Communications Manager

Reports to:

GM:
Marketing & Product

The Communication Manager is responsible for managing as well as ensuring consistent brand communication across channels. This role will drive the visibility of the Changan brand in South Africa, create impactful experiences, and safeguard a unified voice in all messaging. The position is central to brand building and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, dealers, media, and customers.

• Own the brand voice in South Africa: ensure all internal and external communication aligns with brand positioning (Reliability You Expect. Innovation You Deserve.).
• Develop and manage communication plans for product launches, dealer activities, aftersales campaigns, fleet initiatives, and corporate affairs.
• Write, edit, and oversee the production of press releases, newsletters, speeches, web content, and social media content.
• Manage media relationships (print, TV, radio, online, influencers) and ensure regular proactive engagement.
• Provide crisis communication support, ensuring timely, clear, and consistent responses.
• Maintain alignment between dealer communications, national advertising campaigns, and corporate messaging.

• Act as communication bridge with dealers, agencies, media, government, and industry bodies.
• Support executive communications: prepare talking points, briefing packs, presentations, speeches.
• Drive employee engagement through internal newsletters, announcements, and events.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, PR (postgraduate an advantage).
• Minimum 7+ years’ experience in brand communications, or PR (automotive or FMCG industry preferred).
• Strong understanding of South African media landscape and influencer ecosystems.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Experience managing agencies, vendors, and budgets.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in additional SA languages an advantage.

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to deliver under pressure, with strict deadlines.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Creative thinker with an eye for detail and brand consistency.
• Self-driven, with high levels of initiative and accountability.
• Comfortable operating in a start-up / new market entry environment.