Head of Integrated Communications

**Introduction**

**Disclaimer**
- As an applicant, please verify the legitimacy of this job advert on our company career page.

**Role Purpose**
- Develop and deliver integrated communication, engagement campaigns and programmes aimed at building a connection with and amongst internal and external stakeholders. The Integrated Communications Manager will work closely with internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners to enhance our brand presence and ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.

**Requirements**:

- Degree in Journalism/ Strategic Communications / Public Relations / Social Sciences or equivalent
- 5-7 years in a strategic communication or end to end brand marketing management role in within the insurance, financial services media houses Strong understanding of various communication platforms
- 3 years management experience
- Experiential milestones: Ability to work with a matrix organisation and deliver through & with others
- Working in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, with multiple stakeholders
- Proven marketing strategies and campaigns planning & execution
- Strategic abilities demonstrated
- Ability to communicating complex information in simple terms. Proficient in a vernacular language (advantageous)

SKILLS
- Excellent skills in writing and editing of copy; articles; press-releases; social media feeds; etc
- Subject matter Expert: Content creation for internal and external communication platforms
- Operational Excellence
- Innovation & Strategic thinking
- Personal Mastery and Leadership
- Relationship building and influence
- Analytical Skills
- Commercial acumen

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Develop and implement brand management strategies and initiatives:

- Design and execute integrated communication strategies that align with the overall organizational goals and objectives.
- Drive business growth through innovative digital strategies and effective media investment.
- Is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of integrated internal and external communication, reputation management, and change management employee engagement programmes aimed at enhancing the reputation of the business, and building passion and organisational pride among all internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop engaging content for various platforms, including digital, print, social media, and press releases, ensuring a consistent tone of voice and brand message.
- Leverage positive reputation through media coverage across owned, earned, paid, and hybrid (influencer) channels in B2C and B2B digital, print and broadcast channels.
- Partner with key stakeholders to plan, develop and deliver internal communication that help achieve their objectives and engage internal and external stakeholders with message continuity.
- Support the delivery of events, both digital and face to face, including annual employee conference, townhall sessions, roadshows, etc.
- Co-champion delivery change communication strategy, to help raise awareness of relevant news and business updates and drive desired behaviours and culture change across the business.
- Provide strategic counsel and support to management team with leadership communication to support implementation of the company strategy.
- Enhance the visibility of Exco within the organisation through a clear and targeted communication plan for each Exco member/ function.
- Build the leadership profile and reputation of Exco members and the key leadership team externally through media liaison and industry communication.
- Craft and place opinion articles to build the reputation of the organisation as a business thought leader in the South African business context and in our industry.
- Ensure that all marketing communications initiatives adheres to METROPOLITAN branding guidelines, brand narrative and enhance overall brand image.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, public relations, and product solutions, to ensure alignment on messaging and branding initiatives.
- Manage the service delivery of external agencies and suppliers.
- Conduct on-going competitor analysis to ensure brand activities are competitive and innovative.
- Gather and analyse relevant client and brand information to identify trends and areas of opportunity.

Assess the effectiveness and enhance the impact of the brand:

- Measure the effectiveness of communications using the available channels and tools, recommending.
- subsequent improvements/ further initiatives to achieve business desired objectives.
- Track and monitor issues that directly and indirectly impacts our brand reputation and escalate to through the relevant channels.
- Implement social media listening tools in line with group standards
- Track and monitor media activity, sentiments, and perceptions of METROPOLITAN and develop appropriate action plans to build and protect the brand and its products.
- Gather and analyse relevant client and brand informa