Media Relations Manager - Industrial Sector

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement provisions

Hybrid work environment

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Media Relations Manager to lead communications across regional and national levels. You will act as spokesperson, develop media strategies for the industrial sector, and manage inquiries.

Hybrid role balancing on-site and remote work, with 6–8 years in media relations, a bachelor's in communications, strong storytelling, crisis communications, and established relationships with trade press.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum 6-8 years of progressive experience in media relations within industrial context.
• Proven track record with business and trade media.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with storytelling abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic media relations plans for the industrial sector.
• Serve as primary media contact and coordinate interviews.
• Maintain relationships with trade press and business journalists.
• Write and distribute press releases and media kits.
• Monitor media coverage and provide analysis and reporting.
• Identify media opportunities to showcase achievements and initiatives.
• Support crisis communications planning and execution.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders for message consistency.
• Organize press events and facility tours in Richards Bay.
• Manage media database and tracking systems.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Storytelling

Media monitoring

Press outreach

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the industrial sector, is looking for an experienced Media Relations Manager to lead communications efforts from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This strategic role will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive media relations strategies to enhance the company's profile within the industry and the broader public. The Manager will act as a key spokesperson, manage media inquiries, and cultivate strong relationships with journalists and relevant publications. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the industrial landscape and a proven ability to translate complex technical information into compelling media narratives. This is a vital position for shaping public perception and supporting the company's growth objectives in the KwaZulu-Natal region and nationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic media relations plans tailored to the industrial sector.
• Serve as a primary media contact, responding to inquiries and facilitating interviews.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with trade press, business journalists, and key media influencers.
• Write and distribute press releases, media kits, and other communication materials.
• Monitor media coverage and industry news, providing timely analysis and reporting.
• Proactively identify media opportunities to highlight company achievements, innovations, and initiatives.
• Support crisis communications planning and execution, ensuring prompt and accurate information dissemination.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including technical and executive teams, to gather information and ensure message consistency.
• Organize press events and facility tours for media representatives in Richards Bay.
• Manage the company's media database and tracking systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in media relations, preferably within an industrial or manufacturing context.
• Proven track record of successfully engaging with business and trade media.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong storytelling abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex media inquiries and sensitive issues.
• Strong understanding of the industrial sector in South Africa.
• Experience in crisis communications and media training is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote and on-site collaboration in Richards Bay.
• Strategic thinking and proactive approach to media engagement.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement provisions, and significant opportunities for career advancement. Employees benefit from a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and industry leadership. This hybrid role provides flexibility while ensuring strong team collaboration. You'll be instrumental in shaping the narrative of a leading industrial entity in KwaZulu-Natal. We offer a challenging yet rewarding career path in Richards Bay, ZA, with a commitment to professional development and employee well-being.