Social Media Specialist at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

JOB DESCRIPTION

Lead and enhance Ford’s social media presence, targeting brand favourability and sales lead generation. Develop and implement a strategic social media plan to meet key marketing goals. Create engaging content, oversee campaigns, and analyze data to ensure Ford SA’s vibrant online image. Work with internal teams and external agencies for cohesive social media content. Use creative, analytical, and communication skills, fueled by a passion for social media, to engage Ford enthusiasts and potential customers, building a community of brand advocates and steering discussions about our products. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a social media strategy aligned with Ford South Africa’s marketing goals. 
• Create engaging content for various social media platforms to foster audience engagement and community growth. 
• Monitor social media channels for industry trends, customer feedback, and direct mentions of the Ford brand. 
• Collaborate within Marketing and with other internal skill teams to create cohesive messaging across all platforms. 
• Manage social media campaigns, budgeting, and analytics to maximize ROI. 
• Devise agile tactical executions based on trending topics that would positively influence brand favourable opinion and consideration. 
• Identify threats and opportunities in user generated content on social platforms relevant to Ford, including audience profiling, topical conversations, or questions. 
• Support all product launches, marketing events, and sponsorships by creating awareness and engagement content on our social channels.

Accountabilities:

• Ensure brand consistency in voice, messaging, and aesthetics across all digital content and social media posts. 
• Provide regular reports on social media performance, insights, and growth opportunities. 
• Manage the agency-based community managers, customer relations centre (CRC) agents, and public relations (PR) team to respond promptly and diplomatically to customer inquiries and comments on social media platforms.

Communication and Working Relationships:

• Work closely within the Marketing team to align social media strategies with overall marketing campaigns and objectives. 
• Liaise with external agencies and partners as required, to develop and implement social media initiatives. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualification in Marketing Communications or related field
• 3+ years of experience in social media management, preferably in the automotive or a related industry.
• Proven track record of creating and implementing social media campaigns across multiple platforms 
• Familarity with CRM software and customer service platforms would be advantageousValid South African driver’s licence and willingness to travel to after-hours marketing events to represent the brand. 

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok)
• Strong understanding of digital marketing principles and SEO strategies. 
• Ability to analyze data and provide insights using analytics tools.
• Solid understanding of how each social media platform works and how to optimize content for engagement on each of the respective platforms.

Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to work cross-functionally and with regional social team. 
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strong organizational and project management skills

General Attributes: 

• Adaptability to rapidly changing environments and trends. 
• Passion for the automotive industry and the Ford brand.
• Team player with the ability to work independently. 
• Curious and meticulously detail-oriented

Linguistic skills:

• Proficiency in English. 
• Additional South African languages (e.g., Zulu, Afrikaans) would be a benefit.