Product Communications Specialist - Pretoria, South Africa - Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company

Verified Company

Pretoria, South Africa

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Thabo Mthembu

beBee Recruiter

Description

Build the image of the Ford products and primary brand by the development and implementation of comprehensive communication strategies

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

High level of ability with respect to event organisation, self discipline and administration
Communication proficiency. Must be articulate and have a thorough command of the English language. An understanding of Afrikaans and/or another South African official language would be useful but not essential.
A good understanding of Public Relations and the role it should play in the company's overall communication strategy is essential.
Ability to write and edit media releases.
The ability and willingness to work long hours and weekends (without overtime pay) is essential.
Must be in a position to regularly travel and attend functions and events away from home when required.
Be a team player and have a strong desire to assist in developing the company's Communications team into the best in the industry from the perspective of the media, service providers, government, NGO's, dealers, etc.
Ability to handle pressure.
Tenacity and adaptability.
Integrity

- able to respect confidentiality.

A high degree of professionalism.
Have a lively, inquiring mind, with lots of initiative and be selfmotivated.
Computer literate the ability to work with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and the Internet is a requirement.
Ability to handle difficult media personalities.
Ability to handle unhappy customers

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE

Degree or Diploma
Marketing and/or Communications
At least two years experience in a public relations management
Manages and coordinates all activities surrounding product strategies and communications to the media (Motoring, lifestyle, Trade, Consumer, social and electronic press).
Maximize Ford coverage in the media through various media strategies
Continued revitalisation of company and brand image amongst key media
Handles the commissioning of media releases and media kit photography with regard to all products and services.
Assists with the coordination of any exhibitions where Communications involvement is required.
Manages and coordinates the Road Test Fleet(Scheduling,Vehicle preparation, Timeous and appropriate defleeting, Traffic fine management)
Assist with internal product launches
Integrates with all Marketing and agency activities with regard to product communications
Bring to life Ford OS Behaviours through consistent & cohesive communications to all audiences & through all channels, with employees as a priority
Create enthusiastic brand advocates among Ford employees by using internal communication channels to share important product milestones and brand triumphs like major award wins
Build a solid foundation for winning product reveals and launches, Demonstrate Ford's obsession with the customer, build desire for the nameplate / brand
Create a disruptive reveal cadence that cements our obsession with the customer; generates positive media coverage and buzz across key audiences
Strategic teasers through reveal cadence
Support IMG with "launch in a box"
New press kit format and delivery
Rally our base, excite our Ford Family and opinion leaders as we drive advocacy
Fully capitalize on IMG's product launch cadence, continuing to highlight Ranger and Icons
Develop comprehensive launch plans, including sustainment plans, for all new Ranger products that are planned. Integrate digital/virtual elements to launches. Integrate multimedia content into launch events. Measure success through coverage and media feedback
Regain confidence & trust of key media to change the product conversation.
Tell the Made in SAF Ranger story highlight the important role of Ranger in South Africa's automotive industry and overall economy
Establish Ford as a Thought Leader, using its product portfolio in IMG's Emerging Markets
Social media: Assist in the creation of an engaging and consistent customer experience across all social media touchpoints.
SAF brand revitalization continue to rebuild brand trust by reinforcing product messaging
Identify product opportunities to position Ford as a caring corporate citizen through media and influencer partnerships and highlight the role of Ford vehicles in CSI initiatives.
Ongoing crisis management respond swiftly and accurately to media queries.
Assist in ensuring ongoing product assets and product content is world class and engaging for stakeholders
Work to increase Ford's reputation in IMG markets using analysis of productrelated data to target the right messages, audiences and platforms.