Senior Communications Lead, Sub Saharan Africa

**Additional Information** Only South African citizens by birth can be considered for this role

**Job Number** 24013796

**Job Category** Public Relations & Communications

**Location** MI Regional Office Cape Town, Arthur's Road, Western Cape, South Africa, South Africa VIEW ON MAP

**Schedule** Full-Time

**Located Remotely?** N

**Relocation?** N

**Position Type** Management

**_Inspiring travel. Powering performance. Thriving together._**

**Role Summary**

The Senior Director, Communications, Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is a key member of Marriott International’s Europe, Middle East and Africa Communications team and is responsible for leading the company’s Communications strategy for the SSA region.

The role will define and execute the Communications strategy for the company in the SSA region and will work to drive positive media exposure and raise awareness of Marriott International, its portfolio of brands and loyalty programme within the regional key media and source markets.

The position will cover the full spectrum of Communications including consumer PR, crisis and issues management, corporate communications, and media/ influencer strategy. The role will also focus on building and protecting the reputation of the company within the region and will be a key member of the company’s crisis response team.

This role requires strong stakeholder management and influencing skills and will closely collaborate with various senior stakeholders within the SSA region and will also be responsible for exploring profiling and speaking opportunities for leadership. The role will closely work with colleagues across EMEA to ensure alignment with other disciplines (e.g. Brand, Marketing, Loyalty & Partnerships).
- 10+ years of senior level public relations / communications experience, within large-scale, organisations.
- Proven experience of working in an organisation with a high-profile reputation, often in the media spotlight, coupled with experience working alongside senior executives.
- Experience in managing and advising on crisis and issues in the region and can identify reputational risks and proactively recommend mitigations.
- Good understanding of the hospitality/ travel industry - experience in other consumer brands/ sectors considered
- Proven experience in creating and implementing Communications/PR strategy - corporate and consumer - and driving results.
- Ability to foster collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholders across the business
- Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to thrive in fast-paced environment.
- Experience in managing PR agencies - both in/outside of local market
- Experience at team management and leadership
- Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills.
- Knowledge and experience of markets across Sub Saharan Africa.
- Ability to speak in other regional languages is a plus.
- Ability to travel internationally.

**Why it’s a great idea to work for Marriott International**:

- We offer ‘hybrid working’ to enable you to live fully and balance home and work - minimum of two days a week office based
- This role is bonus and stock eligible - our success is your success
- 15 (fifteen) working days' annual leave in respect of each completed cycle of 12 consecutive months' employment. This entitlement shall be increased to 20 (twenty) working days' annual leave upon the completion of 24 months' continuous employment with the Company.
- Access to numerous, world class profession and personal learning and development programmes to enable success in your current role but also for your future growth within the Company
- You will have international team members to share great ideas with and you will potentially travel in this role
- You, your friends and family will be able to enjoy global hotel, food and drinks discounts and benefits, and explore our world
- Regular team and office gatherings, both in person and remotely to build our sense of purpose
- Strong, experienced leaders who will encourage you to grow and mentor you to succeed
- Membership of the Company Provident Fund (Alexander Forbes Retirement Fund) - non-contributory, the Company paying the full contributions
- Medical aid membership with Discovery Health (Classic Saver). Company subsidization shall be restricted to the principal member plus up to 3 nominated dependants of the principal member as set out in the Company’s medical aid policy
- Discounted breakfast at participating Protea Hotels by Marriott®, Protea Hotels Fire & Ice by Marriott® and Autograph Collection® within the Africa Continent.
- Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law._

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels