Account Manager

Ockham Communications; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Ockham Communications is seeking an Account Manager to join our Cape Town or Joburg office. The role combines strategic advisory work with day-to-day account delivery, requiring strong writing and client management skills.

You will develop and execute communications plans, produce high-quality pieces, pitch stories to media, and mentor junior staff while supporting new business efforts.

Qualifications

• Intellectually curious and politically aware.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communications and public affairs plans.
• Produce high-quality written material and tailor content for audiences.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and manage status meetings.
• Pitch stories to media outlets and manage media relationships.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to new business proposals.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Excellent writing

Calm under pressure

Client relationship management

Job description

Ockham Communications advises companies, executives and organisations navigating complex reputational and public affairs challenges. We work on issues where the stakes are high, the environment is fast-moving, and clear thinking matters. Our clients rely on us to bring sound judgement, strategic insight and clear communication to complicated situations. We are looking for an Account Manager to join the team in our Cape Town or Joburg office. This role is suited to someone who is intellectually curious, politically aware, an excellent writer, and able to stay calm under pressure. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with strong execution, balancing high-level advisory work with the day-to-day management and delivery required to run client accounts successfully. As part of a small, high-performing team, you will work directly on client strategy, contribute to high-level advisory work, and take on meaningful responsibility from an early stage.

What you will do

• Strategic communications and advisory: Develop and execute strategic communications and public affairs plans aligned with client objectives. Help clients navigate reputational and regulatory challenges. Contribute to messaging, positioning and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Writing and content development: Produce high-quality written material including opinion pieces, media statements, briefing documents and social media content. Synthesise complex issues into clear, persuasive communication tailored to different audiences. Review and edit work produced by junior team members.
• Client management: Build trusted relationships with clients and serve as a day-to-day point of contact. Lead client status meetings, manage timelines, and ensure consistently high standards of delivery. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensure strong internal coordination and smooth execution of client deliverables. Ensure all content and reporting meet the CI, tone, and format requirements.
• Media engagement: Work with the internal team to pitch stories to media outlets, secure coverage, and proactively manage media relationships to enhance client visibility. Grow and sustain a media network. Assist with crisis and issues management when required.
• Team leadership and business development: Mentor and support junior team members. Contribute to new business development, proposals and client pitches.