Head: Corporate Communications

About the role

Takealot Group, a cornerstone of the South African e-commerce landscape, is hiring a Head: Corporate Communications for its Cape Town head office. This senior leadership role defines how the Group is perceived by stakeholders, from customers and investors to regulatory bodies, and ensures communication strategies are consistent across the business units of the wider Takealot ecosystem. It also acts as a key advisor to executive leadership, aligning corporate messaging with the Group's risk management and public policy agenda.

Key responsibilities

• Formulate and execute corporate communications strategies supporting the Group's long-term business goals.
• Design and maintain a messaging architecture that keeps the brand consistent across all public-facing platforms.
• Manage proactive and reactive media relations, including executive positioning and thought leadership.
• Develop and manage an issues and reputation register, working closely with Public Policy and Risk Management.
• Define governance operating models that link communication efforts between the Group and its business units.
• Oversee departmental budgets and foster a high-performance culture within the communications team.

Required profile

• Honours degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field (mandatory); a Master's degree is a significant advantage.
• At least 12 years of experience in corporate communications, with at least five in a senior leadership capacity.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive regulatory issues and complex policy environments.
• Deep understanding of the South African business and regulatory environment, with a strong grasp of crisis management.

Required skills

• Exceptional media relations skills.
• Proactive reputation management.
• Ability to influence executive-level decision-making.

The role is full-time and based in Cape Town. Takealot describes the package as competitive for a senior position in the South African corporate sector, with growth paths toward executive board roles.