Lead, Public Relations and Media - Exxaro Recruitment - Centurion

Job Advert Summary PURPOSE: Responsible for proactively shaping the group external communication strategy, including social media and public relations, in alignment with our Sustainable Growth and Impact strategy objectives. Accountable for the strategic management and enhancement of Exxaro’s public image, credibility, and reputation across all media platforms and/or channels. Drive enhancement of Exxaro’s media presence through the shaping and development of consistent positive messaging and brand positioning across all media channels aimed at positioning Exxaro as an industry leader. Cultivate positive relationships with media stakeholders (media, journalists, influencers, media analysts, etc.) aimed at ensuring favourable coverage while aligning external communication with internal strategic objectives for an enhanced public profile. Accountable for the positive and favourable performance of our external communications showing visible growth in our share of voice in the market. Advise Exxaro’s leadership team on external communications through, among others, insights driven reporting as a thought leader. Empower the team to contribute effectively to value creation. MAJOR CHALLENGES: Effectively managing and mitigating potential public relations crisis to protect the organisation’s public image and reputation. Proactive management of communication risks (including misinformation and fraud). Staying current with the evolving media trends and adapting tactics to maximise organisational brand exposure while still maintaining Exxaro’s ways of working. Ensuring consistent and positive messaging across all our strategic external communication channels. Engaging consistently with media stakeholders to enhance the organisation's presence and reputation. Tailoring communication strategies in consideration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) factors. Demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of PR efforts and quantifying the impact on the organisation's overall objectives through metrics reporting and achieved success indicators. Balancing the expectations and information needs of various stakeholder audiences across various channels, including Board Members, EXCO, employees, investors, customers, and the public. Minimum Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: B Degree (Hons) (Relevant) (Essential/Minimum) Management Development Programme (Essential/Minimum) EXPERIENCE: 8 years Relevant experience in external communications, PR, functional and people management. Experience in crisis communication and issues management. Be knowledgeable in diverse communications channels (including digital platforms) and demonstrate experience in social media tactics. (Essential/Minimum) Operational REQUIREMENTS: Psychometric Assessment (Essential/Minimum) Certificate of Fitness (Essential/Minimum) Int. Assoc of Business Communication (Recommended/Desirable) Public Relations Institute of SA Acc (Recommended/Desirable) Duties & Responsibilities Compliance, Governance and Assurance Ensure all initiatives are delivered in accordance with the Company and Corporate Communications policies, guidelines, procedures etc. Adhere to sound corporate governance principles and address discrepancies. Navigate legal and ethical considerations in external communication, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining ethical standards in accordance with Exxaro’s policies. Stay abreast of and comply with legal/regulatory frameworks governing social media and PR, including data protection, cybersecurity, advertising standards, and disclosure requirements. Be responsible for the development and maintenance of Exxaro’s social media and PR policies outlining acceptable behaviour, content guidelines, and legal considerations. Functional Excellence Develop, drive, and execute public and media relations excellence initiatives that improves the function. Co-own the Investor Relations and Liaison function and cross- functional forums/Communities of Practice (COPs)/content councils as required to ensure alignment, coordination around best practice. Benchmark against global standards Develop, implement, and monitor sound metrics reporting. Identify and manage external communication risks. Internal Support Provide group media relations service and support Executives with their media engagements. Arrange/facilitate media interviews including preparing spokespersons for media interactions. Monitor media opinions/coverage and report to Executives. Develop and communicate self-service tools to manage demand down for specialist support. Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Sustainable Impact, SRG, Strategy and Growth) and maintain open communication with senior management. Guide local PR activities at BUs. People Management Staffing: Select/appoint/onboard PR and media staff. Performance management: Clarify roles/responsibilities/expectations. Define individual performance standards, monitor/measure performance, reward/recognise high performance. Apply consistent performance/consequence management, take prompt action against non- performance. Talent development: Actively manage talent through regular assessment of employees’ strengths, development needs/progress. Provide ongoing mentoring, coaching and development feedback to employees. Manage Public and Media Relations talent pipeline and succession planning process. Promote a culture of continuous learning. Culture/functional climate: Live Exxaro’s values and culture. Embody/translate/entrench the Company’s culture and values both internally and externally. Address behaviours that undermine values. Foster effective teamwork and unity. Manage PR and social media climate in which diversity is appreciated, high performance thrives, employees are involved / energised / committed / motivated / recognised. Demonstrate / encourage collaboration including cross-functionally and create culture of collaboration. Create an environment in which people are inspired to perform and a high-performance culture. Change leadership: Provide direction, guidance and support to people having to adapt to change, keep them committed throughout. Actively support, advocate for and embrace functional / organisational change and reinforce / role model the change. Communication/engagement: Encourage open expression of ideas/opinions and foster dialogue. Seek out different opinions. Inform people of decisions/changes/other relevant information. Proactively address conflicts and initiate difficult conversations. Team development: Develop effective and high performing team including shared team purpose, principles, goals, and effective team player capabilities. Create an environment of accountability and trust. Project Management Plan and project manage key/critical external communication, brand communication, public relations initiatives, and campaigns in support of the group strategy, corporate affairs strategic plan and which drive internal and external stakeholders' understanding of the Company’s priorities/key initiatives. Plan for and execute all PR and media activities related to such key projects including develop content, manage design/production of collateral by service providers, engage and manage media service providers, branding, event management and media relations to secure exposure. Engage internal subject matter experts. Oversee deliverables of PR and Media Specialist and assist in the execution of these communication projects. Engage and support BU communication teams in roll-out of PR and social media initiatives at the BUs. Manage communication of corporate announcements externally. Manage own PR and Media projects' budgets and budgets managed by Specialist. Public and media relations Develop and implement comprehensive PR strategy and an implementation plan that align with the organisation’s Sustainable Growth and Impact strategy. Build and nurture relationships with members of the media, including journalists, editors, and bloggers, as well as proactively responding to media inquiries and requests for interviews. Draft news releases and editorial/brand content. Assess and recommend advertising and brand-building opportunities etc. Monitor the media reputation of the company and proactively protect Exxaro corporate reputation and brand. Identify opportunities for thought leadership and expert commentary to expand brand presence and to support strategic positioning within the industry. Protect and enhance the organisation's reputation and brand through positive, tailored storytelling and image-building that connects the organisation with its key stakeholders. Monitor general media trends and industry developments to identify opportunities and potential threats. Ensure PR efforts serve immediate and long-term business goals. Understand the competitor landscape and stay abreast of any relevant global and market trends, insights, and threats to our brand position. Enable third party suppliers and media stakeholders to share the Exxaro brand narrative in a positive manner. Support and communicate organisational achievements and milestones. Establish and track key performance indicators, offering regular reports to Executive and Senior Management on the impact of media relations and PR efforts. Be accountable for the organisation’s social media platforms which includes channel management, engagement, appealing content, campaign creation, and performance. Proactively leverage public and media relationships to implement strategic branding and to communicate programmes/projects that support the organisation's strategic objectives. Compile and maintain the Exxaro media database. Develop, communicate, and manage a crisis communications plan. Consistently work with internal teams/leadership and external stakeholders to proactively minimise reputational damage and restore public trust in the organisation during and after crises. Develop/maintain group PR and media engagement, brand management policies, standards, guidelines, procedures, and processes etc. Safe and Healthy Work Environment Maintain and ensure a healthy environment, safe operations practices, ensuring compliance with all applicable Safety Health and Environmental (SHE) policies/procedures in line with set standards. Encourage a culture that focuses on safety in all operations . Supplier Management Identify and contract service providers/third-party agencies, manage provision of services including costs, delivery etc. Address performance issues to ensure seamless service delivery and adherence to the Group governance. Behavioural Alignment Demonstrates the following: Creativity, collaboration, sociable and awareness to the ecosystem Stewardship, accountability, ability to develop trust, safety conscious and ethical Ability to respond quickly to business needs/agility, flexibility, continuous learning, innovation and proven ability to experiment on creative business solutions Ability to be inclusive, eagerness for multiple skills, embraces multiple cultures, accepts different approaches and be human-centric/empathetic Results oriented, quality driven, excellence, entrepreneurial abilities, efficient and effective The appointment will be made in accordance with Exxaro’s Employment Equity policy. If you have not been contacted within 28 days of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Apply Now

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Lead, Public Relations and Media - Centurion

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