Regional Communications Manager at Puma Energy

Main Purpose:

• The Regional Head of External Communication – Africa supports the Global Head of Corporate Affairs & ESG in executing the external communication strategy across Puma Energy’s African operations.
• This role ensures consistent, impactful messaging that strengthens brand reputation, supports commercial objectives, and builds trust with local stakeholders in a high-visibility, regulated environment.
• You will be the voice of Puma Energy in Africa — translating global narratives into regionally relevant stories, managing media relations, supporting crisis response, and amplifying thought leadership from the regional leadership team.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities, Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities (List major areas of position responsibilities, in priority order)

Execute Regional External Communication Strategy

• Adapt and implement the global comms framework for Africa
• Conduct local stakeholder mapping and audience prioritization
• Develop annual regional comms calendar aligned to business milestones (e.g., retail expansion, sustainability initiatives, safety awards)
• Adapt and implement the global comms framework for Africa

Generating Insights

• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists across print, broadcast, and digital in South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Tanzania, etc.
• Secure positive media coverage for retail, B2B, and community initiatives
• Manage regional press releases, interviews, and media events
• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists across print, broadcast, and digital in South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Tanzania, etc.

Crisis & Issues Management Support

• Act as first responder for media inquiries during incidents (with Global support)
• Prepare holding statements, Q&As, and spokesperson briefings
• Coordinate with Country GMs and HSSE during fuel shortages, protests, or safety events

Content Creation & Channel Management

• Lead content for Africa section of Puma website and regional social media (LinkedIn, X)
• Write and edit thought leadership for Country GMs and Head of Africa
• Oversee regional photo/video assets (site openings, community projects)

Internal Alignment & Team Coordination

• Partner with Country GMs to align messaging with local market needs
• Guide and upskill in-country communication focal points
• Ensure consistency across retail, B2B, and corporate narratives

Requirements:

Education

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field

Experience

• 7+ years in corporate communications, PR, or journalism
• Essential: Experience in Africa-based or emerging market communications
• Strongly preferred: Background in energy, retail, or regulated industries
• Proven track record in media relations, crisis comms, and digital content
• Experience supporting senior executives as spokespeople
• Advantage: French or Portuguese language skills

Skills

• Excellent writer and storyteller — can simplify complex energy topics
• Strong media relationships in South Africa and key African markets
• Proficient in digital tools: CMS (WordPress), Canva, social media schedulers
• Solid project management and ability to meet deadlines in fast-paced settings
• Comfortable in matrix environments and remote collaboration

Competencies

• Proactive and solution-oriented
• Culturally aware and adaptable across African markets
• Hands-on — willing to draft, post, and engage directly
• Team player with strong influencing skills

Key Relationships and Department Overview:

Key Relationships:

• Internal –, Africa Regional Leadership (Head of Africa, Country GMs), Regional HSSE, Compliance, Retail, B2B, Finance
• External –Local and regional media, Government and regulatory authorities, NGOs and community organisations. PR and communication agencies. Event organisers. Local industry associations, Corporate Affairs partners and suppliers.