Head: Strategy, Stakeholder and Media Relations at South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)

Purpose Statement

• Accountable for the implementation of tactical work plans and formulate associated procedures to ensure the effective implementation of the Strategy, Stakeholder & Media Relations strategy in line with the SABS’s mandate and overall approved strategy; to ensure execution of corporate strategy and maintenance of relations with key stakeholders of the organisation and directing the relations with the media in all its forms.

Minimum Requirements    
Qualifications

• Honours Degree in Business Management, Communications, Media Studies or Public Administration or a related field (NQF Level 8).

Experiance 

• 10 years’ relevant work experience in Business Management, Corporate Strategy and/or Communications.
• 3 years’ senior management experience.
• 5 years’ management experience.
• Proven track record and ability to formulate and execute corporate/stakeholder/media strategy and operational plans at organisational level.
• Proven track record in managing corporate/stakeholder/media strategy operations at an organisational level.

Duties and Responsibilities    
Strategic Management

• Lead the development, management and execution of the Strategy, Stakeholder & Media Relations strategy and provide input into the overall strategy, policy and decision-making direction of the organisation.
• Ensure alignment of Strategy, Stakeholder & Media Relations strategy with the requirements of all sub-divisions, through the development and execution of strategic work plans
• Ensure that Strategy, Stakeholder & Media Relations achieves set objectives and that corrective actions are taken where the operational objectives are not achieved.
• Set and drive comprehensive goals and objectives for performance to support SABS and subsidiaries strategy and objectives.
• Lead and ensure the establishment, maintenance and improvement of Standard Operating Procedures, policies, and guidelines relating to Strategy, Stakeholder & Media Relations in consultation with the CEO and other Executive members.
• Develop a Centre of Excellence to balance technical know-how with customer/stakeholder
• Ensure productivity is measured effectively against set objectives.
• Ensure that Strategy, Stakeholder & Media Relations achieves set objectives and that corrective actions are taken where the operational objectives are not achieved.
• Provide leadership and develop a strong team environment committed to the organisation's mission, values and objectives in a manner that instils trust and credibility within the Division

Operational Management

• Lead the development and implementation of the business's strategic objectives and processes and engage in critical and sensitive high-value business development activities.
• Facilitate cross-functional team collaborations as well as to support executive leadership and stakeholders within the business in developing business strategies, inclusive of long-term goals and objectives, key risk management, and driving business and project initiatives.
• Provide support to the SABS Executive team and other senior managers across the business in solving high priority operational issues by driving the communication and development of suitable strategies and goals.
• Lead the design of strategy across various high-value business projects within the SABS and drive the strategic planning process and act as a trusted advisor to the business's executive leadership and relevant stakeholders during strategy formulation, development, and execution.
• Support the evaluation and development of the business's long-term strategic plans across the SABS's departments, Develop the multi-year strategies and goals, establish measurement criteria to monitor the performance of established strategies consistently, identify deficiencies, and avail actionable solutions.
• Define the business's analytical and financial analytical frameworks in order to conduct analyses and resolve critical business issues.
• Perform thorough evaluations of business opportunities through analysis of potential business, inclusive of competitive analysis, financial analysis, market analysis, performance analysis, technology platforms, and strategic fit.
• Oversee the development and ongoing review of the SABS Stakeholder Relations Strategy and to ensure it is properly aligned to the SABS's Corporate Goals, Objectives and Plans;
• Ensure that a Stakeholder Management Protocol is developed and implemented to drive and manage the effective flow of information and management of emerging risks between all critical stakeholders;
• Identify and provide pro-active stakeholder management risks, opportunities and threats and advise on appropriate action;
• Develop and implement appropriate stakeholder management tools to support stakeholder engagements for the SABS;
• Promptly apply conflict resolution strategies in case of social conflict that may affect the SABS Brand;
• Develop and maintain a stakeholder engagement system to capture engagements and actions arising from stakeholder engagement interventions;
• Ensure accurate reporting of engagement interventions as and when required;
• Develop and review Stakeholder Engagement policies and procedures;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement plans and implement corrective actions; and Oversee the preparation of articles and press releases for the media.
• Ensure the SABS protects and promotes its image in a proper, coordinated, and consistent manner.
• Cultivate and enhance collaborative working relationships within the press and publicity community.
• Manage the flow of news about the organisation to the media.
• Gather and disseminate timely information to press and staff.
• Enhance effectiveness of press and publicity function.
• Act as a media spokesperson on behalf of the SABS and address questions and complaints.
• Develop relationships with national and regional press contacts to ensure the company reputation is promoted and to deflect criticism.
• Detect public relations issues as they emerge and address them directly.

Risk and Compliance Management

• Ensure the mitigation of Strategy, Stakeholder and Media Relations risk profile through the application of fraud controls and risk prevention principles and implementing of sound governance and compliance processes and tools to identify and manage risks.
• Responsible for the coordination and maintenance of quality risk management in line with Accreditation and regulatory requirements.

Financial Manangement

• Provide input in the planning and compilation of Strategy, Stakeholder and Media Relations annual budget aligned to the operational and strategic delivery plans to support the implementation of set objectives.
• Develop and manage financial plans, forecasts and budgets that will be used to initiate, drive and implement all Strategy, Stakeholder and Media Relations related initiatives in line with the business strategy

People Management

• Manage and lead Strategy, Stakeholder & Media Relations by providing clarity of vision; prioritising resources; facilitating alignment of the team; managing non-performance, driving a customer-centric performance culture, setting appropriate KPA’s and ensure the cascading thereof throughout Strategy, Stakeholder & Media Relations and driving their achievement; inspiring commitment; encouraging mutual support; and enabling development opportunities

Stakeholder Management

• Identify and mitigate internal systems and procedural barriers to enhance excellent customer service.