Social Media Manager in Manchester

Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, this full-time permanent role will shape Manchester City's social media presence across the UAE, with a primary focus on Manchester City Football Programs and Operations across the UAE, working on several key programs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ajman. You will lead engaging content and community activity across key platforms, helping to grow awareness, strengthen relationships and support wider marketing and business objectives.

Founded in 2013, City Football Group is the world’s leading private owner and operator of football clubs, with teams across the globe connected by a shared belief in doing things differently. Alongside our clubs, we invest in football-related businesses and build partnerships that help the game, and the communities around it, thrive. Everything we do is guided by our purpose: empowering better lives through football. Rooted in more than a century of “City” football, we are proud of the role our clubs play locally and globally, creating positive impact on and off the pitch. Within City Football Middle East, we deliver football education experiences and community-led programmes that connect Manchester City with young players, families and partners across the UAE. Our social media activity plays a key part in telling that story, bringing the energy, values and personality of the Club to life through content that is thoughtful, timely and audience-led.

This role is responsible for leading Manchester City's UAE social media activity across multiple platforms, making sure content supports the brand, engages audiences and contributes to wider marketing goals. You will help build a clear and consistent digital presence that reflects the Club's identity while staying relevant to local audiences and the football schools community. Day to day, you will plan, create, schedule and publish content across channels including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube and emerging platforms. You will bring ideas to life through compelling copy, imagery, video and stories, while monitoring trends, competitor activity and platform updates so the content stays fresh, effective and aligned to audience behaviour. You will also support paid social activity, manage calendars and contribute to continuous improvement through reporting and insight. The role works closely with coaches, marketers, content specialists and external partners, so clear communication and collaboration will be central to your success. You will also help manage community interactions professionally, support influencer or creator activity where relevant, and work within a regulated environment that requires careful attention to safeguarding and responsible communication.

What You'll Bring

• Experience managing social media for a sports, football, lifestyle or similarly audience-led brand.
• Ability to develop and deliver social media strategies, content calendars and campaign plans that support business goals.
• Experience creating platform-specific content, with confidence writing clear, engaging copy for different audiences and channels.
• Ability to manage community engagement professionally, including comments, messages and customer enquiries.
• Experience analysing performance data and producing reports with practical insights and recommendations.
• Comfortable working with creative teams and supporting paid social, content capture or basic editing tools when needed, alongside a willingness to work within safeguarding requirements.

Why Choose Us

Working at City Football Group means being supported to do your best, with the flexibility and encouragement to look after your wellbeing. We are committed to helping our people learn, grow and thrive in a culture built on collaboration, openness and hard work. As part of our team, you will receive 26 days' annual leave plus a day off for your birthday, private healthcare and dental cover, and an annual discretionary bonus. You will also have access to a Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support, and a company pension and life assurance. Manchester-based employees also benefit from free on-site parking, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and access to a range of sports and leisure clubs. You can enjoy a range of additional benefits, including cycle to work, Give As You Earn, discounted match tickets, savings in the City Store, a free City+ subscription, stadium tour discounts, and wider retail and lifestyle offers.