Product Communications Specialist

Build the image of the Ford products and primary brand by the development and implementation of comprehensive communication strategies

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES**
- High level of ability with respect to event organisation, self discipline and administration
- Communication proficiency. Must be articulate and have a thorough command of the English language. An understanding of Afrikaans and/or another South African official language would be useful but not essential.
- A good understanding of Public Relations and the role it should play in the company’s overall communication strategy is essential.
- Ability to write and edit media releases.
- The ability and willingness to work long hours and weekends (without overtime pay) is essential.
- Must be in a position to regularly travel and attend functions and events away from home when required.
- Be a team player and have a strong desire to assist in developing the company’s Communications team into the best in the industry from the perspective of the media, service providers, government, NGO’s, dealers, etc.
- Ability to handle pressure.
- Tenacity and adaptability.
- Integrity
- able to respect confidentiality.
- A high degree of professionalism.
- Have a lively, inquiring mind, with lots of initiative and be self-motivated.
- Computer literate - the ability to work with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and the Internet is a requirement.
- Ability to handle difficult media personalities.
- Ability to handle unhappy customers

**QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE**
- Degree or Diploma - Marketing and/or Communications
- At least two years experience in a public relations management
- Manages and co-ordinates all activities surrounding product strategies and communications to the media (Motoring, lifestyle, Trade, Consumer, social and electronic press).
- Maximize Ford coverage in the media through various media strategies
- Continued revitalisation of company and brand image amongst key media
- Handles the commissioning of media releases and media kit photography with regard to all products and services.
- Assists with the co-ordination of any exhibitions where Communications involvement is required.
- Manages and co-ordinates the Road Test Fleet(Scheduling,Vehicle preparation, Timeous and appropriate defleeting, Traffic fine management)
- Assist with internal product launches
- Integrates with all Marketing and agency activities with regard to product communications
- Bring to life Ford OS Behaviours through consistent & cohesive communications to all audiences & through all channels, with employees as a priority
- Create enthusiastic brand advocates among Ford employees by using internal communication channels to share important product milestones and brand triumphs like major award wins
- Build a solid foundation for winning product reveals and launches, Demonstrate Ford’s obsession with the customer, build desire for the nameplate / brand
- Create a disruptive reveal cadence that cements our obsession with the customer; generates positive media coverage and buzz across key audiences
- Strategic teasers through reveal cadence
- Support IMG with “launch in a box”
- New press kit format and delivery
- Rally our base, excite our Ford Family and opinion leaders as we drive advocacy
- Fully capitalize on IMG’s product launch cadence, continuing to highlight Ranger and Icons
- Develop comprehensive launch plans, including sustainment plans, for all new Ranger products that are planned. Integrate digital/virtual elements to launches. Integrate multimedia content into launch events. Measure success through coverage and media feedback
- Regain confidence & trust of key media to change the product conversation.
- Tell the Made in SAF Ranger story - highlight the important role of Ranger in South Africa’s automotive industry and overall economy
- Establish Ford as a Thought Leader, using its product portfolio in IMG’s Emerging Markets
- Social media: Assist in the creation of an engaging and consistent customer experience across all social media touchpoints.
- SAF brand revitalization - continue to rebuild brand trust by reinforcing product messaging
- Identify product opportunities to position Ford as a caring corporate citizen through media and influencer partnerships and highlight the role of Ford vehicles in CSI initiatives.
- Ongoing crisis management - respond swiftly and accurately to media queries.
- Assist in ensuring ongoing product assets and product content is world class and engaging for stakeholders
- Work to increase Ford’s reputation in IMG markets using analysis of product-related data to target the right messages, audiences and platforms.