Senior Manager Corporate Communication at MultiChoice

Purpose of the Position: To build a solid corporate communications strategy and ensure that implementation plans are developed to align to the overall strategy. Oversee and support the implementation of plans across the SA business and MultiChoice Group through effective engagement with the business.

Key Performance Objectives
Tasks
Strategy Formulation and execution

• Annual Corporate Communications Strategy development
• Strategic plans for the business positioning of the company and brands including CEO and Exco members
• High level reputation management strategy which takes into account positioning and current socio-Economic factors
• Increase share of voice specifically in terms of socio-economic contribution, relevance and value stories around content development
• Ensure communications both internal and external are strategically driven and aligned through all platforms in the business
• Manage budgets and forecasts for the function

Company reputation and media management

• Drive media exposure and ensure correct positioning of business
• Oversee the delivery/execution of succinct, informative and accurate corporate stakeholder reports, briefings, speeches, Core Messages & FAQs, correspondence (to commercial clients & other stakeholders) and reports for Executives to ensure the strategic positioning of products and business initiatives
• Participate as a company representative in the development of contingency plans, response frameworks, policies and procedures to manage issues and crisis communications within the business to ensure protection of corporate brand reputation
• Set objectives with clear metrics (media metrics as well as other relevant metrics) and demonstrate performance on a regular basis with a focus on delivering ongoing improvements
• Work with research teams and media monitoring teams to continuously evaluate brand reputation and identify trends and issues which need to be addressed – produce quarterly report on reputation review
• Approve and/or draft press statement and identify issues/angles for press briefings
• Track the positioning of competitors and their positioning
• Develop, foster and maintain strategic working relationships with key stakeholders including channel suppliers, media representatives, journalists, and industry representatives to promote MultiChoice brands
• Reporting role for all media, stakeholder and specifically input into Multichoice Group reporting requirements   

People management

• Manage team members to ensure effective delivery of business unit objectives.
• Develop a high performing team by embedding formal performance development and informal coaching. Encourage frequent knowledge sharing between team members.
• Determine and analyse development needs for the team and ensure that identified training requirements are budgeted for and executed.
• Interview and recruit new members of the team, including determining appropriate compensation levels with input from HR
• Create effective workforce and recruitment demand plans to ensure that current and future business requirements can be met.
• Review and update the department’s organisation structure and role description on at least an annual basis to ensure that they are fit for purpose and contain all the accountabilities of each team member.
• Approve leave requests for team members and create leave plan to ensure adequate coverage
• When required, initiate disciplinary processes for team members calling on support from HR when required
• Resolve grievances raised by team members and escalate only if required
• Address poor performance of any team member through the formal Performance Improvement programme and ensure that continued poor performance is appropriately dealt with
• Motivate team members and ensure that their efforts are recognised

Qualifications

• B-Degree in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism,
• Honours degree will be an advantage

Experience

• 7-10 years’ experience in a similar role, leading a Corporate Affairs or Comms team
• Proven track record of leading successful media projects and campaigns
• Extensive knowledge of media landscape
• Minimum 4 years solid people management experience
• Strong Public Relations knowledge and experience
• Extensive crisis management experience within a dynamic, complex organization

Technical Competencies:

• Ability to identify and take advantage of new opportunities, best practices and potential partnerships, while taking into consideration business objectives and key stakeholders’ expectations
• Video Communication principles and knowledge
• Excellent use of business language and concise writing style
• Ability to produce concise reports under tight deadline
• High standards of accuracy and excellent proofreading, editing and presentation skills
• Strong Researching skills
• Ability to provide internal and external stakeholders with clear and concise business communication
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Behavioral Competencies:

• Strategic thinking
• Persuading & Influence
• Stakeholder management
• Conflict Resolution
• Proactive approach
• Decision Making
• Critical Appraisal
• Coaching