Brand Manager

SUMMARY:
Private Game Reserve with Head Offices based in Pretoria East is looking for an experienced Brand Manager to join their management team.
 
As they refine and expand their presence across PR, digital platforms and guest touchpoints, they are seeking a visionary and results-driven Brand Manager to lead this transformative journey.
 
Candidates working from home elsewhere in SA will be considered.  Please note that regular visits to the Reserve (Hoedspruit area) and Head Office for in-person meetings will be required.

POSITION INFO:
Duties:

Lead Brand Strategy: Evolve brand positioning to align with the ultra-luxury market while staying true to our unique heritage and values
Website & Digital Elevation: Oversee the redevelopment of our website and digital assets with a luxury lens, elegant, immersive, and conversion-focused
PR & Media Presence: Drive high-impact public relations campaigns locally and globally; secure placements in top-tier travel, lifestyle, and luxury media
Guest Experience Alignment: Ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints, from online discovery to lodge arrival and beyond
Creative Direction: Guide visual identity, storytelling, and creative content across platforms, from brochures and social media to film and experiential activations
Agency & Partner Management: Collaborate with and manage external agencies, photographers, and content creators to bring the brand vision to life
Market Insight: Stay ahead of luxury and ultra-luxury trends, competitive movements, and guest expectations and translate insights into action

Requirements:

Grade 12
B.Com in Marketing, Brand Management, Communications, Business, or a related field
A postgraduate qualification or MBA in Marketing, Luxury Brand Management, or Hospitality / Tourism Marketing is advantageous
At least 5+ years of brand management experience, ideally within the luxury travel, hospitality, lifestyle, or high-end consumer goods sectors
Proven success in building or evolving a luxury or premium brand, with measurable impact
Experience managing PR, digital marketing, creative campaigns, and brand partnerships
Hands-on involvement in website redevelopment or digital UX projects with luxury positioning
Proven experience in luxury or ultra-luxury branding, ideally in hospitality, travel, lifestyle, or design sectors
Experience in global or high-net-worth (HNW/UHNW) market engagement is highly valued
Strong understanding of brand strategy, customer journey mapping, and positioning frameworks
Familiarity with PR tools, brand performance metrics, brand monitoring, share of voice and digital analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, AHREFS, SEMrush etc,)
Competent in working with creative direction tools and briefing designers, content creators, and photographers
Knowledge of luxury marketing principles, including exclusivity, sensory storytelling, emotional connection, and experiential branding
Willingness to travel as required by the role.
Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Exceptional storytelling skills — verbal, visual, and strategic
A deep understanding of affluent consumer behaviour and how to reach UHNW audiences
Experience leading PR campaigns, brand refreshes, or luxury website launches
Strong project management skills and the ability to work across diverse teams
A deep love for South Africa and the African bush — and a desire to help the world experience it at its most beautiful
Strong business administration experience
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Self-managed and proactive, with the ability to work with minimal supervision