Communications Manager

Jameel Motors South Africa; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company in South Africa seeks a Communication Manager to oversee brand communication strategies across various channels. The role involves developing communication plans, managing media relations, and ensuring consistent messaging aligned with the brand's values. Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in brand communications, strong writing and editing skills, and fluent English. This position offers an opportunity to be at the forefront of brand engagement and visibility in the automotive sector.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in brand communications, preferably in automotive or FMCG.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape.
• Fluency in English; additional SA languages beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Own the brand voice and ensure alignment with positioning.
• Develop communication plans for product launches and corporate affairs.
• Manage media relationships and provide crisis communication support.

Skills

Brand communications

PR management

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Creative thinking

Editing skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Communications/PR

Job description

Reports to: GM: Marketing & Product

Role Purpose

The Communication Manager is responsible for managing as well as ensuring consistent brand communication across channels. This role will drive the visibility of the Changan brand in South Africa, create impactful experiences, and safeguard a unified voice in all messaging. The position is central to brand building and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, dealers, media, and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the brand voice in South Africa: ensure all internal and external communication aligns with brand positioning (Reliability You Expect. Innovation You Deserve.).
• Develop and manage communication plans for product launches, dealer activities, aftersales campaigns, fleet initiatives, and corporate affairs.
• Write, edit, and oversee the production of press releases, newsletters, speeches, web content, and social media content.
• Manage media relationships (print, TV, radio, online, influencers) and ensure regular proactive engagement.
• Provide crisis communication support, ensuring timely, clear, and consistent responses.
• Maintain alignment between dealer communications, national advertising campaigns, and corporate messaging.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as communication bridge with dealers, agencies, media, government, and industry bodies.
• Support executive communications: prepare talking points, briefing packs, presentations, speeches.
• Drive employee engagement through internal newsletters, announcements, and events.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, PR (postgraduate an advantage).
• Minimum 7+ years’ experience in brand communications, or PR (automotive or FMCG industry preferred).
• Strong understanding of South African media landscape and influencer ecosystems.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Experience managing agencies, vendors, and budgets.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in additional SA languages an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to deliver under pressure, with strict deadlines.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Creative thinker with an eye for detail and brand consistency.
• Self-driven, with high levels of initiative and accountability.
• Comfortable operating in a start-up / new market entry environment.