Brand Liaison Officer - Brackenfell, Cape Town at Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job    

• The purpose of the Brand Liaison Officer role is to oversee credible brand liaison programmes and ensure effective communication with various stakeholders to drive a favourable narrative and image of the OK Franchise Division. The role develops and executes initiatives in support of the portfolio strategy to promote and increase brand awareness which will include local community engagement programmes, brand promotions and events, internal communication programmes, and support with local publicity efforts.
• As the Brand Liaison Officer will engage with multiple stakeholders to communicate and position important information, he/she therefore must be a natural communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deliver tactical plans. Candidates must have a strong acumen for connecting data and insights to tell stories, a desire to solve problems, and a passion for building and influencing client growth. They must also demonstrate a growth mindset, adaptability in the workplace, and knowledge of the retail and consumer goods industry.

Job Category    

• Retail

Job Objectives    
Promotions, events and sponsorships

• Managing of external and internal events, including special days, workshops, product launches, team building, year-end function etc.
• To develop a sponsorship strategy and execute activation in a professional manner to ensure brand awareness.
• Assist with the coordination and management of the Annual Conference which includes organising events, liaising with travel partners, design agency as well franchisees and employees with regards to arrangements, schedules, excursions etc.

Local Community engagement

• Planning and execution of any local community projects by the divisional office, i.e., Mandela Day, etc
• Support to members to identify and assist with local community projects, i.e., soup kitchens, assistance to orphanages, support to local disasters, surplus food donations etc.

Content creation

• Research and source potential story angles (including human interest stories) in conjunction with The Corporate Comms & PR team, who are responsible for generating credible, positive exposure across a broad media spectrum.
• Review, edit, proofread and quality assure all content, ensuring a consistent quality of branding related content is delivered.  
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners / agencies to gather, maintain and develop compelling content. 
• Coordinate briefing, design and delivery of photoshoots, video shoots and other brand assets, working with marketing, vendors and external partners to support the articulation of key messages. 
• Build relationships with ambassadors for branding and social media opportunities. 
• Maintain member communication mailboxes, ensuring efficient and timely responses to messages.
• Channel all media queries and requests for publicity support to the Corporate Communications & PR team.
• Assistance with ad hoc media drops

Internal Communications & social media

• Develop new internal communication channels to enhance communication with internal stakeholders.
• Distribute internal news via a monthly newsletter, along with any other communication for the members.

Social Media

• Ensure related communication is updated on key channels including social media platforms, i.e., website.

General support

• Regular visits to OK Foods stores to support members with local initiatives, publicity opportunities, new promotional ideas etc.
• Support the corporate Home Office with events, media efforts, cooperate social investment campaigns

Admin

• Managing of the PR budget
• Compiling of monthly PR reports

Qualifications    

• A Public Relations or Communications Diploma / Degree

Experience    

• +4 years’ experience in a communications specialist or similar role, executing brand liaison strategies and plans across a variety of channels and creating content and campaigns that promote the organisations image and brand – (essential).

Knowledge and Skills    

• Good understanding of community engagement, promotions, events and media relations and experience in social media communication channels – (essential).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including SharePoint Online – (essential). 
• Experience in a retail environment – (desired).