Senior Specialist Group Media Relations

Sasol; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global integrated chemicals and energy company is seeking a media relations expert based in Sandton, Johannesburg. The role involves developing communication strategies, managing media relationships, and leading crisis communication efforts. Candidates should have at least 9 years of experience, including a Bachelor's Degree. The company embraces diversity and offers inclusive opportunities for all qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• 9 years of relevant working experience.
• Proven experience in media relations and crisis communication.
• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with key journalists.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the group media strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Build relationships with journalists and manage media inquiries.
• Lead crisis communication and media response protocols.

Skills

Information and Communications Management

Planning and Organisation

Verbal Communication

Communication Strategy

Crisis Communications

Commercial Agility

Business Ownership

Drives Innovation

Customer Centricity

Collaborative

Inspirational

Builds Talent

Developing Self

Partnerships

Delivery Excellence

Education

3-4 year relevant University Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Revenue Cycle Management

Marketing

Public Relations

MailChimp

Social Listening

Customer Relationship Management

Public Speaking

Writing Skills

Job description

Overview

Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company with a 75-year heritage. Through our talented people we use our expertise and selected technologies to safely and sustainably source manufacture and market chemical and energy products globally. When you join Team Sasol you are joining a company that puts people at the center of everything we do.

Sasol invests in its employees along every stage of the career path and offers development opportunities to help you cultivate your career in a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.

Job Details

Job Req ID: 11006

Closing Date: 22 January 2026

Location: Sandton

OME: PSR: Corporate Affairs

Purpose of Job

Protect enhance and grow Sasols reputation by leading external media relations across South Africa and key international markets. Operate the central media office: plan the proactive news agenda develop and place stories manage responses to media enquiries and provide clear timely guidance to executives and subject matter experts.

Align all media activity with Corporate Branding and Communication ensuring consistent messaging that reflects Sasols strategy and priorities. Lead issues and crisis communication protocols including holding statements rapid response and media training support for leaders

Key Accountabilities

• Media strategy and agenda: Develop and implement a group media strategy aligned to Sasols strategy within Group Communication and Brand Management strategic objectives. Plan and manage the news agenda in collaboration with cross-functional teams (Corporate Communications CSI Government Stakeholder Relations & Policy Advocacy Investor Relations Energy Marketing and Sales etc).
• Business intelligence and monitoring: Design and manage real-time media monitoring (including social and digital) produce analysis and insights and co-create external landscape reports as needed.
• Proactive media relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists and outlets locally and internationally (with regional and agency support). Draft and place media content; coordinate interviews and briefings.
• Messaging and content: Develop maintain and update key messaging holding statements and FAQs for priority issues and strategic focus areas; ensure accessibility to business subject matter experts and issue-owner teams.
• Issues and crisis management: Lead media response in crises and sensitive issues; implement protocols escalation paths and approval processes; execute mitigation and response plans; prepare leaders for media engagements.
• Cross-functional liaison: Interface with Investor Relations Finance Group Strategy HR/Employee Relations Government Stakeholder Relations & Policy Advocacy business unit and project teams to ensure factual accuracy alignment and readiness.
• Governance and policy: Maintain media policies and guidelines; drive awareness and compliance across regions and sites; ensure conformance to brand and CI.
• Project and budget management: Scope schedule and deliver multi-disciplinary media projects; track media-related budgets as needed including cost management of service providers.
• External service providers: Manage contracts briefing and delivery of work from agencies and vendors (media monitoring PR design digital photography research) within budget.
• Leadership support: Provide subject-matter advice to the CEO Office of the CEO GEC and senior leadership; coordinate media training options for delegated spokespeople and relevant leaders.

Education and Experience

Formal Education: 3-4 year relevant University Bachelors Degree

Working Experience: 9 relevant years

Required Personal and Professional Skills

• TCInformation and Communications Management
• TCPlanning and Organisation
• TCVerbal Communication
• TCCommunication Strategy
• TCCrisis Communications
• LCCommercial Agility
• LCBusiness Ownership
• LCDrives Innovation
• LCCustomer Centricity
• LCCollaborative
• LCInspirational
• LCBuilds Talent
• LCDeveloping Self
• LCPartnerships
• LCDelivery Excellence

EEO and Accessibility

Sasol is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Inspired by our Purpose of Innovating for a better world Sasol acknowledges that diversity is intrinsic to the fabric of our organisation and is the key to our growth and success. Sasol is committed to the full inclusion of all suitably qualified individuals. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups and people with disabilities according to Sasols Employment Equity Plan. This includes reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Our automated process is designed to efficiently assess a large volume of applications. Should you not hear from us within 60 days of the advert closing then kindly consider your application unsuccessful. Thank you once-more for your interest in Sasol as your employer of choice and we wish you all the best with your career aspirations and future applications with us.

Required Experience: IC

Key Skills: Revenue Cycle Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Algebra, MailChimp, Media Relations, Social Listening, Relationship Management, Customer relationship management, Medicare, Public Speaking, Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1