Based in Sandton within Brand department, the successful incumbent will be responsible to develop, promote and maintain the desired image of the brand to the public and press to positively enhance perceptions, influence buying considerations and overall sales on a national level, with the aim of building brand image and loyalty with South African consumers Possible Tasks within this RoleTo engage with the media daily to build networks and enhance the visibility and image of the brand and its products.To provide the media with accurate product, consumer, and corporate information, along with photographic services, to promote the brand.To organize and execute local and international press launches and conferences for media, business, and political stakeholders.To draft, process, and distribute media releases about the brand products and the corporate brand, while also monitoring and analyzing the publicity generated for new products and the brand.To act as a company spokesperson for the brand.To facilitate customer service/experience concerns which have received heightened attention in the media.To curate and compile brand content (lifestyle, consumer, corporate and product).Effective management and campaign support of brand Ambassadors, the brand influencers and other publicity programs and media partnership initiatives.Responsible for issuing accurate brand related content timeously for internal news platforms.Support the groups internal communications department with content to build a strong internal brand at the group.Control and management of the PR budget with monthly KPI updates for NSO Controlling and NSO Director.Control and operational management of SA Press and Marketing demonstrator Fleet, including maintenance of motorcycles, to achieve optimal usage targets.Coordination of ad hoc projects (including the Brand Corporate PR profiling/local relevance projects) in conjunction with agencies.Provide support to brand marketing campaigns, projects and events in planning and leveraging any PR opportunities which may be presented.Effectively manage the PR agency with regards to promoting, building and integrating the PR brand narrative within the broader marketing strategy. Qualification requirementsA formal 3-year National diploma or Bachelors degree from a recognized institution in Marketing/Communications Science/Journalism/Public Relations/CommerceExperience NeededMinimum of 5 years experience in automotive Marketing and Communications Essential:Knowledge and understanding of brands and brand imagePrevious experience in journalism or public relations is a plus.Strong understanding of brands structures, products, and competitors.Good understanding of the automotive market and competitive landscape.Maintain a professional demeanour to represent the brand effectively to the public and motoring media.Strong grasp of communication strategies and media principlesAbility to listen and communicate effectively at all levelsStrong interpersonal skills and confidence to negotiate and interact effectively with media representatives at all levels.Excellent skills in building rapport, managing relationships, and networking, along with strong planning and organization abilitiesStrong project management skills and experience in managing agency partners and third-party suppliers to execute PR communications strategies and support activities like social media management.Proficient in advanced MS Office Suite and knowledgeable in financial principles and budgetary controlAdded AdvantageA relevant post-graduate qualification/Honors degree
