Specialist: Group Marketing and Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Specialist: Group Marketing and Communications

🔹 Company: Absa Group

🔹 Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Seamless end-to-end coordination of group events, sponsorships, and activations
• Ensuring an exceptional and safe guest experience before, during, and after each event
• Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Managing guest logistics and addressing on-site issues
• Working with vendors, agencies, partners, and venues to align guest-related logistics with event objectives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. It also demands a high level of professionalism and the ability to maintain a positive demeanor at all times.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to create and maintain accurate guest lists while ensuring due diligence and data protection compliance

✅ Oversee the invitation process, including sending, tracking, and managing RSVPs via the Cvent process and in line with the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) framework

✅ Ensure that internal processes are followed for invitation design, tracking, and sending. Communicate event details and updates to guests, and address special requests and enquiries

✅ Coordinate seating, travel, accommodation, transportation, and special requests (e.g., dietary, medical, security) in line with Absa’s policies and standards

✅ Ensure that guests receive all necessary information before, during, and after an event, including details, directions, and itineraries

✅ Address on-site guest issues and last-minute changes swiftly alongside senior stakeholders, and provide timely updates on any event schedule adjustments or guest requirements

✅ Work with vendors, agencies, partners, and venues to align guest-related logistics with event objectives

✅ Monitor and control initiative delivery against defined plans

✅ Develop and maintain a “journey plan” for the event

✅ Highlight delivery risks to the business owners and ensure that events’ executive sponsors are adequately engaged

✅ Act as a key member in project sessions

✅ Conduct quality assurance with the project team during each stage to ensure that dependencies, sequencing, timelines, risks, and benefit potential are realistically planned

✅ Always ensure close involvement from business engagement teams

✅ Liaise with business engagement teams to ensure that they are able to mobilise sponsors and business owners to support key projects

✅ Maintain a positive, calm, and professional demeanor at all times

✅ Compile post-event reports, gather guest feedback, and maintain accurate records for future reference and continuous improvement

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of multitasking and requires the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and ensuring the delivery of high-quality events.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Marketing (Required)

Experience: Between two to five years of project management experience with corporate clients

Required Skills:

• Active listening
• Analytical skills
• Basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993)
• Digital literacy (technical and cognitive abilities)
• Excellent communication skills
• Financial acumen
• Monitoring and measuring (people and processes)
• Prioritisation and project planning
• Proven high-performing, independent people management experience
• Resource planning and productivity monitoring
• Risk management
• Situational leadership
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration and integration
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Emotional intelligence
• Professionalism
• Stakeholder management
• Time management and organisational skills
• Adaptability and responsiveness to change
• Ability to create and innovate
• Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking
• Financial and analytical thinking
• Ability to persuade and influence
• Ability to relate and network

Preferred Skills:

• A formal project management qualification (such as PMBOK or CMP)

ASSUMPTION: While a formal project management qualification is not required, it would be beneficial for candidates to possess one to excel in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between ZAR 600,000 and ZAR 800,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a marketing and communications specialist with 2-5 years of experience in South Africa.

Benefits:

• Medical aid
• Pension fund
• Life insurance
• Group risk benefits
• Employee wellness program
• Employee discounts

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with a 1-hour lunch break. However, the role may require flexibility to work additional hours or be on-call during events.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Absa Group operates in the financial services industry, offering a range of banking, insurance, and wealth management services to retail, business, corporate, and institutional clients in South Africa and selected emerging markets.

Company Size: Absa Group is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Absa Group was founded in 1991 and has since grown to become one of the largest financial services groups in Africa.

Company Description:

• Absa Group is committed to empowering Africa’s tomorrow by delivering innovative financial solutions that meet the diverse needs of its customers
• The company fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, encouraging employees to think beyond conventional boundaries
• Absa Group is dedicated to creating a sustainable future for all stakeholders, including customers, employees, and communities

Company Specialties:

• Retail and business banking
• Corporate and investment banking
• Wealth, investment management, and insurance
• Digital and mobile banking
• Cross-border and international banking

Company Website: www.absa.africa

ASSUMPTION: Absa Group's large size and diverse range of services provide numerous opportunities for employees to grow and develop their careers within the organization.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the specialist level, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in marketing and communications, with a focus on event management and stakeholder engagement.

Reporting Structure: The Specialist: Group Marketing and Communications will report directly to the Head of Group Marketing and Communications and work closely with various internal and external stakeholders.

Work Arrangement: This role is based at Absa Towers West in Johannesburg, South Africa, and requires on-site presence. However, there may be opportunities for flexible work arrangements, such as working from home or hybrid arrangements, depending on the specific needs of the role and the company's policies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior or management role within the marketing and communications department
• Expansion into related fields, such as corporate communications, brand management, or digital marketing
• Opportunities to work on high-profile events and projects, gaining valuable experience and exposure

ASSUMPTION: Given Absa Group's size and diversity, there are ample opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Absa Towers West is a modern, high-rise office building with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.

Office Location(s): Absa Towers West, 15 Troye Street, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Geographic Context:

• Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the economic hub of the African continent
• The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and entertainment options
• Johannesburg has a subtropical highland climate, with mild winters and warm summers

Work Schedule: The standard working hours for this role are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with a 1-hour lunch break. However, the role may require flexibility to work additional hours or be on-call during events.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Absa Towers West is professional and collaborative, with a strong focus on teamwork and innovation.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the department head or other senior stakeholders
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Event management skills and experience
• Stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Absa Group's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant event management experience and skills
• Provide specific examples of your event management experience and achievements
• Demonstrate your understanding of Absa Group's business and the role's requirements in your cover letter
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your event management skills and experience

ATS Keywords: Event management, stakeholder engagement, guest logistics, project planning, attention to detail, problem-solving, communication skills, marketing and communications, Absa Group

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Cvent event management software
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard in the event management and marketing communications industries.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer centricity
• One team, one dream
• Doing what's right
• Innovation
• Integrity

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on delivering exceptional outcomes
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Professional and committed to maintaining high standards

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of successfully managing events and engaging with stakeholders?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
• Do you possess strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills?
• Are you committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and maintaining high professional standards?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Absa Group's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's ongoing success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require working long hours or being on-call during events, which can impact work-life balance
• The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the role can be challenging for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
• The role may involve managing high-profile events with high stakes, which can be stressful and demanding
• The competitive nature of the financial services industry can present challenges in terms of standing out and making an impact

ASSUMPTION: While this role presents numerous opportunities for growth and development, it also comes with its own set of challenges that candidates should be prepared to face.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to an Event Manager or Event Coordinator position, but with a focus on group events and sponsorships
• Unlike other event management roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the financial services industry and Absa Group's business
• Career progression in this role may lead to senior or management positions within the marketing and communications department or related fields

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other event management positions, its unique focus on group events and sponsorships within the financial services industry sets it apart.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing a high-profile event for Absa Group's executive sponsors and key stakeholders
• Coordinating a sponsorship activation for a major sporting event or cultural festival
• Developing and implementing a guest management strategy for a series of events or roadshows

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and challenges that candidates may face in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical event management process for group events and sponsorships at Absa Group?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and stakeholders within the organization?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role and the marketing and communications department?
• How does Absa Group support work-life balance for employees in this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions during the interview process will help candidates better understand the role's requirements and expectations and assess their fit for the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant event management experience and skills
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your event management skills and experience
• Research Absa Group's business and the role's requirements to demonstrate your understanding and commitment to the position
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.