Manager: External Communications at Old Mutual

Job Description

• The role is responsible for managing the execution of external communications plans and providing advisory services in the delivery of communications to various stakeholder groups within the external remit.

Key Result Areas

• Strategic Communication and Reputation Management
• Execute comprehensive external communications plan for the group.
• Proactively manage the group’s reputation by identifying opportunities to showcase market leadership in insurance, innovation and corporate social responsibility.
• Monitor and analyse media coverage, industry trends, and public sentiment to drive balanced and positive sentiment.

Media Relations

• Build and maintain a robust network of relationships with journalists, editors, and industry analysts in financial services, insurance, and business media.
• Act as primary contact for all media relations/newsroom management.
• Pitch compelling stories about Old Mutual’s strategic direction and vision, financial performance, new offerings, services, products etc.
• Secure speaking opportunities for senior executives at key conferences and events.
• Manage all media relations and communication for key strategic events.
• Manage relationship with media monitoring and analysis agency.
• Thought Leadership and Executive Communication
• Identify and implement appropriate thought leadership opportunities and platforms for Old Mutual.
• Secure relevant and credible media partnerships for Old Mutual.
• Develop briefing documents for media interviews, public engagements, and industry conferences.
• Provide media training and coaching to spokespeople to ensure they are prepared for interviews and public appearances
• Issues management and crisis CommunicationsAct as the primary contact for advisory and implementation guidance for issues management that impact the Group.
• Act in support of the Head of Group Communications for media during a crisis, ensuring timely and consistent messaging.
• In the event of a crisis, work closely with legal, compliance, and executive leadership to manage and mitigate reputational risks.
• Manage OML spokespeople to ensure a consistent and accurate messaging in line with the corporate narrative.

Governance

• Provide support to ensure that standards set in the Communications Framework (playbook, principles, policies and protocols) are adhered to and updated across the OML business.
• Manage and lead the Communication Community of Practice.
• Socialize communications policies, principles, house views and frameworks.
• Monitor and ensure compliance to policies, principles, house views and frameworks and assist in dealing with non-adherence.
• Execute the communications evaluations and Policy Attestation process to ensure compliance by each country and business line (Cluster).

Requirements: Skills, Qualifications and Experience required

• BA in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and or Digital Marketing.
• Minimum 6 to 8 years’ relevant experience.
• Strong Public Relations and strategic communications experience.
• Experience across the African continent will be an advantage.
• Prior financial services experience is desirable.
• Extensive experience in defining and implementing communications plans, including driving communication standards and governance across a large and complex business.

Competencies

• Balances Stakeholders
• Business Insight
• Communicates Effectively
• Cultivates Innovation
• Customer Focus
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Plans and Aligns
• Situational Adaptability
• Strategic Mindset

Skills

• Action Planning, Adaptive Thinking, Data Compilation, Executing Plans, Managing Stakeholder Expectations, Oral Communications, Policies & Procedures, Policy Development, Presenting Solutions, Professional Presentation, Second Language, Strategic Planning, Strategic Prioritization, Writing

Competencies

• Balances Stakeholders
• Business Insight
• Communicates Effectively
• Cultivates Innovation
• Customer Focus
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Plans and Aligns
• Situational Adaptability

Education

• Bachelors Degree (B): Communication

Closing Date

• 18 September 2025