Product Communication Specialist at Ford Motor Company

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Oct, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

20 Jul, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Product Communication Strategy, Media Relations, Influencer Engagement, Crisis Management, Project Management, PR Strategy Execution, Budget Management, Storytelling, Content Creation, Stakeholder Management, Competitor Analysis, Performance Metrics Tracking, Earned Media Management, Multimedia Content Development, Brand Health Tracking, Corporate Communications

Industry

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

Description

Job Purpose Build the image of the Ford products and primary brand by developing and implementing a comprehensive product-related communication strategy. Drive aspirational demand by showcasing Ford vehicles as the ultimate, reliable enablers of the resilient South African lifestyle. Role summary This role leads Ford South Africa's product and lifestyle communications strategy, driving the "From the Road" content programme through media, influencer and lifestyle engagement to achieve adoption, usage and rich content delivery targets. It owns end-to-end media management for new product launches (from pre-launch through sustainment) crafting lifestyle-driven storytelling that reinforces Ford's brand relationship with South Africa while extending campaigns through influencer communities and platforms. The position sustains ongoing earned-media momentum via releases, editorial and multimedia content, building strong relationships across motoring, lifestyle and consumer media, tracking favourability, sentiment, share of voice and brand health and expanding presence into podcasts, forums, Reddit, Substack and dedicated consumer club communities (e.g., Ranger Clubs). It integrates closely with marketing and product teams to deliver earned and influence-based outcomes for major campaigns, partnering with creative agencies on earned-first ideas, while also executing business defence strategies in collaboration with corporate communications. The role oversees the communications test/fleet vehicle programme (long-termers, weekly tests, ROI on earned media, influencer and lifestyle usage and utilisation targets) and ensures robust measurement and reporting through partnership with the Data and Insights team, delivering regular performance metrics, maintaining data tool proficiency, and conducting ongoing competitor and landscape analysis. At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow’s transportation. Ford Communications is tasked with building and safeguarding the Company’s global reputation, enhancing stakeholders’ understanding of Ford and its aspiration to become the world’s most trusted mobility company. Our global team of communicators sets industry standards for excellence in implementing high-impact communications programs that build stakeholders’ affinity and support for Ford’s innovations, industry leadership and Better World social responsibility programs. We are looking for creative, passionate communications professionals to join our nimble organization in adapting to the fast-changing global environment and effectively communicate with our target audiences.

Responsibilities

Lead Ford South Africa's product and lifestyle communications strategy to drive aspirational demand and brand image. Manage end-to-end media relations for product launches and oversee the communications test vehicle programme.