Senior PR Manager

SAOTA PTY Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design studio seeks a Senior PR Manager to elevate its brands through strategic media engagement. This role involves managing global media relationships, driving visibility, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance the narrative of award-winning projects.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience as a PR Account Director or in a senior communications role.
• Proven success in securing top-tier international media placements.
• Strong attention to detail and exceptional storytelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualise and implement media strategies across platforms.
• Manage press releases and develop communication plans.
• Build and maintain Tier 1 media relationships globally.

Skills

Editorial and copywriting

Project coordination

Media relations

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Marketing, Journalism, Communications, or Architecture

Tools

Market IQ

Cision

Brandwatch

Power BI

WordPress

Mailchimp

Job description

SAOTA and ARRCC (internationally renowned for high-end residential and hospitality design) are seeking a Senior PR Manager to lead our global media strategy and elevate our brands across premium digital and print platforms.

This is a unique opportunity to drive visibility and thought leadership for two of South Africa’s most respected design studios by crafting narratives that resonate globally. You’ll lead PR campaigns, manage high-profile media relationships, and develop processes that shape how the world experiences our work.

Please note that only candidates currently residing in Cape Town, South Africa, will be considered for this role

About the Role

As the Senior PR Manager, you’ll conceptualise and implement targeted media strategies across a range of platforms, cultivating strong relationships with top-tier global and local media to secure premium editorial coverage. You will manage press releases, develop comprehensive communication plans, lead award submissions and interviews, and work closely with internal stakeholders to align messaging across departments.

This role demands strategic foresight, exceptional storytelling, and deep knowledge of the global design and lifestyle media landscape. You will be supported by a junior PR resource and collaborate closely with the Head of Marketing, Brand Managers, and Asset Producer to drive cross-functional marketing success.

Key Responsibilities

Press & Media Strategy

• Develop and manage all PR processes, playbooks, and editorial calendars.

• Craft and pitch tailored media campaigns to Design, Lifestyle, and Business publications.

• Build and maintain Tier 1 media relationships globally.

• Create SEO-optimised press releases and press packs.

• Ensure brand consistency and PR integration across SAOTA & ARRCC.

• Monitor brand perception and implement crisis communication protocols when necessary.

Public Engagement & Forums

• Identify speaking engagements, jury invites, and awards opportunities.

• Manage all award submissions and related content creation.

• Support leadership in public forums with briefing documents and high-level talking points.

• Track and report on PR engagement and public appearances.

Internal Communications & Collaboration

• Contribute to internal platforms such as STM Quarterly and MyWorkspace.

• Collaborate with Brand Managers, Graphic Designers, and Digital teams to integrate PR content across channels.

• Assist with photoshoots and the development of campaign assets.

• Mentor junior PR staff and ensure knowledge sharing.

Key Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Marketing, Journalism, Communications, or Architecture (postgraduate advantageous).

• 2–5 years of experience as a PR Account Director or in a senior communications role.

• Demonstrated success in securing top-tier international media placements.

• Strong editorial and copywriting skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Solid knowledge of media tools and platforms (e.g., Market IQ, Cision, Brandwatch, Power BI, WordPress, Mailchimp).

• Exceptional problem-solving and project coordination capabilities.

• Ability to multitask under pressure with strong time management and organisational skills.

• Collaborative, proactive, and self-directed approach with a passion for design storytelling.

Why Join Us?

At SAOTA & ARRCC, you’ll work alongside global design leaders, shaping the narrative of world-class architectural and interior projects. This is your chance to champion the voice of two premium brands and leave a meaningful mark on the global design landscape.