Senior Media Manager

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, South Africa, seeks a Senior Media Manager to lead external communications and media relations with a strategic, hands-on approach in a hybrid role. You will drive proactive media strategies, manage press outreach, and advise senior leadership on media matters.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in media relations within tech, exceptional storytelling, and an expansive national media network.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications, preferably within the technology sector.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful media strategies that have yielded significant positive coverage.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling and crafting persuasive narratives.
• Extensive network of contacts within national and technology-focused media outlets.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape and digital media trends.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Ability to work strategically and tactically, with a hands‑on approach.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute proactive and reactive media relations strategies to support business objectives and brand reputation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, providing timely, accurate, and compelling responses.
• Craft high-quality press releases, media kits, executive talking points, and other media materials.
• Build and maintain strong, lasting relationships with journalists, editors, bloggers, and influencers in the technology space.
• Organize and manage press conferences, media briefings, product launch events, and interviews.
• Monitor media coverage across all channels, analyze trends, and provide comprehensive reports and insights to senior leadership.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans, ensuring swift and effective management of sensitive issues.
• Collaborate with internal marketing, product, and executive teams to ensure aligned messaging and strategic communication planning.
• Identify and leverage opportunities for positive media coverage and thought leadership.
• Manage the media relations budget and external agency relationships as needed.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging media platforms.

Skills

Strategic media planning

Crisis communications

Media relations

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Storytelling

Written communication

Education

Master's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing or related field

Tools

Media monitoring software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent technology firm with a growing presence in Mahikeng, North West, is seeking a seasoned Senior Media Manager to lead its external communications and media relations efforts. This strategic role is critical for enhancing the company's public profile, managing its brand narrative, and building strong relationships with key media outlets. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in media management, a deep understanding of the technology sector, and exceptional communication and strategic planning skills. You will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive media strategies, overseeing press releases, managing media inquiries, coordinating interviews, and advising senior leadership on all media-related matters. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending in-office collaboration in Mahikeng, North West, with remote flexibility. This is a pivotal opportunity for a senior communications professional to shape the media landscape for an innovative company. The focus will be on driving positive media coverage and ensuring the company's story is told effectively to target audiences. We are looking for a dynamic leader who can navigate complex media environments and deliver impactful results. The role demands strong strategic vision and hands-on execution to elevate the company's visibility and reputation in the Mahikeng, North West region and nationally. The objective is to proactively manage and optimize all media interactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute proactive and reactive media relations strategies to support business objectives and brand reputation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, providing timely, accurate, and compelling responses.
• Craft high-quality press releases, media kits, executive talking points, and other media materials.
• Build and maintain strong, lasting relationships with journalists, editors, bloggers, and influencers in the technology space.
• Organize and manage press conferences, media briefings, product launch events, and interviews.
• Monitor media coverage across all channels, analyze trends, and provide comprehensive reports and insights to senior leadership.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans, ensuring swift and effective management of sensitive issues.
• Collaborate with internal marketing, product, and executive teams to ensure aligned messaging and strategic communication planning.
• Identify and leverage opportunities for positive media coverage and thought leadership.
• Manage the media relations budget and external agency relationships as needed.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging media platforms.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications, preferably within the technology sector.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful media strategies that have yielded significant positive coverage.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling and crafting persuasive narratives.
• Extensive network of contacts within national and technology-focused media outlets.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape and digital media trends.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Ability to work strategically and tactically, with a hands‑on approach.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive senior-level salary, coupled with significant performance-based bonuses and potential long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive executive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, is provided.
• Opportunities for advanced professional development, including executive coaching and attendance at international conferences, are available.
• A robust retirement savings plan and potential stock options are part of the compensation package.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation leave, personal days, and public holidays, is offered.
• This is a hybrid role, allowing for flexible work arrangements with regular presence in our Mahikeng, North West office.
• Our client fosters a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive work environment.
• Access to state-of-the‑art media and communication technologies is ensured.
• This is a unique opportunity to lead media relations for a growing technology firm in Mahikeng, North West, driving its strategic narrative and market impact.