Communications Director, South Africa

Ford Motor Company; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company is seeking a Communications Director in Pretoria to modernize and lead communications strategy. The role involves managing media relations, directing consumer communications, and fostering stakeholder engagement. Candidates should have a strong background in digital transformation, media strategy, and team leadership, alongside 10-15 years of experience in communications.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of communications experience, including team leadership.
• Deep understanding of the South African media, digital, and automotive landscape.
• Experience providing trusted counsel to business leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of communications strategies for stakeholders and channels.
• Provide guidance on corporate, product, and employee communications initiatives.
• Drive impactful storytelling initiatives using digital platforms.

Skills

Team leadership

Digital communication

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Project management

Excellent writing

Commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field

Job description

Overview

The Communications Director, Ford South Africa, is responsible for modernising and leading all aspects of the company’s communications strategy in South Africa. This includes a strong emphasis on digital transformation and impactful storytelling to build brand reputation, foster stakeholder engagement, and support core business objectives. The role requires a strategic leader who will manage media relations, explore direct-to-consumer communication channels, oversee new product launches and sustainment programs, deliver impactful internal communications, and provide expert counsel to senior leadership and a dedicated team. The incumbent will work closely with social media, marketing, manufacturing, and HR teams to ensure Ford’s vision and values are communicated effectively and consistently.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and management of breakthrough product, corporate and internal communications strategies, covering all stakeholders and channels (working with agency partners where appropriate).
• Provide guidance and counsel in the planning and execution of corporate, product and employee communications initiatives, including new product launches.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative, digital-first communications strategies across all channels and stakeholders.
• Drive impactful storytelling initiatives that resonate with South African audiences, leveraging digital platforms and multimedia content.
• In partnership with Marketing, explore and implement new forms of direct-to-consumer communication, including social media, influencer partnerships, and owned digital channels.
• Lead media relations strategy, act as primary media contact, and supervise responses to media inquiries, press releases, and events.
• Identify and proactively manage potential issues, providing guidance to team members on mitigation strategies.
• Develop and implement initiatives that promote sustainability, community engagement, and social impact, ensuring alignment with Ford's values and strategic goals.
• Provide people leadership to direct reports, manage HR requirements, and ensure effective team governance (budget on both monetary and vehicles, events, suppliers, controls).
• Partner with senior leadership on communication initiatives by collaborating and crafting briefing materials, speeches, and presentations.
• Conduct research and analysis of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities to identify new communication opportunities.
• Liaise with global and regional communications teams to align and execute strategy.
• Participate in senior management projects as directed by the Ford South Africa CEO and Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of communications experience, including team leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
• Deep understanding of the South African media, digital, and automotive landscape.
• Project management experience, including budget control.
• Ability to build and cultivate relationships across functions and grade levels.
• Experience providing trusted counsel to business leaders.
• Strong commercial acumen and advocacy for a communications point of view.
• Proven ability to create and execute a modern Communications Strategy, with expertise in digital channels and storytelling.
• Excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and curiosity.
• Ability to understand and adapt to the motivations and needs of diverse audiences.
• Diplomacy, resilience under pressure, and strong interpersonal skills.

About Us

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow’s transportation.

About The Team

Ford Communications is tasked with building and safeguarding the Company’s global reputation, enhancing stakeholders’ understanding of Ford and its aspiration to become the world’s most trusted mobility company. Our global team of communicators sets industry standards for excellence in implementing high-impact communications programs that build stakeholders’ affinity and support for Ford’s innovations, industry leadership and Better World social responsibility programs. We are looking for creative, passionate communications professionals to join our nimble organization in adapting to the fast-changing global environment and effectively communicate with our target audiences.