Events and Communication Manager

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

Job summary

A leading automotive brand in South Africa is seeking an Events & Communication Manager to oversee corporate and public events, ensuring alignment with brand messaging. This role requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in brand communication and strong project management skills. The ideal candidate will manage event logistics and communication activities, driving the visibility of the brand.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in brand communications, events, or PR.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale events.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage an annual events calendar.
• Lead planning and execution of corporate, dealer, and media events.
• Write and manage press releases and social media content.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Creativity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, PR, or Event Management

Job description

Role Purpose

The Events & Communication Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and managing all corporate, dealer, and public-facing events, 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, launch execution, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, dealers, media, and customers

Key Responsibilities

Events Management

• Develop and manage an annual events calendar, aligned with brand and sales objectives.
• Lead the planning and execution of all corporate, dealer, media, customer, and government events (e.g., launch events, dealer openings, test drive activations, sponsorships).
• Oversee end-to-end event logistics: venue sourcing, supplier/agency management, contracts, permits, catering, staging, AV, décor, hospitality, transport, and guest experience.
• Manage budgets for all events, ensuring cost-efficiency and return on investment.
• Ensure events meet global Changan CI standards and project a world-class image equal to legacy brands (Toyota, VW, Audi).
• Monitor event KPIs: attendance, media coverage, customer engagement, ROI reports.

Communications Management

• 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, or Event Management (postgraduate an advantage).
• Minimum 7+ years’ experience in brand communications, events, or PR (automotive or FMCG industry preferred).
• Proven track record in managing large-scale events and launch activations.
• 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.