🔹 Job Title: Director, Area Marketing
🔹 Company: Mastercard
🔹 Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
Key aspects of this role include:
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders. It is ideal for a marketing professional with a proven track record in driving business growth through innovative marketing strategies.
✅ Lead marketing for the Southern Africa cluster, driving consumer and business strategy
✅ Develop tailored marketing programs to increase Mastercard card issuance and usage
✅ Leverage sponsorship and other platforms across PR and promotions to gain maximum impact for Mastercard
✅ Develop superior knowledge and marketing intelligence to create valued and differentiating programs
✅ Lead execution of Segmented Target Marketing strategies, including advertising, promotions, and sponsorships
✅ Contribute to development of customer and brand go-to-market plans
✅ Monitor and make adjustments to marketing budget to ensure all campaigns, programs, and activities are within allocated budget
✅ Serve as the voice of the consumer through leveraging insights and analytics to plan and execute marketing activities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the consumer journey and the ability to translate consumer insights into effective marketing strategies. It also demands excellent project management skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Education: Bachelor's degree required
Experience: Extensive marketing experience, including project leadership and innovation from strategy to implementation
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
ASSUMPTION: While a background in the payments industry is not strictly required, it would be beneficial for understanding the specific business context and customer needs. Fluency in additional languages and experience working in a matrix organization could also be valuable for this role.
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between ZAR 600,000 and ZAR 900,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a marketing director role with 5-10 years of experience in South Africa. This estimate is subject to change based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
Benefits:
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, Monday to Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Mastercard offers a competitive benefits package to attract and retain top talent.
Industry: Mastercard operates in the global payments industry, facilitating secure and convenient digital transactions for consumers, businesses, and governments worldwide.
Company Size: Mastercard is a large, publicly-traded company with over 10,000 employees globally. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects and teams.
Founded: Mastercard was founded in 1966 and has since grown into a leading global technology company in the payments sector.
Company Description:
Company Specialties:
Company Website: http://www.mastercard.com
ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's large size and global presence offer applicants the opportunity to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various markets and cultures. The company's focus on innovation and technology makes it an attractive employer for marketing professionals seeking to grow their careers in the digital payments industry.
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Country Manager for Southern Africa and the Marketing and Communications Vice President for the African division.
Reporting Structure: The Director, Area Marketing will dual-report to the Country Manager for Southern Africa and the Marketing and Communications Vice President for the African division, sitting on the management team for Southern Africa.
Work Arrangement: This role is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, with occasional travel required to meet with clients, partners, and other stakeholders.
Growth Opportunities:
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential for career progression within the marketing function or broader organization. The role also provides exposure to diverse markets and cultures, fostering personal and professional development.
Office Type: Mastercard's Johannesburg office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.
Office Location(s): 2000 Purchase St, Purchase, NY 10577, US
Geographic Context:
Work Schedule: Standard business hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work required to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's Johannesburg office provides a modern, collaborative work environment that supports innovation and creativity. The city of Johannesburg offers a vibrant cultural scene and a subtropical highland climate, making it an attractive location for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the digital payments industry.
Typical Process:
Key Assessment Areas:
Application Tips:
ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, consumer insights, campaign development, budget management, ROI, cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management, business growth, data-driven decision-making
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, analytical skills, and marketing expertise. Applicants should tailor their resumes and cover letters to highlight their relevant experience and skills, and prepare for interview questions that focus on their ability to drive business growth through innovative marketing strategies.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, marketing automation and CRM platforms, data visualization and analytics tools, and project management tools. Familiarity with industry-specific tools and technologies may also be beneficial.
Company Values:
Work Style:
Self-Assessment Questions:
ASSUMPTION: Mastercard values candidates who align with their core values, particularly 'Do the right thing' and 'Stay curious.' Applicants should assess their fit with the company's collaborative, data-driven work style and demonstrate their ability to drive business growth through innovative marketing strategies.
ASSUMPTION: This role presents several challenges, including managing a marketing budget and ensuring ROI, balancing strategic thinking with tactical execution, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, and adapting to a dynamic market landscape. Successful candidates will possess strong project management skills, excellent communication and collaboration abilities, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to drive business growth in the African market, with a focus on consumer and business strategy. Applicants should consider the competitive and dynamic nature of the payments industry and the strong growth opportunities available for the right candidate.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, data-driven, and collaborative nature of the Director, Area Marketing role. Applicants should prepare examples of their past marketing campaigns and their outcomes to demonstrate their ability to drive business growth.
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions focus on understanding the marketing landscape in South Africa, the role's collaboration with other functions, the key priorities for the first 90 days, Mastercard's support for professional development, and the key challenges facing the payments industry in the African market. Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.
To apply for this position:
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.