Group Reputation Lead

**Purpose of the Job**:
The purpose of the Group Reputation Lead role is to develop and implement the Group’s corporate narrative and reputation strategy, including proactively enhancing the Group’s image, responding to and resolving public image matters, and collaborating internally to deal with crisis situations and mitigate reputational risk. The Group Reputation Lead serves as a key contact for any reputational risks that may have an adverse impact on the public perception of the organisation and its external stakeholders. The role focuses on proactively driving a favourable narrative and image of the Group, its brands, products or services, across traditional and online channels, including driving initiatives that create goodwill, builds relationships, generates awareness and strengthens the Group’s corporate reputation. The Group Reputation Lead is a highly poised and skilled communicator, with excellent judgment and discretion to steer the corporate narrative favourably.

**Job Objectives**:
Develop an integrated corporate reputation strategy and narrative that supports the organisations strategic goals and brand objectives and drive its implementation across audience segments.
Establish a policy that defines the organisational reputation management strategy, directs the scope within which decisions can be taken across the organisation and guides operational actions and behaviour.
In partnership with marketing and brand teams, identify the positioning of the organisation and how to communicate this positioning to the target audience.
Lead initiatives that strengthen Shoprite’s reputation including civic engagements.
Keep watch on all activities related to the reputation of the business, proactively and immediately resolving, neutralising or diffusing situations that could result in reputational risk.
Deal with reputational matters as they arise, promptly engaging with relevant stakeholders, writing suitable responses, and advising teams, leadership and spokespeople on the organisation’s position on a particular matter.
Ensure all public statements, messaging and communications collateral are aligned with the organisational objectives, internal policies and reputational risk protocol.
Provide counsel to leadership and business units on corporate reputation, ensuring they are appropriately supported, trained and prepared for any media activity or external engagements.
Manage all reputational engagements with the media to the highest standard, ensuring all spokespeople are viewed as reliable and credible.
Respond to reactive media queries as well as comments and reviews on social media and other communication channels.
Monitor online and social media activity to understand how the business is viewed and implement actions to counter negative search results.
Provide practice standards, guidance and training to key stakeholders including PR, social media, marketing and brand teams on how to engage with the media and handle potential negative publicity.
Participate in and/or conduct surveys to assess general sentiment and attitude towards the organisation and brand and implement solutions to actively drive the corporate narrative favourably.

**Qualifications**:
Degree or Diploma in Communications, PR, Journalism or a related field - (essential).

**Experience**:
6+ years experience in a senior corporate communications role, with demonstrable experience developing and driving a corporate brand reputation strategy for a large organisation - (essential).
Experience in a retail environment - (desired).
Experience in a listed company - (desired).

**Knowledge and Skills**:
Extensive knowledge and experience in reputation and crisis management - (essential).
Deep understanding of media relations with demonstrable experience acting as a company spokesperson and engaging with both broadcast and print media interviews / events - (essential).
Deep understanding of brand and corporate identity - (essential).
Understanding of search engine behaviour, software and tools - (essential).
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including SharePoint Online - (essential).

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