Internal Communications Lead

KFC; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

KFC Africa is seeking an experienced Internal Communications Lead to shape and execute its internal comms strategy across markets. You will lead planning, content creation, channel governance, and employee engagement initiatives aligned to the brand and purpose.

The role partners with HR, Corporate Affairs, and senior leaders to drive change communications, measure impact, and mentor the Internal Communications Coordinator while managing budgets and agency relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, or a related field is required.
• Honours degree or equivalent qualification is advantageous.
• 10+ years of experience in corporate/internal communications.
• Experience managing teams (5+ years) and agencies (5 years).
• Experience in FMCG, Retail, or QSR industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the internal communications strategy and annual calendar.
• Lead employee engagement and change communication campaigns.
• Create and approve leadership communications, key messages, and announcements.
• Manage internal channels and platforms with governance.
• Advise on communications for business priorities and organisational change.
• Lead culture-building and engagement initiatives and measure impact.
• Oversee content delivery and editorial standards and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Effective communication

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, or related field

Honours degree or equivalent advantageous

Job description

• 4-6 week forward content pipeline.

At KFC, we pride ourselves on being original. We even named our recipe after it. But for us, the answer to the question is simple. Be You. Everyone at KFC is different. Unique. It’s what makes us special - Our people, The Originals. And we welcome you to join us. Bring your individuality to the table. Bring your grit and energy. Bring your spirit. Your story. Your drive and your passion. Bring it. Every piece of you. Even the parts you don’t like. Because we value our people no matter what. We’ll feed your potential and we’ll support you; to be your best self, to make a difference, and have fun. Together, we can be part of something truly extraordinary. All you have to do, is Bring it.

The Internal Communications Lead is accountable for developing and executing KFC Africa's internal communications strategy, ensuring employees are informed, engaged, and aligned to the organization's purpose, culture, and business priorities. The role leads the planning, creation, delivery, and evaluation of internal communications across multiple channels and markets, while serving as the organization's advisor on employee engagement, culture communication, leadership visibility, and change management.

Working closely with key stakeholders, the role develops communication plans, manages communication channels and campaigns, creates high-impact content, and measures communication effectiveness. The role also provides direction and oversight to the Internal Communications Coordinator to ensure content is delivered consistently, professionally, and in line with organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

Execution responsibility

• Develop and execute the internal communications strategy and annual communications calendar.
• Lead the planning and delivery of employee engagement and change communication campaigns.
• Create and approve leadership communications, key messages, presentations, and organisational announcements.
• Manage and optimise internal communication channels and platforms.
• Advise business on communication approaches for business priorities and organisational change.
• Lead employee engagement communications and culture-building initiatives.
• Measure communication effectiveness and provide insights and recommendations.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across functions and markets.
• Maintain governance, messaging consistency, and editorial standards.
• Oversee the work of the Internal Communications Coordinator and approve final content.

Internal Communications Strategy & Narrative Leadership

Accountable for executing a comprehensive Internal Communications strategy aligned to business priorities, brand, and purpose.

Deliverables

• Execute a 12-month Internal Communications strategy and platforms aligned to Corporate Affairs strategy.
• Translate business strategy into clear, compelling internal messaging frameworks.
• Partner with PR & Communications Manager to drive an outside in and inside out strategy that enables a consistent brand experience and awareness of the holistic brand environment.
• Embed the “Feeding People’s Potential” framework into all internal narratives.
• Internal Newsroom Stewardship and execution, partnering closely with cross-functional partners.
• Drive accountability through clear internal communications governance and Ways of Working (WOW).
• Strong cross-functional leadership to ensure that organisation is led through collaboration and accountability.

Internal Channels Execution & Governance Excellence

Deliver Professional, structured, and insight-led internal communication platforms aligned to Corporate Affairs standards.

Deliverables

• Act as single point of accountability for internal communication platforms.
• Ensure consistency of tone, purpose, and narrative alignment.
• Establish governance processes aligned to Corporate Affairs policies.
• Manage agencies and vendors where applicable.
• Monthly internal content rhythm.
• 4-6 week forward content pipeline.
• Channel performance scorecards.
• Simplified governance framework for internal content approvals.

Culture, Purpose & Engagement Amplification

Ensure Corporate Affairs purpose and impact commitments are clearly understood and activated internally, as well as support of event execution.

Deliverables

• Partner with HR and Corporate Affairs to amplify purpose-led initiatives internally.
• Communicate CSI, Add Hope, Youth initiatives, and trust campaigns in ways that build pride and advocacy.
• Ensure alignment between internal culture messaging and external reputation positioning.

People Leadership

Proactive coaching and mentorship of teams

Partnership with Agencies

Responsible for the management and execution of the budget allocated to internal communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, or a related field is required; an Honours degree or equivalent qualification is advantageous.
• 10+ years of experience in corporate/internal communications, including at least 5 years of team management and 5 years of agency management experience.
• Experience within FMCG, Retail, or QSR industries is preferred, with additional exposure to brand, marketing, and communications in a professional services firm or other world-class organization considered advantageous.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to build, motivate, manage, develop, and lead high-performing teams while effectively allocating resources to key priorities and opportunities.
• Strong strategic, creative, and innovative thinking skills, combined with excellent problem-solving abilities and sound commercial judgment.
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing, and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to effectively engage and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Excellent communication and listening skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to represent the brand, articulate ideas clearly, and think on their feet in dynamic environments.
• Ability to operate effectively under significant pressure, manage competing priorities, make spontaneous decisions and remain focused in high-stress situations.
• Strong attention to detail and execution excellence, ensuring high-quality outcomes across communications, branding, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Collaborative team player with a proven ability to serve as a visible ambassador for the brand while fostering a culture of partnership, accountability, and continuous improvement.