Corporate Affairs Manager at Distell

Job description

Applications are invited for the above mentioned position to be based at Distell’s Techno Park offices in Stellenbosch. Reporting to the CEO of Distell Southern Africa, the incumbent will also have a functional (“dotted line”) reporting responsibility to the Group Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director.

The job-holder will bring a positive commitment in joining a leadership team focused on rapid success and growth. He or she will have a sound track record in developing external networks, particularly in government. He or she will also have demonstrated competence in the strategic use of communications within an organization, and will deliver impactful and credible communications to key external stakeholders as well as to fellow staff members in the Distell Southern Africa team. The Corporate Affairs Manager Southern Africa will be supported by and thus work in collaboration with Group Corporate and Regulatory Affairs.

Key Performance Areas Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Develop and implement Distell Southern Africa’s communications strategy and plan.
• Manage PR Agencies in Southern Africa including day to day management, development of strategy, overseeing contracts and budgets, continuously scoping for better vendors, etc.
• Iidentify and compile position papers in respect of emerging issues that can impact Distell‘s brand and reputation.
• Build a comprehensive network of internal and external contacts – regulatory environment, policy– and decision makers, industry influencers – and develop issues-driven stakeholder engagements.
• Develop and ensure execution of social-investment projects that establish and enhance Distell’s reputation as a good corporate citizen.
• Work with the Group Corporate Hospitality Department to plan and execute events, functions and VIP programmes.
• Develop harm reduction programme
• Improve the functioning and effectiveness of ARA
• Drive innovation and transformation

The successful candidate must preferably have the following experience / skills / qualifications:

• Must have a suitable Tertiary Qualification with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in stakeholder relations and/or corporate communications.
• The ideal candidate will have a distinguished track record as a high-achieving public relations or corporate affairs practitioner with a demonstrated capacity to build and execute communications, stakeholder programmes and social-investment programmes that support business growth.
• Excellent writing and verbal skills in English.
• Ability to identify critical stakeholders and build responsible external relationships through a solid grasp of internal and community priorities.
• Ability to determine the appropriate response to emerging issues that can impact the company’s business.
• An influencer who has successfully advanced a company's growth proposition.
• Team player who will work well with staff at all levels, including his or her colleagues in the leadership team.
• Keen understanding of business and socio-political issues in Southern Africa