Product Communications Specialist at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

• 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
• Tell the Made in SAF Ranger story – highlight the important role of Ranger in South Africa’s automotive industry and overall economy
• 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.
• 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.