Senior Manager: External Communications at The Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job

The purpose of the Senior Manager: External Communications role is to lead the external communication strategy for the Shoprite Group with a specific focus on driving and securing pro-active publicity (credible and earned media endorsement) that delivers on the Group's broader business and marketing strategies and earns the Group reputational currency. This is a highly collaborative role, working across multiple networks to promote and increase awareness of the brand, corporate and sustainability initiatives, develop a positive corporate image and nurture strong industry networks. The Senior Manager: External Communications is a skilled communicator and storyteller with the ability to formulate fresh angles and story ideas that generates value for the organisation.

Job Advert Details

Job Category

Communications

Job Objectives

• Develop an integrated media relations strategy and plan that supports the Group’s business and marketing strategy and goals and drive its implementation across audience segments.
• Identify target audiences, tactics and methods for communication outreach and engagement.
• Ensure captivating media angles and news coverage, profile pieces and features that generate positive coverage for the Group across a broad media spectrum.
• Lead the creation of impactful and engaging content, including content for media releases, websites, blogs, e-newsletters, and other communication touchpoints.
• Quality assures all content, ensuring alignment and consistency of brand narratives and designs.
• Drive external brand reputation through proactively pitching of stories, positioning the organisation, senior leadership, and industry leaders as valuable media sources on specific topics.
• Work with marketing in managing the corporate brand and external brand reputation.
• Engage with creative and design teams / agencies for the briefing, design, and delivery of photoshoots and videoshoots and oversee the editing process.
• Ensure that important external announcements, campaigns and initiatives are communicated across all relevant channels in a timely, creative and effective way.
• Proactively build relationships and collaborate with media outlets or organisations, community groups, influencers and ambassadors to expand outreach, source opportunities and generate interest in topics.
• Maximise the presence of the corporate brand on various platforms and channels, proactively securing high-level placements in print, broadcast and online media.
• Facilitate and organize media interviews, articles, media briefings, public speaking engagements and Q&A’s for designated spokespeople including briefing process.
• Coach and support preparation of senior leadership and key spokespeople for media interactions and public appearances.
• Arrange media training for organisational leadership as required.
• Draft and quality assure responses to media enquiries.
• Compile publicity reports and track and report on communication success metrics / ROI, using data to continually improve ongoing communications campaigns.
• Manage external PR agency resources.
• Oversee PR events, ensuring timely delivery of communication and PR content.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Communications, PR, Journalism or a related field - (essential).

Experience

• 5+ years experience in a senior communications management role with demonstrable experience developing and executing external communication strategies and plans for a large corporate organisation including designing and executing successful PR campaigns – (essential).
• Experience in a retail environment – (desired).
• Experience in a listed company – (desired).

Knowledge and Skills

• Deep understanding of media relations with a well-established network of media contacts – (essential).
• Deep understanding of brand and corporate identity – (essential).
• Solid experience with social media channels – (essential).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including SharePoint Online – (essential)