π Core Information
- Job Title: Social Media Lead
- Company: The Very Group
- Location: London, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Category: Marketing
- Date Posted: April 10, 2025
- Experience Level: 5-10 years
- Remote Status: Hybrid (London-based with remote flexibility)
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing strategic social media plans to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners to create innovative content.
- Monitoring and analyzing social media performance to drive continuous improvement.
- Leading a team of social media professionals and managing external agency partners.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the fashion retail sector and global cultural trends to create relevant and engaging content.
π Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning: Develop and execute social media strategies that align with business objectives and resonate with target audiences.
- Content Creation: Oversee the creation of engaging, on-brand content for various social media platforms.
- Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of social media professionals, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
- Performance Analysis: Monitor and analyze social media performance metrics, using insights to inform strategy and content creation.
- Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external agency partners to ensure consistent brand messaging and high-quality content.
ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional weekend work or being on-call for reactive content management.
π― Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
- Experience: 5-10 years of experience in social media management, with a focus on the fashion retail sector.
- Required Skills:
- Proven track record in developing and executing impactful social media strategies.
- Strong understanding of the fashion retail sector and global cultural trends.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in digital tools and social media platforms.
- Knowledge of global cultural events in fashion, music, art, and design, with a focus on the UK.
- Preferred Skills:
- Experience with social media analytics tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or similar).
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or other design software.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in influencer marketing or partnerships may have an advantage in this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: Β£50,000 - Β£65,000 per annum (based on experience and industry standards for a Social Media Lead in London)
- Benefits:
- Flexible, hybrid working model
- Inclusive culture and environment
- Β£1,000 flexible benefits allowance
- 30 days holiday + bank holidays
- Udemy learning access
- Bonus potential (performance and business-related)
- Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk
- Matched pension up to 6%
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexibility to work occasional weekends or be on-call for reactive content management.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Social Media Lead in London with 5-10 years of experience. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's skills, experience, and the company's internal salary structure.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
- Industry: Retail (Fashion)
- Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
- Founded: 2003 (as Shop Direct Group, rebranded as The Very Group in 2021)
- Company Description: The Very Group is a leading digital retailer in the UK and Ireland, operating under the Very.co.uk brand. They offer a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, homeware, and electricals, with a focus on providing flexible payment options to help families get more out of life.
- Company Specialties: Online retail, fashion, homeware, electricals, and flexible payment options.
π Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-Senior level role with potential for career growth within the marketing department or broader organization.
- Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Social Media and may have line management responsibilities for social media executives or coordinators.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement, with a mix of on-site and remote work. The role requires occasional on-site presence for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a senior or management role within the social media team.
- Expansion into related marketing roles, such as influencer marketing or content creation.
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and projects, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
ASSUMPTION: The Very Group values internal promotions and may offer opportunities for career progression within the organization.
π Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces with dedicated areas for team meetings and creative brainstorming.
- Office Location(s): Skyways House, Speke Road, Liverpool, L70 1AB (Headquarters) and St Albans House, 57-59 Haymarket, St James's, London, SW1Y 4QX (London Office)
- Geographic Context: London, a vibrant and multicultural city with a thriving fashion scene and numerous cultural events.
- Work Schedule: Standard office hours, Monday to Friday, with flexibility to work occasional weekends or be on-call for reactive content management.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to manage their time effectively to balance both proactive and reactive social media tasks.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process:
1. Informal 30-minute video call with the hiring team to discuss skills and relevant experience.
2. One-hour formal task-based interview held in-person at the London office.
- Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Creativity and innovation
- Leadership and team management skills
- Digital proficiency and understanding of social media platforms
- Cultural awareness and understanding of global trends
- Application Tips:
1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, using specific examples of successful social media campaigns or projects.
2. Prepare for the task-based interview by researching the company, its competitors, and the fashion retail sector. Consider how you would approach a hypothetical social media challenge or campaign brief.
3. Familiarize yourself with the company's brand voice and tone, and demonstrate your understanding of their target audience and customer base.
- ATS Keywords: Social media strategy, fashion retail, cross-functional teams, external agency partners, content creation, performance analysis, leadership, team management, global cultural trends, digital proficiency.
ASSUMPTION: The Very Group uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes, so it's essential to include relevant keywords from the job description to increase your chances of being shortlisted.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or similar social media management platforms
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) or other design software
- Google Analytics or other web analytics tools
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable learning and using new tools and technologies as needed to perform their role effectively.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Proud, trusted, together, innovative, and ambitious.
- Work Style: Collaborative, creative, and dynamic. The Very Group values a positive, inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated, and employees feel empowered to make a difference.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do you align with The Very Group's values, and can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated these values in a previous role?
2. How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and how do you manage your time effectively to balance both proactive and reactive social media tasks?
3. How do you ensure that your work style complements the company's culture, and what steps do you take to foster a collaborative and creative work environment?
ASSUMPTION: The Very Group places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and values-driven decision-making, so candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the company's core values and work style.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Balancing proactive content planning with reactive content management, such as responding to customer inquiries or addressing crises.
- Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of social media trends and algorithms.
- Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and external agency partners to ensure consistent brand messaging and high-quality content.
- Managing a team of social media professionals, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment, and providing mentorship and support as needed.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to manage their time effectively to balance both proactive and reactive social media tasks.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Social Media Manager (Fashion Retail): This role is similar to a Social Media Manager role within the fashion retail sector, with a focus on developing and executing social media strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement. However, the Social Media Lead role at The Very Group has additional responsibilities, such as leading a team and managing external agency partners.
- Content Marketing Manager (Retail): This role is similar to a Content Marketing Manager role within the retail sector, with a focus on creating engaging, on-brand content for various marketing channels. However, the Social Media Lead role at The Very Group has a specific focus on social media platforms and requires a strong understanding of the fashion retail sector and global cultural trends.
- Social Media Manager (E-commerce): This role is similar to a Social Media Manager role within the e-commerce sector, with a focus on driving online sales and customer engagement through social media channels. However, the Social Media Lead role at The Very Group has additional responsibilities, such as leading a team and managing external agency partners, and requires a strong understanding of the fashion retail sector and global cultural trends.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles within the fashion retail and e-commerce sectors to better understand the unique aspects of the Social Media Lead role at The Very Group.
π Sample Projects
- Fashion Week Campaign: Develop and execute a social media campaign to promote The Very Group's fashion offerings during London Fashion Week, collaborating with influencers and industry partners to maximize reach and engagement.
- Seasonal Marketing Campaign: Create a cross-channel social media campaign to promote a specific seasonal collection, incorporating user-generated content, giveaways, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to drive customer engagement and sales.
- Crisis Communication Plan: Develop a comprehensive crisis communication plan to address potential social media crises, such as product recalls, negative customer reviews, or brand reputation issues, ensuring that The Very Group is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to protect its brand image.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they would approach these challenges in the context of the Social Media Lead role at The Very Group.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Role Responsibilities: Can you provide more details about the day-to-day responsibilities of the Social Media Lead role and how it has evolved over time?
- Team Structure: How does the social media team fit into the broader marketing department, and what are the key relationships with other teams and stakeholders?
- Company Culture: What are the most rewarding aspects of working at The Very Group, and how does the company support employee growth and development?
- Growth Opportunities: What opportunities exist for career progression within the social media team or broader organization, and how does the company support internal promotions?
- Work Environment: How does the hybrid work arrangement work in practice, and what are the expectations for on-site and remote work?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company, and show that they have done their research on the industry and the organization.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through [this link](https://theverygroup.jobs/jobs/social-media-lead-london).
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, using specific examples of successful social media campaigns or projects.
3. Prepare for the task-based interview by researching the company, its competitors, and the fashion retail sector. Consider how you would approach a hypothetical social media challenge or campaign brief.
4. Familiarize yourself with the company's brand voice and tone, and demonstrate your understanding of their target audience and customer base.
5. Follow up with the talent acquisition team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role.
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.