Business Manager (PR & Government Relations)

This is a high-impact role that will serve as the key link between the organisation and South African government institutions, regulatory bodies, industry associations, business stakeholders, and strategic partners. The successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting investment initiatives, factory development projects, stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and corporate reputation management.

Key Responsibilities

Government & Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments, regulatory authorities, industry associations, and key business stakeholders.
• Facilitate engagement with economic development, industrial, taxation, immigration, and regulatory bodies.
• Represent the organisation in external stakeholder forums and official engagements.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships that support business growth and investment objectives.

Project Management

• Support the implementation of strategic investment projects, including industrial developments, factory construction initiatives, and mergers & acquisitions activities.
• Conduct project feasibility assessments and strategic research.
• Coordinate project stakeholders and monitor project timelines.
• Identify and resolve challenges that may impact successful project delivery.

Public Relations & Corporate Affairs

• Manage external communications and public affairs activities.
• Support brand positioning and reputation management initiatives.
• Respond to policy changes, market developments, and external issues affecting business operations.
• Ensure the organisation maintains a positive profile within the South African market.

Policy Research & Advisory

• Monitor developments in investment legislation, industrial policy, tax incentives, and foreign investment regulations.
• Analyse opportunities and risks arising from policy changes.
• Provide strategic recommendations and decision-support insights to senior leadership.
• Risk & Issue Management

• Proactively manage external issues impacting operations and investment projects.
• Support the resolution of government, regulatory, and stakeholder-related challenges.
• Mitigate business risks through effective engagement and problem-solving strategies.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Management, Communications, Law, International Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in:
  • Government Relations
  • Public Affairs
  • Corporate Affairs
  • Public Relations
  • Strategic Stakeholder Management
  • Investment Project Management
• Strong understanding of the South African regulatory and investment environment.
• Proven experience managing relationships with government officials and strategic stakeholders.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and influencing skills.
• Strong project management and stakeholder coordination capabilities

Highly Advantageous

• Previous experience within government, economic development agencies, trade and investment promotion bodies, or regulatory institutions.
• Existing network of government and business contacts across South Africa.
• Exposure to industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, mining, or large-scale investment projects.
• Experience supporting multinational or foreign direct investment (FDI) initiatives.
• Experience working with international organisations, particularly within African growth markets.