Senior Manager: Communication (Human Capital)

Absa Bank is seeking a seasoned Senior Manager for Communication, focusing specifically on Human Capital. This pivotal role is designed to shape and amplify the organisation's internal narrative, ensuring employees are not only informed but also deeply connected to Absa's overarching purpose, values, and strategic objectives. The incumbent will be instrumental in cultivating a vibrant, inclusive, and high-performance culture by developing and executing cutting-edge internal communication and engagement strategies.

Strategic Communication and Employee Engagement

At its core, this position is about weaving compelling stories that resonate with the workforce. The Senior Manager will be responsible for crafting and implementing comprehensive internal communication plans that directly support the Group's Human Capital strategy and engagement initiatives. This involves translating complex enterprise-wide messages and leadership updates into clear, impactful communications. The role requires a strategic mind to ensure that all communication efforts align with and champion the organisation's transformation programmes and cultural evolution.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing internal communication strategies aligned with Human Capital priorities.
• Creating narratives that connect employees to the bank's purpose, values, and strategic direction.
• Coordinating internal campaigns that highlight key Human Capital initiatives, foster the desired culture, and drive strategic objectives.
• Leading the planning and execution of vital engagement activities such as town halls and recognition programmes.
• Supporting the delivery of inclusive engagement experiences tailored for both in-office and remote or hybrid work environments.

Content, Channels, and Collaboration

A significant part of this role involves the creation and dissemination of engaging content across various internal platforms. The Senior Manager will oversee the content lifecycle, ensuring a consistent and on-brand message is delivered through channels like newsletters, the company intranet, videos, and other digital tools. This also extends to managing and optimising these digital communication platforms, ensuring they are user-friendly and consistently updated to serve as effective conduits for information and engagement.

Collaboration is paramount. The Senior Manager will work closely with various Human Capital Centres of Expertise (CoEs), business units, and HC Services teams to ensure messages are amplified and harmonised across the organisation. A key aspect of this is supporting the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and the wider HC leadership team by preparing essential materials for their key engagements, including talking points and presentation decks. This liaison function ensures a seamless flow of information between HC and the broader business functions.

Furthermore, the role demands a forward-thinking approach to digital enablement and innovation. The Senior Manager is expected to explore and leverage emerging technologies, such as AI and automation, and interactive tools like chatbots and pulse surveys, to enhance communication and engagement. Utilising data analytics to personalise communication and optimise reach and relevance will be crucial. Staying abreast of the latest trends in internal communications and employee engagement technologies is a continuous requirement.

Finally, a critical element of the role is the rigorous measurement and continuous improvement of communication effectiveness. This involves monitoring engagement levels and communication impact through dashboards, pulse checks, and feedback mechanisms. Analysing this data will be essential for identifying areas for refinement in messaging, formats, and strategy, with regular reporting on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and engagement metrics to inform strategic decision-making.

To excel in this position, candidates should possess a deep understanding of internal communications, employee engagement, and organisational culture. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across diverse formats and platforms are essential. Experience with digital communication tools, intranet management, and analytics dashboards is required, as is the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders within a complex, matrixed environment. Familiarity with the South African labour landscape, diversity and inclusion principles, and hybrid work models would be advantageous. Typically, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, coupled with 5 to 12 years of experience in internal communications, including at least three years in a people management capacity, is expected for such senior roles within large organisations. While not always explicitly stated, roles like this often pave the way for further progression within HR leadership or broader organisational strategy functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diplomas, Post Graduate Certificate, or B Tech [NQF7] in Business/Communications

Work Experience:

• 5 - 12 years experience in a specific capability of importance to the bank, including a track record of 3 years in a people management position.
• Exposure to process design, optimisation, quality management, customer centricity, technology and data-driven decision-making is preferred.
• Strategic Communication in a large organisation

 

COMPETENCIES:

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Business Acumen
• Communication
• Influence
• Leadership
• Delivering Results
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Decision-Making

 

Technical Competencies:

• Strategic communication planning
• Content creation and channel management
• Digital tools and analytics
• Campaign and event coordination
• Stakeholder engagement

 

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