Sappi Southern Africa is excited to announce an opening for the position of Regional Communications Practitioner within its Corporate Affairs team. This is an exceptional opportunity for individuals who are passionate about shaping communication strategies, enhancing brand narratives, and building strong internal and external relationships.
About the Role:
As a Regional Communications Practitioner, the selected candidate will be responsible for driving impactful communication strategies and initiatives that support internal stakeholders and business goals. This role is pivotal in enhancing Sappi’s brand, fostering communication consistency, and managing key projects and events. The successful individual will have the chance to influence both internal and external communication efforts within a global organisation that continues to thrive and innovate.
Key Responsibilities:
The Regional Communications Practitioner will be expected to:
- Develop and Implement Communication Strategies: The role requires the creation of operational communication strategies and plans aimed at supporting the business objectives of key stakeholders. The practitioner will provide functional and administrative support for relevant projects.
- Content Creation and Design: An essential part of the role is crafting engaging, informative content for various internal communication channels. This includes overseeing end-to-end production and ensuring that content is distributed effectively across platforms.
- Brand Management: The candidate will oversee the consistent application of Sappi’s Corporate Identity (CI) across all communication assets. This includes conducting brand audits, managing branding replacements, and ensuring that Sappi’s brand narrative is consistently articulated.
- Storytelling and Content Gathering: The practitioner will be expected to identify, gather, and create compelling stories from within the business. They will also contribute to external campaigns, ensuring that content is authentic and aligns with the company’s messaging.
- Event Coordination and Management: The role involves planning and executing internal events and supporting regional events. The practitioner will also assist with the capture of visual assets for Sappi’s online library.
- Program Coordination and Evaluation: Effectively managing strategic regional programs and ensuring on-time delivery is another important responsibility. The individual will also measure and evaluate the effectiveness of communication tools and messages, compiling research and reports to inform future strategies.
- Budget Management: The candidate will compile project budgets and manage expenditure within approved limits on SAP. Supporting the internal communication budget will also be part of their role.
- Relationship Building: Maintaining strong relationships with senior business leaders, external suppliers, and other stakeholders is essential to this role.
- Government Relations and Community Outreach: The communications practitioner will support the coordination of high-profile government delegations and will be involved in amplifying local success stories and communicating Sappi’s social impact initiatives to both internal and external stakeholders.
What We’re Looking For:
To be considered for this position, the candidate must meet the following requirements:
- Qualifications: A relevant Public Relations or Communications qualification is essential.
- Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communication or public relations is required.
- Driver’s License: A valid Code 08 driver’s license with at least three years of driving experience and access to their own transport.
What’s in it for You:
Sappi offers a dynamic and supportive environment where employees are encouraged to grow and thrive. Some of the benefits of joining Sappi Southern Africa include:
- Career Development: Sappi offers various learning and development programs that are designed to fast-track the career growth of its employees.
- Global Experience: As part of a leading global organisation, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to travel, depending on the role and requirements.
- Market-Leading Leave Benefits: Sappi offers competitive leave benefits that contribute to employee well-being.
- Employee Well-being Benefits: The company is committed to promoting the health and well-being of its employees.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
- Vaccination Support: Sappi encourages and supports vaccination efforts to ensure the safety and health of its workforce.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by 26 May 2025. To apply, please ensure that you meet the qualifications and experience criteria outlined above.
The role of Regional Communications Practitioner at Sappi Southern Africa offers a fantastic opportunity for seasoned professionals to enhance their career in a dynamic, global organisation. With an emphasis on impactful communication, branding, and relationship management, this is a position for individuals eager to contribute to a leading company’s communication strategies and projects.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact within an established global brand, Sappi Southern Africa is waiting for your application.
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