Executive Head of Group Communications at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• The purpose of this role is to conceptualize communications programmes and strategies, drive the implementation and execution of the strategies within the internal Absa environment in support of the Group Executive Leadership and Board objectives. 
• The role includes providing leadership and guidance to direct reports and conducting an advisory role to the broader communications community within the Group – as a thought leader, providing direction and innovation in corporate communication initiatives.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities:

• Develop and execute communications plans that support the Absa Group strategy; the CEO Office; the AGL Exco and Board – this includes both tactical communications in line with business operations and reputation management issues, as well as proactive communications to effectively position these stakeholders in line with the corporate ambition and thought leadership positioning of each stakeholder
• Provide strategic, issue and crisis communication advice (reputation management) - including formal and informal scanning (communication, customer and environmental insights) and issues identification and monitoring
• Develop communications initiatives that will effectively position Absa Group, the CEO and the Group leadership in the market, in line with the respective focus areas as outlined in the Group strategy (in collaboration with the Brand Execution Lead)
• Develop relationships with the media and provide strategic support to the organisation in media management
• Represent the Group on relevant industry bodies, to influence and shape the landscape of communications practice on the African continent
• Develop an internal brand inspiration programme to sustain internal pride and buy-in for the corporate (shared) Absa brand
• Interlock with Group Culture and other stakeholders to ensure that brand is effectively embedded in shared culture, values and behaviours initiatives
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of competitor corporate communications /PR/thought leadership activity – to ensure Group and Group Marketing & Corporate Affairs leadership are kept abreast of market activity and opportunities to enhance the Group’s voice and distinctiveness in the market
• Provide thought leadership to the Group Marketing & Corporate Affairs teams, as well as communications practitioners across the Group – to ensure the community is equipped to effectively deliver world class communications activity (innovation, new methods, new channels etc.)
• Understand the control measures applicable to my role through reading the Code of Conduct and other training allocated to me. Where responsible for risks and controls ensure that these are appropriate and fit for purpose
• All mandatory training completed to deadline and understood within given timescales
• Where applicable, all key risks identified, tracked, logged and managed as per the Risk Framework procedures
• Where applicable, all key controls to have identified owners, with audit trail of regular review and maintenance together with supporting records
• Where applicable, all risk events (incidents) or control failures to be escalated, investigated, reported and fixed at root cause to prevent reoccurrence

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• Minimum B-degree (NQF level no.7) / Desired: Post Graduate Degree (NQF level no.8+)

Preferred Experience:

• 5-8+ years (Technical/Managerial) experience
• 5-8+ years of Communications experience

Knowledge and Skills:

• Senior leadership experience
• At least 2-3 years in a multinational Corporate environment
• Superior understanding of Business Operations Management
• Strategic planning and execution
• Superior understanding of Corporate Communications environment

Education

• Bachelor's Degree: Marketing (Required)