Manager: Corporate Communications

Profile Personnel; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent communications firm in Johannesburg is seeking a highly skilled professional to lead corporate communication activities across Sub-Saharan Africa. This role involves developing media strategies, managing stakeholder engagement, and handling crisis communications. The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of experience in corporate communications, excellent media relations skills, and a strong educational background in Communications or Journalism. This is an excellent opportunity to impact the organisation's reputation positively.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years’ professional experience in communications, focusing on corporate communications and media relations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with a proven track record in developing effective strategies.
• Strong understanding of communication and media channels, with excellent networking skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage corporate communication and media relations strategies.
• Anticipate challenges in the automotive sector and provide strategic solutions.
• Lead corporate social media strategies informed by media insights.
• Identify and execute partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
• Manage incidents and crisis communication.
• Create executive-level content and thought leadership.
• Develop tactical media plans and event communications.
• Draft press releases and corporate communications materials.
• Support media training for senior leadership.
• Build relationships with key media across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Verbal communication skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Media relations

Crisis communication

Strategic thinking

Project management

Negotiation skills

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to lead external communication activities that strengthen, promote, and protect the reputation of the organisation, its brands, and subsidiaries across Sub‑Saharan Africa. This role will be pivotal in developing and implementing communication strategies, managing media relations, and driving initiatives that align with broader corporate communications and marketing objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage corporate communication and media relations strategies.
• Anticipate challenges and emerging issues within the automotive sector and provide strategic solutions to mitigate reputational risks.
• Lead corporate social media strategies informed by media content and social listening insights.
• Identify and execute partnership and sponsorship opportunities with key entities, media, and influencers.
• Manage incidents and crisis communication to safeguard and enhance the organisation’s reputation.
• Create executive-level content and thought leadership, from concept to delivery.
• Develop tactical media plans, announcements, and event communications.
• Draft compelling press releases and corporate communications materials.
• Support and facilitate media training for senior leadership.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key media across South Africa and Sub‑Saharan Africa.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• 8–10 years’ professional experience in communications, with a focus on corporate communications and media relations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and proven track record in developing and executing effective strategies.
• Strong understanding of communication and media channels, with excellent networking skills.
• Extensive experience engaging stakeholders across government, private sector, and media.
• Experience working with senior executives at a strategic level.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional writing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong expertise in media relations and crisis communication.
• Strategic thinking with robust planning and project management skills.
• Skilled in negotiation and budget management.