Integrated Communications Manager Ssa

Bayer; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare company is seeking an Integrated Communications Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. The role focuses on strategic communication planning, producing and executing integrated initiatives, and maintaining media relations. Candidates should have at least 5 years of integrated communications experience, with proficiency in English and beneficial French skills. This position is located in Gauteng, South Africa. It offers the chance to enhance the company's reputation through high-quality content and effective stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English is required; French is highly beneficial.
• 5+ years of experience in integrated communications across SSA.
• Proven experience in PESO planning and multi-channel campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute integrated communication initiatives across SSA.
• Develop and manage editorial calendars and content.
• Maintain relationships with media and stakeholders.

Skills

Integrated communications experience in SSA

Media relations

Editorial content development

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

University degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field

Job description

At Bayer we're visionaries, driven to solve the world's toughest challenges and striving for a world where, Health for all, Hunger for none, is no longer a dream, but a real possibility.

We're doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining 'impossible'.

There are so many reasons to join us.

If you're hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there's only one choice.

Integrated Communications Manager SSA

Position purpose

The Integrated Communications Manager – Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is responsible for planning, producing, and executing integrated communication initiatives that support corporate and divisional priorities across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Operating within the Dynamic-Shared-Ownership (DSO) framework, the role partners closely with country communication teams to deliver high-quality editorial content and campaigns for internal and external audiences, ensuring one-voice consistency, cultural relevance, and measurable impact.

The position emphasizes strong editorial development, channel orchestration, media relations, and employee engagement to enhance reputation and enable business outcomes in SSA.

Major tasks, responsibilities and requirements of the position

Integrated Communications Planning & Execution

Translate business priorities into integrated communications plans across SSA, aligned with corporate strategy and cluster guidance.

Build and manage annual and quarterly editorial calendars covering internal and external moments, launches, and reputational themes.

Ensure 'One Bayer' narrative and message consistency across markets, divisions, and channels.

Editorial Content Development (Internal & External)

Lead the development of high-quality, culturally attuned content; in; French adaptation highly beneficial for West Central Africa (WCA) markets.

Produce executive messages, speeches, op-eds, press materials, feature stories, thought-leadership articles, social copy, and employee communications.

Establish and enforce editorial standards, tone-of-voice, and review workflows; manage translations and transcreation.

Channel & Campaign Management (PESO)

Design and execute multi-channel communications using a Paid–Earned–Shared–Owned (PESO) approach for both corporate and divisional priorities.

Orchestrate internal channels (intranet, town halls, leadership newsletters, employee communities) and external channels (media, social, web).

Coordinate with media and creative agencies on briefs, assets, timelines, and localization; optimize content for digital and social performance.

Media Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

Support country work teams to build and maintain trusted relationships with priority media, influencers, and industry stakeholders across SSA.

Support in preparing and positioning spokespersons; developing media toolkits and Q organising interviews, roundtables, and press events.

Monitor media landscape and sentiment; proactively identify opportunities and risks.

Issues & Crisis Communications

Support issues identification, scenario planning, and crisis preparedness in line with global guidelines and local sensitivities.

Draft holding statements, reactive lines, and internal updates; coordinate with Legal / Regulatory and corporate functions during activation.

Ensure country teams and agency partners understand procedures, roles, and escalation paths.

Employee Engagement & Change Communications

Partner with HR and leadership on employee engagement content, change communication plans, and culture-building narratives.

Develop internal campaigns that connect strategy to purpose, drive alignment, and recognise achievements.

Measurement, Insights & Continuous Improvement

Support in defining KPIs for campaigns and content; track performance across media, social, web, and internal channels.

Deliver reports and insights; recommend optimisations and content iterations based on data and stakeholder feedback.

Governance, Compliance & Ways of Working

Uphold brand, editorial, and regulatory standards; ensure approvals and documentation are maintained.

Work effectively within the DSO framework and capability communities; share best practices across countries and divisions.

Value added to the success of the company

Enable business growth through integrated, insight-led communications across SSA.

Strengthen corporate and divisional reputation with consistent, high-quality editorial content.

Elevate employee engagement and change adoption through clear, credible internal communications.

Advance thought leadership and innovation storytelling with region-relevant narratives.

Foster strategic stakeholder relationships (media, influencers, partners) that support business objectives.

Demonstrate measurable impact through robust performance tracking and optimisation.

Work relations :

Internal

Global COM community

Cluster Communications Country Cluster Head, Communications team, Marketing team, Public Affairs, and other relevant departments.

CDHs and their management teams (only where needed)

Country Managing Directors (only where needed)

Country Cluster EF leaders (only where needed)

Capability community members

Regional marketing teams

External

Media representatives

Healthcare professionals

Industry associations

Key opinion leaders

Regulatory bodies

Qualification, Skills and Background

Education

Preferably a university degree or equivalent in Communications, Marketing, or a related field

Languages

Fluency in English is required.

French is highly beneficial, especially for West Central Africa (WCA) markets.

Skills / experiences

5+ years of integrated communications experience in SSA; media agency background or hybrid agency / in-house experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated excellence in editorial content development for internal and external audiences, including English / French writing and transcreation.

Proven experience in PESO planning and multi-channel campaign execution, including digital and social.

Media relations experience with success in pitching, briefing, and event management.

Issues / crisis communications exposure; ability to operate within global frameworks and local regulations.

Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and vendor / agency management skills.

Measurement and insights capability (media monitoring, social listening, analytics dashboards).

Cultural sensitivity and cross-country collaboration skills; ability to navigate diverse SSA contexts.

Experience in healthcare / life sciences or other regulated industries is beneficial.

Location :

South Africa: Gauteng: Midrand || Cote d'Ivoire: Abidjan: Abidjan

Division :

Enabling Functions

Reference Code :

#J Ljbffr

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