External Communications Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential

Health insurance

Flexible remote

Paid time off

Professional development

Leadership opportunity

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced External Communications Manager to lead public-facing communications in Nelspruit. You will shape the company’s image, manage media relations, and oversee crisis communication planning.

This role requires a minimum of six years in external communications, strong writing and verbal skills, and a bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field. Remote work options are available, with opportunity to influence brand perception in the region.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in external communications, PR or media management.
• Proven success in media relations and securing positive coverage.
• Strong understanding of strategy, reputation management and crisis communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute external communication strategies.
• Manage media relations, press releases and inquiries.
• Oversee corporate reputation management and crisis planning.
• Craft narratives and key messages for external audiences.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends; provide strategic counsel.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent brand messaging.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic thinking

Crisis communications

Written communication

Verbal communication

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced External Communications Manager to lead their public-facing communications efforts in Nelspruit . This role is critical for shaping the company's image and managing its relationship with the media, public, and other external stakeholders. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhance brand reputation, manage public perception, and communicate key company messages effectively. The ideal candidate possesses strong media relations skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to navigate complex communication challenges. This position offers a significant opportunity to influence public opinion and brand perception in the Nelspruit region, with the flexibility of a remote role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive external communication strategies.
• Manage media relations, including press releases, media inquiries, and interviews.
• Oversee corporate reputation management and crisis communication planning.
• Craft compelling narratives and key messages for external audiences.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends, providing strategic counsel.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent brand messaging across all platforms.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in external communications, public relations, or media management.
• Proven success in managing media relationships and securing positive coverage.
• Strong understanding of communication strategy, reputation management, and crisis communications.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting .
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible remote work arrangements.
• Generous paid time off and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to lead impactful communication initiatives in Nelspruit .