Job Description

Location: Durbanville | Full-time (on-site)
Position Summary
The PR & Communications Specialist role is responsible for driving Our Client's Engineering's visibility in the automotive and mobility sector. It combines media relations, thought leadership, digital content, and event support to position the company as an industry leader in North America and globally. The role plays a critical part in shaping the company's reputation, building relationships with key industry influencers, and ensuring that communications remain strategic, consistent, and aligned with business objectives.
The role is accountable for:

• Developing and implementing a PR strategy, messaging framework, and content calendar
• Securing earned media coverage through press releases, journalist pitches, and bylined articles
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with automotive and mobility journalists, influencers, and industry bodies
• Supporting executive visibility and thought leadership through articles, LinkedIn presence, and speaking opportunities
• Managing PR execution at industry events, including media kits, spokesperson briefings, and interviews
• Monitoring and reporting on PR performance, share of voice, sentiment, and industry positioning
• Collaborating cross-functionally with HR (employer branding), engineering (technical narratives), and marketing (campaign integration) to ensure aligned communications

Education & Qualifications:

• BA in Corporate Communication or BTech/BCom in Public Relations Management.
• Supplemented with short courses in Digital PR, Social Media Analytics, and Event PR (advantageous).

Experience:

• International / global experience (preferred but not mandatory) -- demonstrated ability to operate effectively across diverse markets, with preference for exposure to the USA.
• 5+ years' PR/communications experience (automotive, tech, or related industries preferred).
• Demonstrated success in media relations with strong coverage in top-tier publications.
• Proven storytelling and executive communications skills across multiple formats (articles, op-eds, speeches, social media).
• Event and spokesperson prep experience, including logistics and media engagement at industry expos.
• Confident in using PR/analytics tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Brandwatch, Meltwater, Hootsuite).
• Experience managing crisis communications and reputational risks is a strong advantage.

Skills & Competencies:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word).
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills to drive business development strategies effectively.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills to build and maintain client relationships.
• Ability to analyse financial statements and market trends to inform business decisions.
• Experience in brand development, digital marketing strategies, and market research.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Willing to travel both domestically and internationally as required for business opportunities, client meetings, and industry events.

Kindly note that by submitting your application for this career opportunity, you agree that Guardian Recruiting may use your application for the purpose of the recruitment and selection of the said position, and this information may be shared with the relevant stakeholders in the business.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Should you not have heard back within a two-week period, please assume that your application was unsuccessful.
All job postings are in accordance with our Client's BEE requirements. Please only send certificates when requested to do so.

Skills Required