Senior Manager: Group External Communications (Corporate) at Shoprite Group of Companies

Job Objectives    

• Develop an integrated corporate reputation strategy and narrative that supports the organisations strategic goals and brand objectives and drive its implementation across audience segments.
• Establish a policy that defines the organisational reputation management strategy, directs the scope within which decisions can be taken across the organisation and guides operational actions and behaviour.
• In partnership with marketing and brand teams, identify the positioning of the organisation and how to communicate this positioning to the target audience. 
• Lead initiatives that strengthen Shoprite’s reputation including civic engagements, PR events, conferences and award strategies.
• Keep watch on all activities related to the reputation of the business, proactively and immediately resolving, neutralising or diffusing situations that could result in reputational risk.
• Deal with reputational matters as they arise, promptly engaging with relevant stakeholders, writing suitable responses, and advising teams, leadership and spokespeople on the organisation’s position on a particular matter. 
• Ensure all public statements, messaging and communications collateral are aligned with the organisational objectives, internal policies and reputational risk protocol.
• Provide counsel to leadership and business units on corporate reputation, ensuring they are appropriately supported, trained and prepared for any media activity or external engagements.
• Manage all reputational engagements with the media to the highest standard, ensuring all spokespeople are viewed as reliable and credible.
• Respond to reactive media queries as well as comments and reviews on social media and other communication channels. 
• Support with writing and editing of all official correspondence required (media releases, CEO letters, Q&A documents, video scripts, speeches, etc.).
• Monitor online and social media activity to understand how the business is viewed and implement actions to counter negative search results.
• Provide practice standards, guidance and training to key stakeholders including PR, social media, marketing and brand teams on how to engage with the media and handle potential negative publicity.
• Participate in and/or conduct surveys to assess general sentiment and attitude towards the organisation and brand and implement solutions to actively drive the corporate narrative favourably

Qualifications    

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

Experience    

• +6 years’ experience in a senior corporate communications role, with demonstrable experience developing and driving a corporate brand reputation strategy for a large organisation – (essential). 
• Extensive knowledge and experience in reputation and crisis management – (essential). 
• Deep understanding of media relations with demonstrable experience acting as a company spokesperson and engaging with both broadcast and print media interviews / events – (essential). 
• Deep understanding of brand and corporate identity – (essential).
• Understanding of search engine behaviour, software and tools – (essential).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including SharePoint Online – (essential).
• Experience in a retail environment – (desired).
• Experience in a listed company – (desired)

Knowledge and Skills    

• Exceptional and creative communicator - Converts complex concepts into well-crafted and articulated 
• messages while skilful in delivering compelling, creative content. Able to translate technical information 
• into accessible messaging. Passion for storytelling to create experiences that drive engagement and 
• participation. Excellent writing, grammar, editing and proofreading skills.
• Public speaking / media relations - Able to engage with confidence to internal and external audiences while doing it with flair and in a consistent and credible manner.
• Motivated self-starter with good energy and excitement to work on high-visibility projects in a fastpaced environment.
• Strong ability to drive action through collaboration, proactivity and flexibility. Able to rally people and influence internally and externally to get things done.
• Ability to apply sound discretion and judgment, handle confidential and sensitive information and apply problem-solving to provide considered and sustainable recommendations with confidence to 
• stakeholders and leadership.