Organisation: Volkswagen Group
Vacanct Position: Audi PR & Relationships Manager
Stipend: ZAR (79,700.00)
Qualification: diploma
Location: Sandton, Gauteng
Job Description
• To liaise and interact daily with the media in order to establish networks and communications channels to heighten visibility and enhance image of Audi SA and its products
• To supply accurate product, consumer and corporate information and photographic services to the media to enhance and promote the Audi brand
• To initiate, plan and support the Events Manager to execute local and international press launches and conferences to South African media/press
• To draft, process and distribute media releases about Audi products, projects and topical agenda points in order to build the Audi corporate brand.
• To monitor and analyse new product and brand publicity generated through AVE reporting with agency partners.
• To act as a company spokesperson for Audi South Africa.
• To facilitate customer service experience concerns which have received heightened attention in the media and on social media channels. • To attend to and draft official responses on behalf of Audi through the Customer Interaction Centre’s query system
• To curate and compile Audi brand content (lifestyle, consumer, corporate and product) for Audi SA owned channels (MyAudiWorld, Audi.co.za, Audi SA social media channels).
• Effective management and campaign support of Audi Brand Ambassadors, Audi Influencers and other publicity programmes and media partnership initiatives which may arise
• Responsible for issuing accurate Audi brand related content timeously for internal news platforms and for CRM and social media purposes
• Supporting internal communications department with Audi content in order to build an internal Audi brand at Volkswagen Group South Africa
• Control and management of Audi PR budget with monthly KPI updates for NSO Controlling and Audi Division Head
• Facilitating support and supervising the press road test programme for Audi with VW Group Communications fleet team
• Overseeing the operational management of Audi SA Press demonstrator Fleet with support from VW Group Communications and regional Fleet Managers, including maintenance of vehicles to achieve optimal usage targets
• Coordination of projects (including the Audi Corporate PR profiling / local relevance project) in conjunction with agencies
• Provide support to Audi brand marketing campaigns, projects and events in planning and leveraging any PR opportunities which may be presented
• Effectively manage the Audi PR and social media agency with regards to promoting, building and integrating the Audi brand narrative, personality and brand agenda points within the broader marketing strategy
• Effectively plan and execute Audi of South Africa’s CRM strategy and activity plan to communicate a sustained presence with Audi prospects and customers that enhances Audi SA’s corporate reputation and loyalty targets
Education and Experience
• A formal 3-year National diploma or Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution in Marketing / Communications Science / Journalism / Public Relations / Commerce
• A relevant post-graduate qualification / Honours degree would be advantageous
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in automotive Marketing and Communications
Skills, Attributes & Other requirements
ESSENTIAL:
• Knowledge and understanding of marketing principles, brands and brand image
• Knowledge of existing and emerging social media platforms
• Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) practice and principles
• Previous Marketing Communications, Journalistic and/ or Public Relations experience would be advantageous
• Sound knowledge of Audi structures, products and premium market competitors
• Appropriate insight and understanding of the automotive market and overall competitive environment
• Exhibit a suitably professional demeanor to serve as ambassador of the Audi Brand in dealing with the public and South African media • Strong ability to plan, manage and direct the PR strategy for Audi across the sub-segments of product, brand and corporate pillars
• Keen interest in and sound understanding of CRM, digital / social media marketing, communication strategies and media principles
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively at all levels with astute verbal and written communication skills; and an excellent command of the English language in facilitating public speaking opportunities and drafting written responses and copy on behalf of the Audi brand.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization
• Ability to act as a PR champion and advisor to the Audi Leadership team in managing their speaking opportunities, presentations and engagements with the media
• Ability and confidence to negotiate and interact with main stream media, brand influencers and other public representatives on all levels
• Excellent rapport in internal / external customer relationship management and networking skills
• Ability to plan and organise effectively in supporting the Events Manager with Press events and engagements where there is a media / press interface
• Ability to manage agency partners and third party suppliers in executing the PR communications, social media and CRM strategy and supporting activities
• Operational management of Audi’s day to day social media activities and online content strategy
• Strong grounding in project management and supporting skills to successfully execute simultaneous projects in parallel
• Supervising the overall press fleet management and directing experience when preparing and placing Audi press vehicles with media and personalities for events and other media engagements
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and maintain composure at all times
• Direct management of the Head of Audi’s LinkedIN personal account for corporate brand profiling opportunities through relevant content development
• Demonstrate integrity and diplomacy
• Be a team player, yet able to work and manage output independently
• Ability to collaborate with other areas of the business (Brand Marketing, Product, Aftersales, etc.) in strategizing activities to profile their activities in the media
• A high level of energy, enthusiasm and work commitment
• Computer proficiency with advanced knowledge of MS Office Suite
• Understanding of financial principles and budgetary control