Manager: PR & Brand

JOB PURPOSE:

As the Manager: PR & Brand, you will be responsible for developing and driving the execution of strategic and high impact brand initiatives, in line with the brand strategy and budget, that elevate Ackermans and enhance the brand equity and perception in the market. 

You will play a pivotal role in enhancing brand appeal and driving customer consideration and engagement through public relations, brand partnerships and collaborations, influencer marketing public as well as sponsorships and events. 

Collaborating closely with cross functional teams and managing key external relationships, you will ensure that all brand efforts are aligned to the overall business and brand objectives, resonate with customers and uphold a strong, distinct and consistent brand image across all channels and touchpoints.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategic Planning: 

• Work closely with the Marketing Manager: Brand on the development of the brand strategy in line with business objectives.
• Aligned to the brand strategy, compile and manage the annual brand activity calendar
• Implement, monitor and measure the success of the developed plans to ensure that they are flexible to adapt to a dynamic environment and changing business needs

2. Brand Partnerships and Collaborations:

• Identify and evaluate brand partnership and collaboration opportunities that align with Ackermans’ brand positioning, values, target audience, and brand objectives
• Plan and co-ordinate strategic partnerships and collaborations from inception to execution, including activity and activation plans, budget management, and post-campaign analysis ensuring mutual benefits for both parties are achieved
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with partners to maximize collaboration opportunities and brand exposure

3. Influencer Relations:

• Track and measure the performance and effectiveness of campaigns, adjusting strategies as needed to optimise reach and engagement

• Give input into influencer strategy and tactics that amplify brand messaging and connect with target audiences across social platforms
• Manage the key influencer campaigns, activities and tactics from inception to execution, including activation plans, budget management, and post-campaign analysis
• Collaborate with relevant influencers, content creators, brand ambassadors and other key opinion leaders to ensure the delivery of impactful campaigns that align with brand objectives and resonate with customers

4. Public Relations:

• Work closely with PR partners to manage the brand’s reputation and media relations ensuring consistent and positive media coverage
• Collaborate on press releases, interview guides, media pitches and kits and other PR initiatives that highlight and amplify brand initiatives and key campaigns, product launches and corporate milestones and news
• Cultivate relationships with key media contacts, journalists, and industry influencers to secure press coverage and media partnerships
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends, providing insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders to improve brand relevance and competitiveness

5. Event and Sponsorship Management:

• Lead the planning, coordination and execution of brand events and sponsorships such as product launches, brand activations and customer engagement events to drive media attendance, consumer engagement, and brand visibility.
• Partner with internal teams and external agencies/vendors to ensure that event logistics, production and attendee experiences are world class.
• Collaborate with the digital and social media teams to promote events before, during and after, ensuring maximum visibility and participation.

6. Brand Projects and Campaigns: 

• Plan and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery on budget
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to define and align on project plan scope, objectives and deliverables.
• Develop and implement detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, resources
• Monitor project progress, conduct regular check-ins and adjust plans as necessary to meet changing requirements and priorities
• Develop and execute integrated brand campaigns that align with brand objectives and guidelines
• Ensure that messaging, design and storytelling are consistent across all channels

7. Management:

Financial Management: 

• Plan, monitor and manage the brand budget effectively with the intention of maximizing impact and ROI within budget parameters
• Track spend against budget (and forecast) providing regular updates and recommendations to the Marketing Manager: Brand
• Adjust the phasing of the brand budgets as and when required

Stakeholder Management/ customer focus: 

• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders to ensure their needs and expectations are met.

Talent Management: 

• Lead and mentor the marketing coordinator and facilitate communication and collaboration among team members to achieve campaign objectives.

JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Knowledge

• An excellent comprehension of marketing strategies, branding, customer behaviour and principles relevant to value retailing, as well as a practical grasp of the advertising and media landscape.
• A strong understanding of customer and market dynamics and requirements.
• Knowledge and application of brand positioning and identity, differentiation and competitive analysis.
• Knowledge of effective communication strategies and messaging techniques to convey the brand’s story, values, and value proposition effectively.
• Extensive knowledge of public relations and influencer marketing.Understanding of crisis management principles and practices to protect brand reputation

Skills

• Creative, original, innovative thinker with a mindset and a passion for compelling storytelling and effective brand building.
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with key stakeholders, internal and external (agencies, partners, influencers, media), building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to craft impactful and distinctive brand narratives.
• Ability to think strategically and analytically.
• A meticulous eye for detail, ensuring brand consistency and quality in all materials and campaigns.
• Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritise, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities and market conditions.
• Ability to managing brand budgets effectively with maximum ROI
• Proficiency in social media platforms, PR performance tracking tools, analytics and ROI analysis
• Flexibility to travel and work outside normal business hours, as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, Public Relations or related field

EXPERIENCE:

Essential

• A minimum of 5 years’ proven experience in a brand management or marketing role, with expertise in public relations, influencer marketing, brand partnerships/partnerships and events/sponsorships.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience at a mid-management level, including the responsibility of leading cross functional projects, teams and external partners.
• Experience within the retail/fashion industry and/or PR, publishing/media industry.
• Proven track record of crafting and executing compelling and impactful brand campaigns, communication plans and public relations activities.
• Extensive experience in developing, maintaining and delivering on brand strategies that meet business and brand objectives.

Preferred

• Experience in effective brand building including brand positioning, visual identity and differentiation.
• Effective management of multiple supplier and partner relationships.