
- The town is known for its rich history and cultural attractions, including Bicester Cathedral and the Broughton Castle
- Bicester is conveniently located near major motorways, with easy access to London and other major cities
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site)
ASSUMPTION: Bicester offers a pleasant work-life balance, with a historic town setting and convenient access to major cities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- On-site interview with the Marketing Director and a panel of team members
- Final round interview with the CEO or another senior leader
Key Assessment Areas:
- Social media strategy and content creation
- Project management and team collaboration
- Industry knowledge and brand awareness
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant social media campaigns and their outcomes in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your passion for luxury retail and understanding of the Bicester Village brand
- Prepare examples of creative social media content and initiatives for the interview
- Research the company's values and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs
ATS Keywords: Social media strategy, content creation, community engagement, project management, luxury retail, brand awareness, A/B testing, analytics, Reels, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Pinterest, YouTube, Little Red Book, Wechat
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to demonstrate their expertise in social media management and their understanding of the luxury retail industry.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.)
- Social media analytics tools (Hootsuite, Sprout Social, etc.)
- Video editing software (iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, etc.)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard social media platforms and analytics tools is essential for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Authenticity - Always do the right thing
- Innovation - Think outside of the box
- Passion - Do what you love and love what you do!
- Critical Thinking - Challenge the obvious
- Vision - Be mission-driven always
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Creative and strategic
- Proactive and driven
- Adaptable and open to new ideas
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate authenticity in your personal and professional life?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you challenged the obvious and drove innovation?
- How do you balance your passion for work with other aspects of your life?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their alignment with Value Retail's core values and work style expectations.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple social media platforms and content calendars
- Keeping up with the latest social media trends and algorithm changes
- Collaborating with various teams and stakeholders to execute cohesive rollouts
- Working in a fast-paced, luxury retail environment
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a dynamic, upscale retail setting.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is more focused on content creation and community engagement than traditional marketing roles
- Unlike other marketing roles, this position requires strong video editing skills and a deep understanding of social media trends
- Career progression in this role may lead to leadership positions within the marketing department or international projects
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should understand the unique aspects of this role and how it differs from other marketing positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a social media strategy for a new luxury brand launch
- Creating engaging content for a seasonal marketing campaign
- Managing a social media crisis and restoring brand reputation
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with relevant social media projects and campaigns.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for Bicester Village?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how are they tracked?
- How does the company support the professional development of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance for hybrid roles?
- How does the company foster a culture of innovation and creativity?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: https://jobs.thebicestercollection.com/job/Bicester-Senior-Social-Media-Manager-OX26-6WD/1208034101/
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant social media experience and skills
- Write a cover letter explaining your passion for luxury retail and understanding of the Bicester Village brand
- Prepare examples of creative social media content and initiatives for the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, inquiring about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
