Group Communications Manager at Aspen Pharma Group

JOB PURPOSE

The role is responsible for developing and executing the Group’s external and internal communication strategies aimed at enhancing stakeholder engagement and building the Aspen corporate brand and reputation. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, the role will be required to develop engaging content and leverage digital communication platforms to facilitate seamless and consistent communication within the organisation. The role will be responsible for brand and corporate identity management, as well as management of the Group’s digital and social media communication platforms. In addition, the role will work in tandem with the media consultant to ensure effective alignment and consistency of corporate messaging.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Corporate Communications/ Reputation Management:

• Take proactive steps to shape Aspen’s reputation, managing its external and internal communication narrative
• Developing an expert and intimate understanding of Aspen’s stakeholder framework, their respective expectations and the trade-offs between the interests of these stakeholders, for the purposes of guiding and supporting the Group’s engagements with these stakeholders and key messaging to them   
• Play a leading role in respect of the coordination of the communications resources within Aspen Holdings and other Aspen businesses – creating and chairing a “Group Communications Centre of Excellence” which is to meet at regular intervals and which will be aimed at ensuring a consistent and collaborative approach to communications and the utilization of Group communication resources / assets    
• Monitor and provide analysis on traditional and social media activity when media attention on a material Aspen issue or crisis escalates, and provide recommendations on approach to managing media communications in these circumstances
• Maintaining a positive corporate brand sentiment through media activity that is aligned to company group goals
• Identify reputational issues associated with the industry and report these back to Group Executive Committee via the Group Executive: Risk & Sustainability
• Develop, implement and manage metrics, analytics and tools to measure the effectiveness of communication efforts.

Copy Writing/ Content Creation, and Editing:

• Working with relevant business stakeholders, ensure translation of the Group’s strategy and annual top priorities into strategic internal and external communication programs to build the organisation’s reputation.
• Development, embedding and maintenance of a fit-for-purpose content framework to guide the development of strategic and tactical messaging and ensure seamless distribution of content via all Aspen communications platforms.
• Message development and functional media content for seamless Aspen messaging, while maintaining a “Create Once, Publish Everywhere” mindset.
• Overseeing the drafting, reviewing, approval, dissemination and overall management of all external and internal communications deemed to be of a material nature.
• Receive, interpret and consolidate complex executive direction in order to independently produce high quality copy and content in line with the Group’s strategic messaging, providing specific assistance in writing, editing and obtaining approval of copy and content for purposes of various corporate communications such as:
  • media releases
  • financial results SENS announcements
  • integrated reporting 
  • material SED engagements across the Group
  •  executive director and executive committee reports and messages to stakeholders
  • internal communications/ newsletters
  • responses to media enquiriessocial media postings
  • social media posting  

Aspen Corporate Identity and Branding:

• Propose and set the corporate identity and branding standards of the Group.
• Develop and implement brand management governance and brand style guides and design elements.
• Manage and maintain Aspen’s corporate identity and brand assets making sure they are easily accessible for all members of an organization.
• Monitor corporate identity and brand compliance by Aspen businesses and functions.
• Monitoring Aspen’s online presence – both on official Aspen business websites and social media sites (of Aspen Holdings and affiliates) and unofficial online platforms.

 External Communication Strategy Design and Implementation:

• Develop, execute, and evaluate an external communications strategy, aligned with Aspen's group strategy to establish, nurture and manage Aspen’s relationship with external stakeholders.
• Take overall responsibility for the design, update and maintenance of the Group’s corporate website in consultation with key internal stakeholders, including Investor Relations, Human Capital, Group Risk & Sustainability and Group Governance.
• Assist Aspen businesses in updating and maintaining their external online corporate presence, i.e. websites, social media pages and other external online corporate communication platforms (excluding commercial / marketing facing websites)
• Manage delivery of required services from back-end and front-end website service providers.

Media Engagements  - Alignment: 

• Work in tandem with the External Media Consultant/s as it relates to:
  • Working with service providers in collating global media coverage of Aspen for media analysis and executive reporting
  • Managing day-to-day media engagement and queries and prepare appropriate responses in collaboration with senior executives / company spokespersons, while following governance and disclosure protocols under the direction of the Executive: Risk & Sustainability.
  • Planning, coordinating and delivering successful media events as may be required from time-to-time (e.g. media / journalist engagements as they relate to results announcements, site visits, hosting of dignitaries at offices or sites)
  • Proactively identifying opportunities to leverage Aspen content for earned media placement.

Internal Communication Strategy Design and Implementation:

• Develop, execute, and evaluate an internal communications strategy, ensuring that business goals, initiatives and organisational/people news are communicated regularly and effectively.
• Develop the Aspen story; that brings our purpose and values to life, attracts external candidates and bonds with internal colleagues.
• Manage and evolve current communication channels; provide advice and recommendations on communication approaches, vehicles, overall execution, frequency and timing of message delivery; identify new opportunities to improve communication and measurement; and create and execute strategy for implementation.
• Responsible for ensuring ongoing improvement of One Aspen Online, engaging internal customers like Group Corporate Services (specifically Human Capital), Strategic Trade, Group Finance, Group Risk & Sustainability and Group Operations in meeting internal service level expectations about One Aspen Online, it’s content and usability.
• Contribute pro-actively to the communications decision-making processes based on best practices, industry standards and prevailing policies and procedures.
• Perform format, CI and language quality checks on all communications provided for distribution.
• Create, moderate, manage and maintain (with the assistance of GDT) all senior executive, senior manager, management and regional functionary distribution lists to ensure timeous, efficient and appropriate distribution of information and news to these internal stakeholders.
• Work with local management of foreign / non-English subsidiaries to ensure that critical Group communications are translated and distributed to the satisfaction of the executive responsible for the communication.
• Work with GDT and Human Capital on delivering internal virtual events such as virtual “Townhall” meetings and in producing, managing, and distributing executive messages to employees within specific businesses or throughout the Group. 

Social Media Strategy:

• Manage all elements relating to the design, development, build and maintenance of the Aspen Group social media pages (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter), working with the various internal customers to drive organic follower growth, reach and engagement.
• In partnership with Human Capital, create Aspen’s external employer branding strategy and manage external Employer Branding and Recruitment platforms the related life cycle to attract new talent.
• Generate engaging and reputational-enhancing content for posting on social media platforms.
• Coordinate content submissions, performing quality reviews before releasing content using relevant social media management tools.
• Respond to all enquiries/comments received from stakeholders via social media platforms and deal with them or direct them as appropriate.
• Keep up to date on external Employer Brand and social media trends for continuous improvement.
• Perform any other tasks necessary to ensure the proper operation of the Group’s social medial pages.

Internal and External Communication Platforms – Technical Oversight:

• Oversee all elements relating to the technical design, development, build and maintenance of the Aspen Group external website (www.aspenpharma.com), working with GDT and the various related Group appointed service providers in ensuring superior Aspen online representation, digital reputation enhancement and a quest for zero downtime.
• Oversee all elements relating to the technical design, development, build, alignment and maintenance of the Aspen Group One Aspen Online website or intranet (https://oneaspenonline.com/), working with GDT and the various related Group appointed service providers in ensuring this platform remains a superior internal communications platform, enhancing internal digital reputation, employee engagement and a quest for zero downtime.
• In collaboration with GDT, ensure necessary information and cyber security protocols for the external website, social media accounts and internal communication platforms are in place.

Corporate Communications Budget:

• Produce corporate communications budget which demonstrates cost efficiencies and ability to achieve cost efficiencies in the Aspen’s stakeholder engagement and communications space.
• Review monthly management accounts and report on overspend / underspend.
• Manage invoices as received, reviewing them against services rendered / products delivered – exercising financial prowess in ensuring value for money outcomes for Aspen.
• Ensuring that the appropriate service providers are onboarded after performing the necessary background and due diligence checks – managing the ongoing relationship with these service providers and ensuring that alternative quotations are sourced to ensure ongoing value for Aspen.
• Maintain database of communications service providers and ongoing procurement compliance in relation to these service providers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• BA degree or higher in Public Relations/ Financial Journalism/ Communications/ English – preference for candidates with combination of relevant BCom / BA / Honours degrees  

CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS:

• Web design / Wordpress certifications advantageous

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of 8 to 10 years’ experience in a senior role (preferably within a JSE listed environment / reputation management firm) in: 

• ensuring quality copy writing / editing / content creation outcomes
• overall external and internal communications management
• brand, corporate identity and reputation management 

• Demonstrated experience in engaging with senior executive level management and to manage corporate messaging emanating from such engagements.  

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with high energy levels.
• Experience in designing of effective internal and external communication strategies and delivering on them.  
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high stress environment.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to adapt and be flexible in approach. 

WORK-SPECIFIC SKILLS & EXPOSURE:

• Self-enabler who quickly understands the desired corporate messaging outcome.
• Remain agile to adjust with confidence and insight to changes in requirements, including abandoning activity if such is in the best interest of the Group.
• Strong editorial grasp of English, delivering error-free work.
• Ability to assimilate information and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to engage subject matter experts within the company to ensure relevant content Web design/interaction with web design agencies.
• Office 365 with excellent PowerPoint skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Canva, and Wordpress.
• Media monitoring to ensure a proactive response to reputational matters of reputational concern.
• Social media management, interaction and analytics.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Outstanding writing, listening and speaking skills
• Outstanding administrative, project management and organisational skills
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks with accuracy
• Ability to communicate with senior level executives / directors (local and international) 
• Under the guidance of the Group Executive: Risk & Sustainability, provides communications related support to the Group Executive Committee and its members as and when requested to perform its mandate and acts as a trusted communications expert and facilitator when called to do so
• Ability to prioritise and co-ordinate work
• High attention to detail
• High levels of initiative and accountability
• Outcomes-based
• Self-motivated
• Actions items allocated to completion
• High level of integrity
• Ethical values and confidentiality
• Ability to function under pressure
• Exceptional organisation and attention to detail skills
• Ability to understand changing nature of group
• Direct and effective engagement with Senior Executives in communications related tasks
• Ability to effectively direct and manage direct reports and consultants

KNOWLEDGE:

• Business and financial reporting acumen.
• Copy writing/ editing/ content creation.
• Responding to requests for information / assistance from internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of social media management tools.
• Knowledge and understanding of media monitoring tools.
• Coordination with media consultant/s regarding media engagements / assist in preparing spokespersons for media engagements.

ASPEN COMPETENCIES:

Business:

• Long-term view to create and protect the future for stakeholders.
• Performance driven balanced with sound sustainable and effective decision making.
• Accountability and ownership.

People:

• Communicates effectively.
• Develops talent, teamwork and diversity, developing opportunities for other including the next generation of legal and business leaders.
• Lead with influence and sustainable integrity.

Self:

• Contributes special expertise aligned with broad considered corporate insight and deep understanding of the Group, beyond, but aligned with the special expertise.
• Unequivocal integrity in every element of action and direction.