Communications Manager – Africa Franchise, Ethiopia & Nigeria Foods needed at PepsiCo

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Develop and execute a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with SSA’s growth and transformation agenda.
• Internal Communications
• Oversee internal communications to foster alignment and engagement across geographies, partnering with HR and business leaders to drive culture, inclusion, and change initiatives.
• Amplify PepsiCo’s employer brand and employee stories to strengthen pride and attract talent across SSA.
• External Communications
• Manage media relations, press kits, and proactive storytelling to enhance brand visibility.
• Lead crisis communications and reputation management initiatives.
• Digital & Social Media
• Drive content strategy for SSA’s digital platforms, leveraging data-driven insights for engagement.
• Executive & Brand PR
• Own and execute the organization’s holistic reputation strategy, serving as a critical bridge between internal operations and the external world, with a mandate to deliver extensive Brand PR leadership that shapes public narrative, protects corporate image, and commercially amplifies key product initiatives.
• Craft compelling narratives for C-suite leaders and major brand campaigns.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with bottling partners, agencies, and global teams to deliver high-impact campaigns.
• Events & Advocacy
• Execute strategic events and support PPGA advocacy programs on sustainability, health, and social impact.

Qualifications

Experience:

• 5+ years in corporate communications within a global brand (Fortune 100/500 preferred).
• Proven success in executive communications, crisis management, and media relations.

Education:

• Required (Minimum): Bachelor’s degree in communication, Journalism, Public Relations (PR), Media Studies, or Marketing.
• Highly Preferred (Ideal): Post-Graduate Diploma or master’s degree (MA/MBA) in Corporate Communication, Business Management, or Strategic Marketing.
• Helpful (Certification): Relevant professional certifications from local bodies (e.g., PRISA) or global platforms, particularly in Digital Communication, Crisis Management, or ESG/Sustainability Reporting.

Skills:

• Native-level English fluency (written and spoken).
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Expertise in digital storytelling, social media strategy, and cross-cultural communication.

Mindset:

• Strategic thinker with agility to adapt in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and build authentic relationships.

Bonus:

• Knowledge of Africa’s socio-political landscape
• Experience with franchise bottling operations
• Local African languages and cultural acumen

Key Competencies:

• Strategic agility and ability to connect the dots across complex initiatives.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Resilience and adaptability in high-pressure environments.
• Growth mindset and willingness to travel across SSA markets.

Current Trends Incorporated:

• Digital-first approach: Emphasis on social media, analytics, and AI-driven personalization.
• Inclusive communication: Ability to craft messages that resonate across diverse cultures.
• Crisis readiness: Proactive reputation management in volatile markets.
• Data-driven storytelling: Using insights to measure and amplify impact.