Head of Public Relations - Technology & Innovation Sector

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Cape Town office environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Head of Public Relations to lead communications from its Cape Town, Western Cape office. The role shapes public image, drives media coverage, and guides executive storytelling for cutting-edge tech products and services.

The ideal candidate has a track record in tech PR, crisis management, and leading teams, with strong relationships in technology press. High-impact leadership opportunity in a dynamic industry.

Qualifications

• Significant PR leadership experience in tech industry.
• Proven success in media relations and crisis handling.
• Strong storytelling and executive communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic PR plans for broad awareness.
• Build relationships with media, journalists, and influencers.
• Lead crisis communications and rapid issue responses.
• Create press materials, speeches, and executive presentations.
• Monitor media trends and report to senior management.
• Collaborate with marketing and social teams for integrated messaging.
• Lead and develop a high-performing PR team.
• Oversee PR budget and external agency relationships.

Skills

Media relations

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Crisis management

Storytelling

Verbal communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Public Relations/Journalism/Marketing

Master's degree is a plus

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing technology innovator with a significant market presence, is seeking an accomplished Head of Public Relations to lead their communications efforts from their prominent **Cape Town, Western Cape** office. This leadership role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive PR strategies that enhance the company's reputation, manage public perception, and drive positive media coverage for their cutting-edge products and services. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in media relations, corporate communications, crisis management, and storytelling within the technology sector. You will lead a talented team and work closely with executive leadership to shape the company's public image and communicate its vision. This is a high-impact position within a dynamic and exciting industry, based in the vibrant city of **Cape Town, Western Cape**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic public relations plans to achieve broad awareness and positive perception of the company, its products, and its leadership.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, bloggers, and influencers within the technology and business sectors.
• Proactively identify opportunities for media engagement, including press releases, thought leadership articles, interviews, and speaking engagements.
• Manage the company's reputation, including crisis communications planning and rapid response to sensitive issues.
• Oversee the creation of compelling press materials, speeches, and presentations for executive spokespeople.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends, providing regular reporting and analysis to senior management.
• Collaborate with marketing and social media teams to ensure integrated and consistent communication across all channels.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing PR team.
• Manage the PR budget effectively and oversee relationships with external PR agencies when necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public relations, with a significant portion focused on the technology industry.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing impactful PR strategies that have resulted in significant media coverage and improved brand reputation.
• Exceptional media relations skills with a strong network of contacts within the technology press.
• Proven experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for crafting persuasive narratives.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Ability to think strategically and act decisively in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive executive compensation package, including a high base salary, substantial bonus potential, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a generous retirement plan.
• Professional development is highly valued, with opportunities for advanced leadership training, conference participation, and career advancement within the organization.
• Employees work in a modern, collaborative office environment in **Cape Town, Western Cape**, contributing to impactful technological advancements and enjoying a stimulating work culture.