Digital Marketing

Overview:

· Salary: Market Related

· Start Date: Immediate

· Position: Permanent

· Reports to: General Manager

Job Description

ABOUT US

Riverside Hotel (inclusive of The Riverside Grill and Riverside Spa) is a proudly independent 4-star property celebrated for its personal touch, outstanding hospitality, and exceptional riverside location. We offer a refined blend of comfort, modern design, and authentic South African warmth that keeps our guests returning time and again.

As an independent hotel, every guest interaction and digital impression matters. Our vision is to build a distinctive and trusted brand, one that stands out for its memorable experiences, personalised service, and strong online reputation. To achieve this, we engage directly with our guests and community through creative social media storytelling, captivating digital campaigns, and targeted email communication.

We are now seeking an experienced and results-driven Social Media and Digital Marketing Manager who can elevate Riverside Hotel's brand visibility, grow our digital community, and convert engagement into direct bookings. This is a key role for someone passionate about hospitality marketing and ready to make a measurable impact on an independent brand's success.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This senior-level position requires a balance of creativity, analytical thinking, and execution excellence. The successful candidate will lead the hotel's digital marketing strategy from social media and paid campaigns to email marketing and influencer engagement, ensuring that Riverside Hotel stands out as a preferred destination for both leisure and business travellers.

Proficiency in digital tools such as Meta Business Suite, Google Ads, and CRM/email marketing systems (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, or similar) is essential. The role demands an individual capable of shaping a strong online identity, enhancing direct booking performance, and establishing Riverside Hotel as a top choice within the competitive hospitality market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Brand Awareness & Strategy Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive digital marketing strategy to position Riverside Hotel as a leading independent 4-star destination.

• Strengthen brand recognition through consistent storytelling, visual identity, and guest-focused content.

• Identify opportunities for partnerships with local tourism boards, travel agencies, and lifestyle brands to increase brand exposure.

• Support public relations initiatives, including influencer visits, media collaborations, and community engagement campaigns.

• Promote the hotel's unique value propositions, location, hospitality, facilities, and guest experience through engaging online narratives.

B. Social Media Management

• Lead content creation and publishing across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn to build engagement and community trust.

• Maintain a well-planned content calendar tied to occupancy goals, seasonal offers, dining promotions, and special events.

• Develop visually appealing, story-driven content that showcases the hotel's personality, staff culture, and guest experiences.

• Build partnerships with travel bloggers, creators, and local influencers to extend reach and enhance authenticity.

• Track and analyse audience behaviour, social trends, and competitor activity to improve engagement strategies.

C. Email Marketing & CRM

• Design and manage guest-focused email campaigns, newsletters, and automated booking flows using platforms such as Klaviyo or Mailchimp.

• Build segmented databases to tailor communication for leisure guests, corporate clients, weddings, and events.

• Implement A/B testing and performance tracking to increase open rates, engagement, and conversions.

• Collaborate with reservations and events teams to promote exclusive offers and repeat-guest incentives.

D. Paid Media Campaigns

• Plan, launch, and optimise paid social and Google advertising campaigns aimed at driving direct bookings and brand awareness.

• Manage advertising budgets efficiently and evaluate return on ad spend (ROAS).

• Develop creative briefs and collaborate with design teams to produce high-quality ad content.

• Monitor digital performance dashboards to assess campaign success and adjust strategies accordingly.

E. Website & SEO

• Oversee website content updates, ensuring an attractive, user-friendly, and mobile-optimised design.

• Implement basic SEO strategies and ensure accurate information across online listings and travel platforms.

• Work with external partners where necessary to improve online visibility and booking performance.

F. Reporting & Analytics

• Produce detailed monthly and quarterly reports covering social, paid, and email marketing performance.

• Use data insights to improve decision-making and campaign targeting.

• Present key metrics and strategic recommendations to management and ownership teams.

G. Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage a marketing intern to support day-to-day content execution.

• Collaborate with departments, including reservations, events, F&B, and operations, to ensure alignment across all digital touchpoints.

• Report directly to the General Manager or Director, contributing to the hotel's overall business strategy.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

 Minimum of 3 years' experience in digital marketing or social media management, ideally within hospitality, tourism, or lifestyle industries.

 Strong track record of driving brand awareness and online community growth for independent or boutique brands.

 Expertise in social media management, paid advertising, and email marketing automation.

 Solid copywriting, content creation, and storytelling skills.

 Strong knowledge of Google Analytics, SEO basics, and CRM management.

 Proficiency with creative tools such as Canva, CapCut, or Adobe Creative Suite.

 Data-driven mindset with experience in analysing and presenting performance metrics.

 Excellent communication, planning, and project management skills.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS

 Brand Builder: Understands how to create recognition and loyalty for an independent hotel.

 Creative Storyteller: Captures the essence of the guest experience in every post and campaign.

 Strategic Thinker: Can link marketing activities to business objectives like occupancy and revenue.

 Proactive & Self-Motivated: Works independently and contributes innovative ideas.

 Analytical & Data-Driven: Uses numbers to refine creative strategies.

 Collaborative & Organised: Works seamlessly across teams and manages multiple projects effectively.

 Trend-Aware & Adaptive: Keeps up with hospitality and digital marketing innovations.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Opportunity to shape the digital identity of a proudly independent hotel brand.

• Collaborative and supportive working environment.

• Professional growth within a dynamic hospitality setting.

• Competitive remuneration aligned with experience and results.

Closing Date: 23 October 2025