Senior Media Relations Lead — Strategy, Crisis & Impact (Vereeniging)

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance-based bonuses

Training and advancement opportunities

Opportunity to influence public image

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Media Relations Manager to lead our Media & PR initiatives and shape the company’s public narrative. This in-office role requires strategic planning, strong media relations, and the ability to manage a PR team, build journalist relationships, and steer crisis communications.

You will oversee press materials, media inquiries, and monitoring, delivering insights to senior management while collaborating with marketing to align messaging

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 8+ years in media relations and public relations with strategic planning and execution.
• Proven success in securing high-profile media placements and managing media relationships.
• Expertise in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proven leadership abilities and experience managing a PR team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media relations strategies to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media influencers.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and PR materials.
• Manage all incoming media inquiries with timely, strategic responses.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and provide actionable insights to senior management.
• Lead crisis communication efforts and develop response plans.
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments to align messaging.
• Organize and manage press conferences, media tours, and PR events.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the PR team.
• Stay informed about industry developments and competitive activities.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Crisis communications

Media relations

Written/verbal/presentation skills

Stakeholder management

Media contacts network

Education

Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

WhatJobs Direct in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Media Relations Manager to lead our Media & PR initiatives and shape the company’s public narrative. This in-office role requires strategic planning, strong media relations, and the ability to manage a PR team, build journalist relationships, and steer crisis communications.

You will oversee press materials, media inquiries, and monitoring, delivering insights to senior management while collaborating with marketing to align messaging