Social Media Director, EMEA in London

Whalar is the leading, most awarded, independent Creator and Social agency. We transform brands into cultural drivers by unlocking the full creative power of Creators. We go beyond the conventional social and influencer strategy. We have the technology and methodology to tap into the beating pulse of communities, listen to nuances that move culture, and connect brands in ways that make them unforgettable. With hubs in London, Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, our reach is global. In London, we proudly collaborate with clients such as Diageo, eBay, Nike, Oatly, Skyscanner, Twinings, Uber, Vodafone, and many more.

About the role: We are looking for an exceptional Social Media Director to build and lead Whalar’s social media management practice in EMEA. This is an opportunity to define how one of the world’s leading creator companies shows up as a modern social partner for global brands - shaping the work, the standards, the team, the culture, and the ambition from the ground up. Social has changed. Audiences are harder to impress, culture moves faster than marketing calendars, and brands can no longer afford to feel manufactured, late, or forgettable. We believe the future belongs to brands that understand entertainment, participation, internet culture, and community - not just content. That’s where you come in.

You will lead senior client relationships, define overarching and platform-specific social strategy, and build the connective tissue between creator marketing, social storytelling, cultural relevance, and brand growth. You’ll help clients stop behaving like advertisers interrupting culture - and start behaving like brands people actually want in their feeds. This role will play a central part in shaping the future of Whalar’s integrated social offering as we scale the capability across the business.

Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day:

• Define the social vision and strategic direction for major global brands across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, Substack, and emerging platforms.
• Build social ecosystems designed for participation, conversation, relevance, and community - not just reach.
• Push clients beyond safe social and toward work that earns attention instead of begging for it.
• Identify cultural moments, behaviours, and internet conversations where brands can authentically show up - then move with speed and precision.
• Lead senior client relationships and become a trusted strategic voice across both social and creator marketing.
• Shape the standards, workflows, operating rhythms, and creative ambition of Whalar’s social management capability.
• Play a leading role in new business pitches, social scopes, and strategic presentations.
• Build and lead a high-performing social team, including direct management of the Social Media Manager while partnering closely with the Social Art Director.
• Partner closely with Strategy, Community, Measurement, Client Services, and Studios teams to deliver fully integrated work embedded in The Whalar Way.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, sharp instincts, creative ambition, and platform-native thinking.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 9+ years of experience across social media management, social strategy, or content strategy, including significant experience leading major brands within an agency or fast-moving creative environment.
• Deep expertise across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, Substack, and emerging platforms, with a strong understanding of internet culture, creator behaviour, community dynamics, and platform-native storytelling.
• Sharp instincts for what makes brands culturally relevant, socially native, and impossible to ignore — with a clear understanding of the difference between content that fills a calendar and content that actually moves culture.
• Experience building and leading high-performing teams while creating clarity, momentum, and high creative standards in fast-growth environments.
• Commercially sharp and confident leading pitches, shaping scopes, and influencing senior stakeholders and clients.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to challenge thinking, sell vision, and inspire both clients and collaborators.
• Deep curiosity about where social, creators, entertainment, and technology are heading next, alongside a genuine passion for the creator economy and its role within modern marketing.

Based in Farringdon, London, we embrace a flexible hybrid model. We ask our team to work from the office two to three days a week, with Tuesday and Thursday serving as our "anchor days." These days are dedicated to collaborating in person and celebrating Whalar’s vibrant culture together.

Our values: At Whalar, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn't just a statement, it's our collective strength. Our people are our superpower. A diverse team and inclusive leadership have shaped Whalar since our inception in 2016, fueling a constant evolution of growth. We champion a culture of respect and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends demographics. We hire individuals of all backgrounds and empower them to thrive, challenge stereotypes, and actively break societal barriers.

The perks: Whalar provides flexible benefits and collaborative work environments/experiences, so employees can work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs.

• Private medical insurance
• Health cash plan
• 25 days of PTO + Sick days + Winter break
• Private pension scheme
• Monthly phone/internet reimbursement
• Professional development stipend
• New joiner's Home office allowance
• Enhanced maternity (up to 22 weeks) / paternity (up to 16 weeks) leave
• Reduced fee gym membership (next to office location)
• Life Assurance
• Workplace Nursery Scheme
• Volunteer days
• Social programs