Senior Manager: Group Communications

Absa is seeking a seasoned Senior Manager for Group Communications to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg. This role is pivotal in shaping the internal narrative and fostering a connected, engaged workforce across the organisation. With a legacy spanning over a century, Absa is committed to empowering Africa's future, and this position offers an opportunity to be at the forefront of that mission, contributing to the bank’s ongoing growth and evolution as a proud African group.

About the Role

The Senior Manager: Group Communications will be instrumental in developing and executing tactical communication strategies that align with the group’s overarching strategic objectives. This role demands a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery, ensuring that integrated colleague communication methodologies are not only formulated but also effectively implemented and adopted across the organisation. You will serve as a trusted strategic advisor to business leadership, leveraging insights into audience behaviour, data analytics, channel expertise, and reputation management principles to achieve clear, measurable, and colleague-centric communication outcomes.

The core responsibilities of this position revolve around crafting and implementing a comprehensive integrated communication strategy. This involves translating enterprise-wide priorities, business unit objectives, and leadership directives into actionable communication plans. Key to this will be precise audience segmentation, astute channel selection, the development of compelling key messages, meticulous timing, and the identification and mitigation of risks and dependencies. You will also contribute significantly to an integrated editorial and channel calendar, ensuring a cohesive approach to enterprise-wide priorities, leadership visibility, change management programmes, cultural initiatives, and colleague engagement activities.

Furthermore, you will be responsible for facilitating and implementing internal communication platforms that encourage regular engagement between colleagues and leadership, thereby fostering visible leadership and a more engaged workforce. This includes the planning, writing, editing, and publishing of high-quality content across a variety of internal channels. These channels may encompass leadership messages, town hall meetings, intranet updates, email communications, digital signage, collaboration platforms, video content, events, and the development of manager toolkits. A crucial aspect of the role is building and maintaining strong relationships with various business units, positioning the Communications function as credible experts in reputation management. This involves proactively understanding the communication needs of the business and providing expert advice on strategic positioning and messaging.

Reporting and governance are also key functions. You will coordinate and deliver monthly measurement and insight reports for Group Internal Communications, contributing to performance evaluation and strategic refinement. Active participation in relevant forums, such as Newsroom and Creative Forum meetings, will be essential for coordinating appropriate group-wide communication priorities and ensuring alignment.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, candidates should possess a qualification in Marketing and/or Communications at NQF level 7. A proven track record of at least 5-12 years of experience in a similar senior management capacity is essential, with a preference for at least three years in a people management role.

Essential skills include exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, a high level of computer literacy, and demonstrable experience in executing communication strategies. The ability to identify compelling stories and news angles and translate them into actionable communication initiatives is highly valued. A working knowledge of new media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Large Language Models (LLMs) is also expected. Understanding of cross-geography communication strategies and a solid background in developing and implementing effective communication strategies are critical requirements for this position.

In South Africa, a Senior Manager in Group Communications within a large financial institution like Absa typically plays a vital role in internal stakeholder management and corporate reputation. While specific salaries vary significantly based on experience, the scope of the role, and the organisation's remuneration structure, such positions often command competitive packages. This role offers a significant growth path within a well-established organisation, with opportunities to influence organisational culture and contribute to strategic business objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Qualifications:

• A qualification in Marketing and/or Communications (NQF level 7)

 

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High level of computer literacy
• Proven experience in communication execution
• Ability to “mine” stories and news angles and convert these into actionable communications initiatives
• Working knowledge of new media and Artificial Intelligence LLM’s

 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• At least 5-12 years of work experience in a similar senior management position (preferably with 3 years in a people management position)

• Understanding of cross geography communication strategies
• Should have experience in developing and implementing effective communications strategies

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Communication Studies and Language (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised