Head of Communications

Position Overview

The Communication Specialist will report to the Investor Relations, M&A Executive and serve as a key partner in communicating Grindrod's purpose, strategy, and reputation. This role is accountable for delivering well-defined, measurable outcomes in line with business priorities related to stakeholder, employee, and public communications.

Key Deliverables

• Develop a robust Internal Communication Strategy.
• Develop and execute an internal communication plan that informs, inspires, and connects employees to the organisations' purpose and strategic objectives.
• Produce newsletters, announcements, video messages, and executive speeches, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with executive priorities.
• Establish feedback mechanisms (such as pulse surveys, Q&A sessions, and interactive platforms) to gauge employee response and engagement, reporting actionable insights to Executive Investor Relations.
• Coordinate leadership town halls, CEO Coffee sessions, change management communications, and regular updates on key company initiatives.
• Ensuring that the Group remains abreast of the changes in technology environment and ensuring that we are up to date with these changes including determination of if they should be adopted by the Group.
• Ultimately ensuring consistent and clear communication tone for both internal and external communications.
• Ensuring that the internal communication are in line with Grindrod strategy and strategic pillars, to facilitate consistent and clear communication.
• Updating all internal digital platforms including MyGrindrod, media hub etc.
• Other media, communications or similar tasks that maybe necessary for the successful execution of Grindrod's strategy.

External Communication & Public Relations

• Create and implement a comprehensive external communications plan that enhances company reputation and positions the CEO as an industry thought leader.
• Draft press releases, media statements, articles, and social media content for Grindrod Group.
• Manage media relations, including organising interviews, press briefings, and responding to queries in a timely and strategic manner.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, compiling regular reports and recommendations for Executive Investor Relations.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with journalists, and other external media stakeholders, as required.
• Responsible for responding to all media queries and drafting editorial as necessary.
• Determination of annual Group exhibitions and leading the preparation and execution of these events.
• Crisis Communication & Issues Management
• Prepare contingency communication plans and rapid-response messaging for reputational risks and crises.
• Co- ordinate with the leadership team, the CEO and Investor Relations, M&A Executive on sensitive issues, ensuring timely, accurate, and empathetic outreach to all relevant audiences.
• Review impact of crisis communications and report outcomes to Investor Relations, M&A Executive for continuous improvement.
• Content Creation & Executive Messaging
• Produce high-quality, engaging content including speeches, presentations, blog posts, video scripts, and CEO briefings tailored for diverse audiences.
• Ensure all messaging accurately reflects the organization' voice, values, and strategic priorities, and is optimised for multiple platforms (print, web, social media).
• Collaborate with Investor Relations on shareholder communications as necessary.

Measurement & Reporting

• Track and analyse the effectiveness of communication campaigns using KPIs such as engagement rates, media reach, sentiment analysis, and employee feedback.
• Deliver structured reports and recommendations to Investor Relations, M&A Executive highlighting successes, lessons learned, and opportunities for further engagement.
• Continuously refine communication strategies based on data-driven insights and stakeholder input.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field (master's degree preferred).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in corporate communications, PR, or executive communications, ideally supporting senior leadership and engaging with investor audiences.
• Proven ability to craft strategic messaging and deliver communication initiatives that drive measurable engagement.
• Strong media relations skills and experience handling high-profile external communications.
• Proficiency in digital and social media platforms, analytics tools, and content management systems.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence.

Reporting Line

This role reports directly to Investor Relations, M&A Executive and will work in close partnership with the CEO. Collaboration with HR, Branding & Marketing, and other business units will be expected to ensure communications are consistent, aligned, and effective across all channels and stakeholder groups.

Application closing date: 12 December 2025