Head: Corporate Communications

Takealot Group, a cornerstone of the South African e-commerce landscape, is inviting applications for the position of Head: Corporate Communications. Based at their head office in Cape Town, this senior leadership role is pivotal for an organisation that sits at the intersection of retail innovation, digital logistics, and public policy. As the group continues to scale, they require a strategic communications expert to shape the narrative of one of the country's most recognisable brands.

About the role

This position is designed for an experienced professional who can translate complex business objectives into a coherent corporate narrative. You will be responsible for defining how the Group is perceived by stakeholders, ranging from customers and investors to regulatory bodies. This is not merely an external-facing role; it involves high-level governance, ensuring that communication strategies are consistent across the various business units within the wider Takealot ecosystem.

You will act as a key advisor to executive leadership, ensuring that corporate messaging is synchronised with the Group's broader risk management and public policy agenda. By establishing a robust reputation intelligence capability, you will help the organisation anticipate shifts in public sentiment and manage issues before they escalate.

What you’ll do

The successful candidate will take ownership of the Group’s reputation, building frameworks that protect and elevate the brand’s profile. Your daily responsibilities will include:

• Formulating and executing comprehensive corporate communications strategies that support the Group's long-term business goals.
• Designing and maintaining a sophisticated messaging architecture to ensure brand consistency across all public-facing platforms.
• Managing proactive and reactive media relations, including executive positioning and thought leadership.
• Developing and managing an issues and reputation register, collaborating closely with Public Policy and Risk management departments.
• Defining governance operating models to bridge communication efforts between the Group and its constituent business units.
• Overseeing departmental budgets and fostering a culture of high performance within the communications team.

What they're looking for

Takealot is looking for a seasoned communications veteran who understands the nuances of the South African business and regulatory environment. You should bring a deep understanding of crisis management and a proven track record of managing high-stakes communications.

• **Academic Background:** An Honours degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field is mandatory; a Master’s degree will be considered a significant advantage.
• **Experience:** A minimum of 12 years of experience in corporate communications, with at least five of those years spent in a senior leadership capacity.
• **Strategic Expertise:** Proven ability to navigate sensitive regulatory issues and complex policy environments.
• **Core Competencies:** Exceptional media relations skills, a proactive approach to reputation management, and the ability to influence executive-level decision-making.

For a role of this seniority in the South African corporate sector—particularly within a major e-commerce or retail group—candidates can generally expect a competitive total cost-to-company (CTC) package that reflects the strategic importance of the function. Roles at this level often serve as a bridge to executive board positions, offering significant growth paths into broader corporate affairs or general management functions. As Takealot remains one of the most prominent employers in the Western Cape’s tech and retail space, this role provides an opportunity to influence the national discourse on the digital economy and local retail development.

• An Honours degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field; master's degree advantageous.
• At least 12 years of experience in corporate communications or related fields.
• Minimum of five years at senior leadership level.
• Strong record in media relations and crisis management.
• Experience navigating sensitive regulatory issues.