We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Public Relations Lead to plan and implement Sappi Southern Africa’s public relations strategy, policies and procedures as well as lead, manage and deliver an external communications work programme which includes corporate publications, sustainability and digital communications.

As a Public Relations Lead, you will be responsible for:

• Developing and manage public relations plans and ensure that they stay aligned with the business’s overall objectives.

• Play a leading role in creating the business/product’s messaging on thought leadership platforms, which will, in time, position the business as a thought leader in the market.

• Lead the development and delivery of the South African region external corporate publications such as the Sustainability Report, creating powerful PR content.

• Direct and oversee the overall external communications and media relations strategies and the relationships with stakeholders.

• Lead media outreach initiatives in the business inclusive of pitching, handling inbound media queries, and managing relationships between the business and local, national, and international media.

• Promotes the business in media briefings, conferences, interviews, press releases, and articles.

• Create and maintain a PR Calendar all of External Communications 

• Manage media agency that is responsible for the social media of South African digital platforms. 

• Responsible for developing content, storylines, and written materials and messages such as press releases, media advisories, pitches, presentations, talking points, fact sheets, web and intranet content, video scripts, award nominations, and other communications materials that are tied to the business’s brand and the PR plan framework.

• Responsible for the deployment of internal communications content that increases the employees’ understanding of the public relations role, activities, and media coverage functions.

• Defines desired results and ensures measures are in place.

• To manage the procurement of and relationships with creative agencies and suppliers required in the execution of tasks.

• Provide a supportive and collaborative role for the Communications team by playing an active role in content creation, keyword development, and directory listings, which increases the business/product’s outreach to consumers.

• Develops, maintains, and enhances PR analytics tools, and reporting process methods.

• Collaborates with group communications team on the development of the annual Sappi Southern Africa sustainability report.

• Create systems and lead the project and oversee the workload, resources, internal/external teams to deliver on multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously, meeting deadlines, quality measures and budgets.

What are we looking for?

• Degree / NQF Level 6 qualification in Marketing/Communication

• Post grad/Honours degree would be advantageous

• At least 8 years’ experience in Communication and or a similar high-pressure environment

• Experience in managing multiple public and private sector stakeholder interests

• Proven successful experience working in a collaborative and cross-functional setting

• Proven track record of successfully executed media strategies while working in a PR position

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence

• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi

• Opportunities to travel (dependent on the role)

• Market-leading leave benefits

• Employee wellbeing benefits