Corporate Communications Manager

Position title: CORP. COMMS. EGY & NAF

Position grade: Manager

Reports to: Head of Communication, AFRICA

Department: Communications

• Annual corporate communication plan development building on the companies’ heritage and future and incorporating all function’s activities under one communication plan.
• Corporate Campaigning: Develop and execute an executive communications strategy, including content creation, a campaigning approach.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the automotive sector, work with the leadership team to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and develop appropriate strategies to mitigate any future risks.
• Lead cross functional strategies & tactics on the purchase funnel to enhance corporate brand image among target group intenders to contribute to the improvement of overall brand opinion. 
• Craft compelling and consistent brand messages that resonate with target audiences and reinforce the company’s positioning in the market.
• Ensure brand messaging consistency across corporate communication channels, including media releases and related social media.
• Actionable Insights: Use Global Communications’ tools “Social Listening” to analyze data to develop a strong understanding of the influence of traditional media and influencers and develop strategies to engage them to raise the reputation of Nissan and further the company’s business goals.
• Identify and implement partnerships & sponsorships with key entities, media and influencers by sector (eg EV, women driving, NIM, Formula E) to reach Nissan’s business goals in the market. 
• Mange, monitor and control Communications budget to ensure maximum RoI

• Manage public relations strategy allowing Nissan executives to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high level external audiences, including media, opinion leaders and key influencers.
• Drive corporate positioning for aggressive growth plans, manufacturing, leadership transition and product launches to support the achievement of business goals while taking a data-driven, digital-first, campaign led approach.
• Lead NAF communication team and work closely with functional Africa leads to develop the overarching strategic communications plan (covering corporate, brand and products) and messaging platform that supports the strategic corporate objectives and appropriately communicate it with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the automotive sector, work with the leadership team to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and develop appropriate strategies to mitigate any future risks.
• Identify and implement partnerships & sponsorships with key entities, media and influencers by sector to reach Nissan’s business goals and corporate positioning in South Africa.
• The scope includes corporate communications, product communication, brand positioning, media relations, executive visibility, digital & social media storytelling, CSR, events, sponsorships and communication/relation with Nissan Stakeholders – media, employees, customers, government, dealerships and suppliers.

• Build and implement a Digital Communication strategy targeting new channels and broader audiences than the traditional media ones.
• Manage & develop relationships with a network of influencers to contribute to the deployment of our news, product launches and life-cycle campaigns
• Advise and keep up-to-date the communication teams on Social media and influencers trends to increase impact of our external communication.
• Cultivate relationships with top tier influencers and content creators.
• Drive a digital content-led approach to strategic communications, harnessing media channels to position Nissan as an industry leader in digital engagement.

Geographical coverage: AFRICA

The job requires effective relationship with

• NMEG & AFRICA leadership & MC
• AMIEO Executives
• Agency teams
• Plus good network across all RBU and AMIO functions
• Government affairs
• Sales, Marketing, After Sales,

Required

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or related field.

Required: at least 10 years work experience in communication at a comparable level with extensive experience regionally (North Africa or Middle East)

Preferred: Specialty in corporate communications, digital & social media and crisis communications. Experience in media or other content organization. Understanding of communications techniques involving data and digital.

Technical: MS Office (mainly Excel and PowerPoint)

Language: excellent communication skills in English