Deputy Business Unit Leader - Communication

SUMMARY:
The purpose of this role is to support the Business Unit Leader in managing the reputation of the company and enhancing its image and brand

POSITION INFO:

The incumbent must provide support to the BUL in leading and managing the implementation of the stakeholder strategy to support the strategic aspirations of the company. The DBU’L must lead the strategic coordination, monitoring, and reporting of communication related functions. This role involves facilitating stakeholder engagements, and providing leadership in driving the implementation of key communication objectives and ensuring continuous improvements. To support the BUL in enhancing the brand and position the company as leader in South Africa and as an employer of choice and as an organisation that upholds and reflects its mandate with all its stakeholders, in particular its employees, the public sector, the general public, the media, opinion leaders and other relevant stakeholders.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPA’s)

Strategic Function

• Provide strategic support the development of the communication strategy of the company
• Support the development and implementation of the communication functions of the strategy
• Drive execution and implementation of communications strategic initiatives
• Promote and manage institutional cooperation within the company and its stakeholders
• Lead the development of quality content and oversee quality control efforts
• Support direct reports in the coordination and proactive communication activities of the company
• Monitor performance against strategic objectives and provide continuous feedback to ensure alignment with organisational goals
• Manage the reporting of the BU and development of the BSC that aligns with the strategic aspirations of the company and the objectives of the BU
• Coordinate and provide guidance to senior managers on the implementation of the BU BSC and monitor the implementation of the centre''s operational strategies and plans

Product Management

• Contribute to the creation, implementation and measurement of the external communications, stakeholder strategy and programme to promote and protect the image and reputation of the company
• Design and implement a reputation management programme, identifying key stakeholders and developing a stakeholder engagement programme
• Lead the implementation a marketing strategy to enhance the company brand
• Lead the implementation of the content development strategy and ensure its implementation across platforms
• Ensure processes and capacity are built to develop high-quality content for various stakeholder groups
• Quality assure all official the company communication products and materials
• Create, manage and measure the success of the content of the company digital platforms
• Lead and deliver service excellence keeping with the company brand
• Negotiate agreements with 3rd party service providers to ensure the lowest cost and highest quality of service
• Develop an understanding and awareness of the internal communications needs within and across the company and its provincial offices
• Design, implement and coordinate all internal communication initiatives, delivering timely and effective communications across the company
• Promote knowledge exchange in the company and employee engagement
• Develop and maintain a calendar of events and implement a system that enables long-term planning and effective event management for the company’s events
• Conduct comprehensive environmental scans that include media and stakeholder issues
• Drive the knowledge and information architecture that facilitates the sharing of information internally and, where appropriate, with external stakeholders
• Monitor spending and ensure effective use of the financial resources of the unit
• Conduct surveys and manage the response to the insights to ensure good maintenance and improvement of the baseline
• Lead and manage strategic projects ensuring that all initiatives align with the company’s vision and are delivered on time and within scope
• Provide project management support for critical initiatives, ensuring successful completion in line with stakeholder expectations
• Track and report on progress on Communications initiatives, providing regular updates to BUL Communication and other Business Unit Leaders

Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate, monitor and report on the implementation of the Business Unit and organisational stakeholder engagement plan in line with the company Accountability Ecosystem Policy Framework
• Lead and support the DAG in his stakeholder management efforts
• Lead the reporting and monitoring, and provide guidance on the influence goal initiatives and ensure adequate application of the framework
• Develop and execute in collaboration with ABUs the thought leadership programme that promotes the work of the company
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders as per the engagement plan
• Research the level of stakeholder satisfaction with both internal and external stakeholders
• Develop relations with all ABUs to ensure free flow of information for management of internal communication, marketing initiatives and content development
• Identify new stakeholders and introduce them to ABUs, and outline the business imperative that mobilises them to be active participants in the accountability ecosystem

People Management

• Lead the development and facilitation of an employee culture plan that promotes employee wellness and encourages productivity
• Manage together with BUL the performance of senior managers and ensure that they implement innovative and proactive communication that enhances the company''s reputation
• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of BU transformation strategies
• Implement and drive a strong ethical culture, champion awareness, also deal with ethical breaches in a decisive manner
• Create an inclusive culture and greater cooperation in which all individuals can contribute and perform
• Contribute to the company realising the people strategy strategic aspirations

Financial Management

• Monitor budget spending and ensure effective use of resources
• Ensure that BU deliverables are executed economically, efficiently and effectively in terms of recoverability and productivity
• Inspire, motivate and empower staff to be accountable for decisions and actions that impact the BU’s performance
• Communicate balanced scorecard requirements during vision achievement/organisation alignment and other sessions
• Address and guide team members on matters affecting the BU''s reputation and performance
• Facilitate and monitor the implementation of a BU transformation plan
• Ensure an effective training programme is maintained for staff members
• Monitor and track team performance and talent

Other responsibilities (Applicable to All JD’s)

• Perform and/ or manage other projects, tasks and assignments delegated by the Business Unit Leader not stipulated in the role profile description as and when required

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Emotional Maturity
• Empowerment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity
• Authenticity
• Performance Excellence
• Accountability
• Courageous and Ethical Leadership

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Understanding of the company mandate
• Communication and reputation management
• Project Management
• Relationship and stakeholder management
• Financial and management skills

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Minimum requirement

Formal Education

This position requires Minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s Degree/ Post Graduate Diploma in Communication/ Marketing/ Public Relations. Registration with a Relevant Professional body will be an added advantage

Experience

Minimum 8 to 10 years’ experience in public relations and marketing, of which at least 5 years should have been at a senior management/ higher level. Proven track record and experience in communications, content development, marketing campaigns, and internal communication as an added advantage.