Senior Media Relations Manager - Brand Reputation

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary with bonus structure

Medical aid plan with dependents

Retirement fund and life insurance

Executive leadership training and 글로벌/

Annual leave and work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Media Relations Manager to lead media outreach for a major financial services client in Randburg, Gauteng. You will shape narratives, build trusted journalist relationships, and guide executive communications across print, broadcast and digital media.

The role requires 8–10 years in media relations, strong storytelling and crisis-management skills, plus a deep understanding of the financial services landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in media relations, PR, or corporate communications, with finance sector focus.
• Proven track record of securing positive media coverage and crisis management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media relations strategies aligned with business objectives and brand positioning.
• Serve as primary media contact, pitch stories and provide expert commentary.
• Build relationships with financial journalists, editors, and influencers across media.
• Create high-quality press materials: press releases, advisories, fact sheets, talking points.
• Manage crisis communication plans with swift, strategic counsel.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the financial services sector, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Media Relations Manager to lead their media outreach efforts in Randburg, Gauteng. This critical role involves developing and executing proactive media strategies to enhance brand reputation, manage public perception, and secure positive coverage across all relevant media channels. You will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with key journalists, analysts, and media influencers. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the financial services landscape, exceptional storytelling abilities, and a proven track record in managing both positive and crisis communications. This is a significant opportunity to shape the narrative of a major player in the South African financial market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies aligned with the company's business objectives and brand positioning.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries, proactively pitching compelling stories and providing expert commentary.
• Build and nurture strong, trusted relationships with financial journalists, editors, and key influencers across print, broadcast, and digital media.
• Craft high-quality press materials, including press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and executive talking points.
• Manage and execute crisis communication plans, providing swift, strategic counsel during sensitive situations.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on key performance indicators to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with internal communications, marketing, and legal teams to ensure message consistency and strategic alignment.
• Identify and capitalize on media opportunities to promote company achievements, initiatives, and thought leadership.
• Organize and facilitate media events, interviews, and press conferences.
• Provide media training and coaching to company spokespersons.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications, with a significant focus on the financial services industry.
• Proven track record of successfully securing positive media coverage and managing high-stakes media interactions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with outstanding storytelling and persuasive writing abilities.
• Deep understanding of the financial services industry, market trends, and regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication management and preparedness.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise messages.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with journalists and senior executives.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analytics tools.
• Experience working with agencies and managing external vendor relationships.
• Knowledge of the Randburg and wider Gauteng media landscape is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with extensive experience, along with a performance-based bonus structure.
• A comprehensive medical aid plan, including coverage for dependents, a retirement fund, and life insurance, is provided.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, including executive leadership training and attendance at global industry events, are available.
• You will be part of a prestigious organization in Randburg , Gauteng , working on challenging and impactful projects within the financial sector. Our client prioritizes employee well-being, offering generous annual leave and a supportive work-life balance in South Africa .