Snr Specialist Group Media Relations Job at Sasol

Purpose of Job

• Protect, enhance and grow Sasol’s reputation by leading external media relations across South Africa and key international markets. Operate the central media office: plan the proactive news agenda, develop and place stories, manage responses to media enquiries, and provide clear, timely guidance to executives and subject matter experts.
• Align all media activity with Corporate Branding and Communication, ensuring consistent messaging that reflects Sasol’s strategy and priorities. Lead issues and crisis communication protocols, including holding statements, rapid response, and media training support for leaders

Key Accountabilities

• Media strategy and agenda: Develop and implement a group media strategy aligned to Sasol’s strategy within Group Communication and Brand Management strategic objectives. Plan and manage the news agenda in collaboration with cross-functional teams (Corporate Communications, CSI, Government, Stakeholder Relations & Policy Advocacy, Investor Relations, Energy Marketing and Sales, etc).
• Business intelligence and monitoring: Design and manage real-time media monitoring (including social and digital), produce analysis and insights, and co-create external landscape reports as needed.
• Proactive media relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists and outlets locally and internationally (with regional and agency support). Draft and place media content; coordinate interviews and briefings.
• Messaging and content: Develop, maintain and update key messaging, holding statements and FAQs for priority issues and strategic focus areas; ensure accessibility to business, subject matter experts and issue-owner teams.
• Issues and crisis management: Lead media response in crises and sensitive issues; implement protocols, escalation paths and approval processes; execute mitigation and response plans; prepare leaders for media engagements.
• Cross-functional liaison: Interface with Investor Relations, Finance, Group Strategy, HR/Employee Relations, Government, Stakeholder Relations & Policy Advocacy, business unit and project teams to ensure factual accuracy, alignment and readiness.
• Governance and policy: Maintain media policies and guidelines; drive awareness and compliance across regions and sites; ensure conformance to brand and CI.
• Project and budget management: Scope, schedule and deliver multi-disciplinary media projects; track media-related budgets as needed, including cost management of service providers.
• External service providers: Manage contracts, briefing and delivery of work from agencies and vendors (media monitoring, PR, design, digital, photography, research) within budget.
• Leadership support: Provide subject-matter advice to the CEO, Office of the CEO, GEC and senior leadership; coordinate media training options for delegated spokespeople and relevant leaders.

Formal Education

• 3-4 year relevant University Bachelor’s Degree

Working Experience

• Experience: 9+ relevant years