Integrated Communications Expert at SAP

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

SAP's Global Communications unit is charged with protecting and enhancing the reputation of SAP with internal and external audiences. To that end, GC strives to position SAP as the world’s leading business cloud software solution provider, recognized thought leader, responsible corporate citizen, as well as employer, business partner, vendor, and investment of choice. In addition, the communications function supports sales of SAP software solutions and products, informs employees about strategy, performance and execution and drives employee engagement.

GC programs are geared towards influencing SAP’s primary audiences - customers, employees, government officials, and partners either indirectly via influencers such as Media (print, online, broadcast), Bloggers, Industry Analysts, or directly as in the case of our communication with employees, managers and government representatives.  “Customers” of SAP’s communications function are therefore both the internal stakeholders representing SAP’s business, our employees, and the relevant external influencers.

In that context, the Integrated Communications functions within GC are responsible for planning and driving the execution of communications activities across these multiple audiences. Integrated communications functions within GC exist on the global, regional, and local levels.

EXPECTATIONS AND TASKS:

The Senior Specialist in this function leads the local communications team and is Is part of a virtual regional team spanning EMEA South.

• The Senior Specialist level of Integrated Communications covers all or an agreed selection of GC’s communications programs and channels for the assigned market unit (Africa) and may be requested to participate or lead special projects within GC community.
• The Senior Specialist represents the communications function on the Africa Senior Leadership team and may be requested to lead or participate in cross-Africa initiatives that support the business priorities or employee experience.
• At the Senior Specialist level this job includes hands-on media relations, employee communications, full executive communications for the SAP Africa Managing Director (developing and sharing content, shaping  channels, and reaching out to audiences), a lighter version of executive communications for the Executive Leadership team, as well as working closely with team members to support cross-regional and corporate activities and topics, including those related to SAP’s Corporate Social Responsibility and other global and local initiatives.
• The Senior Specialist must be able to manage complex crises across numerous stakeholders at local, regional and global level – orchestrating proactive and reactive plans to manage crises and reputation challenges.
• Full time role FTE, based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Major Responsibilities include:

• Provide communications counsel to SAP Africa Managing Director, country leadership and the employees of the market unit.
• Create thought leadership awareness in the media and ensure the global and regional priorities are adhered to deliver a strong rolling volume of media coverage and message penetration.
• Ensure crises are managed, coordinated and escalated to region and GC leaders where necessary, in collaboration with other functions and agencies.
• Build and strengthen a network of regional/national media contacts and media categories (online, print, social media, broadcast, business, trade and verticals)
• Support in developing a news pipeline that strengthens SAP’s public profile with regard to business strategy, innovation, customer stories and thought leadership as well as leading market position in business software.
• Engage and manage selected external media agency, providing clear direction and focus to ensure alignment to global and local messages and ensure message and media training for industry and product spokespeople.
• Develop a communications plan in support of the Africa and regional GTM strategies and provide regular updates to progress against plan goals as well as defining and managing budget requirements.
• Drive regular communication channels and work with various teams to provide content for regular company updates or Town Hall meetings, ownership of the local Customer Success Sales  kick-off content.
• Manage internal communications that focuses on consistent and engaging messaging for employees – working strongly with HR and local business leaders based on the company business plan and company vision to create consistent key messages.

WORK EXPERIENCE: 

• 10+ years relevant working experience
• Experience in Senior Management positions.
• Ability to perform duties of Senior Company Spokesperson with range of communications stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the SAP Product portfolio advantageous
• Experience in design and implementation of communications concepts and plans.
• Experience in communications to more than one influencer type (media, bloggers, analyst, governments officials, employee communications).
• Experience in story-telling and copy-writing / briefing framework for copy-writing to incumbent external agency.
• Experienced in handling confidential material.
• Experience in providing communications counsel to senior local and global executives.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION / SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• English is either your native language or you have excellent English writing and editing skills.
• University Degree desired (or equivalent education).
• Professional communicator.
• Self-motivated and team oriented.
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to change.
• Strong creative approach to conceptualise, design and implement new programmes to reach changing media landscape.
• Flexible and able to cope with stress.
• Understanding of IT market in Africa including Southern, West and East Africa.
• Ability to translate corporate strategy into powerful messages for various communications disciplines.