Head of social job description.

What does a head of social do?

 

The head of social leads the overall social media strategy for a business, ensuring content, tone, and engagement align with brand goals. They manage teams or agency partners, set platform strategies, and report on social performance to leadership teams.

 

Responsibilities include campaign oversight, trend spotting, content approvals, paid social strategy, and stakeholder education on social best practices. They often collaborate closely with PR, brand, and performance teams.

 

In fast-moving or digital-first businesses, the role is central to building reputation and driving performance. In more traditional industries, it may focus on brand visibility and customer engagement.

 

Key responsibilities of a head of social.

 

The responsibilities of a head of social typically involve setting vision, leading teams, and owning social performance across all platforms:

• Creating a unified social media strategy aligned with brand and commercial goals

• Managing and mentoring social teams, agencies, or content producers

• Leading campaign planning and cross-channel execution

• Establishing tone of voice and social governance policies

• Managing paid and organic social performance across platforms

• Overseeing social listening, crisis response, and community management frameworks

• Reporting on impact using social analytics, GA4, and BI dashboards

• Coordinating with PR, brand, and influencer teams on narrative and reach

• Testing and scaling new formats, platforms, or social products

• Advising executives on emerging social opportunities and risks

This role blends leadership, platform knowledge, and strategic ownership.

Skills and requirements for a head of social.

 

Heads of social lead strategy, team performance, and platform growth, requiring leadership and deep channel knowledge. Employers typically look for:

• 7–10 years of social media or digital content experience

• Experience leading teams across multiple platforms and industries

• Proven record of growing brand visibility and engagement through organic and paid strategies

• Ability to develop channel strategies aligned to business goals

• Strong understanding of creative formats and platform-specific trends

• Confidence working with influencers, content creators, or agencies

• Comfortable with performance tracking, insights, and reporting

• Skilled at cross-functional collaboration across marketing and comms teams

• Leadership, team development, and budget ownership experience

Most heads of social have grown from content or digital marketing roles and report into senior brand or marketing leadership.

 

Average salary for a head of social.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a head of social typically ranges from £70,000 to £100,000, reflecting responsibility for channel strategy, team leadership, and brand voice.

• Mid-level heads of social tend to earn between £70,000 and £85,000

• Senior heads leading global campaigns or overseeing performance media can earn between £86,000 and £100,000

• Businesses placing strategic value on social as a revenue or engagement driver often offer higher packages

Salaries peak in London, especially within fashion, fintech, lifestyle, and consumer tech brands.

 

Career progression for a head of social.

 

A head of social leads the entire social media function across organic, paid, and influencer activity. It’s a senior role with clear potential for director-level progression. The career path may include:

 

Social media executive

 

Delivers content and monitors daily performance. Gains platform expertise and campaign experience.

 

Social media manager

 

Owns strategy across platforms. Tracks KPIs and leads small teams.

 

Head of social

 

Sets direction, innovates formats, and manages a multi-person team. Aligns social with brand and performance goals.

 

Director of social / digital

 

Drives growth and engagement. Owns budget, reporting, and high-impact activations.

 

VP of marketing / CMO

 

Takes ownership of the entire marketing function, with a focus on storytelling, customer acquisition, and team leadership.