Communications Manager at Woolworths

Introduction

• Prioritise, coordinate and implement effective communication to stores in line with business strategy and operational priorities. Act as a link between head office and stores. Manage communication platforms within corporate standards, policies and service levels. Working as a team player to align store communications to brand, publishing, IT, business and communication frameworks.

Job description
KEY OUTCOMES

• Produce communication that reflects key corporate messages and supports business strategies.
• Filter, prioritise, gate-keep and manage all communications to stores.
• Contribute and implement a communication strategy for WW in Africa and Engen.
• Working as a team player to support and assist all business units to write, edit and publish relevant information to stores and head office if required
• Manage and maintain MSW &  WToday and other communication platforms/ channels/distribution lists. Ensure that information is current, relevant and easy to access at all times.
• Ensure that all content is appropriate and relevant for communication channel that is used.
• Design and publish electronic communication collateral.
• Manage design, production and distribution of printed material.
• Provide input to commercial and operational calendars and processes in line with activities and capacity in stores.
• Measure and track effectiveness of store communication. Encourage dialogue and 2-way communication between head office and stores. Manage feedback and distribute to an appropriate audience.
• Stay abreast of business communication innovation, industry practice, digital communication technology and relevant graphic design tools.
• Assist leadership teams to organise conferences and workshops and produce content.
• Manage end-to-end process for gift wrapping as a value-added service to loyal customers.
• Manage and support Head Office switchboard team.
• Mentor, lead and coach direct reports.
• Manage budget to support and deliver store communication objectives.

COMPETENCIES

• Proven verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent command of English. Other South African languages will be an advantage.
• Excellent relationship building and networking skills.
• Effective collaboration and working as a team player with colleagues.
• Knowledge of stores, product, store operations and processes – passion for retail.
• Excellent technical communication skills: Excel, MS Word, Powerpoint, desktop publishing and digital and electronic communication packages.
• Assertive, confident and ability to influence others.
• Innovative, creative and result orientated.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Focus on execution, delivery and adhering to deadlines.
• Judgement and decision-making skills.
• Able to work accurately under pressure
•  Able to work with different levels in the organisation

OTHER ADVANTAGOUS SKILLS

• Degree or diploma in language, media studies, business communication or public relations.
• An “eye for design” will be an advantage.
• Retail experience.
• Technical communication and desk top publishing skills, an understanding of the production process for audio-visual material
• Experience with web servers and web-based applications
• Knowledge of HTML coding
• Understanding of social media, apps, Android and Microsoft environments.

Minimum requirements

• Matric
• Relevant diploma/degree will be advantageous.
• 5 years relevant working experience