EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MANAGER BBEEE (Cato Ridge, Durban) R80,000 per month

Manufacturer of Aluminium-Zinc coated steel coils seeks an External Affairs Manager to be responsible for managing relationships with the company’s external stakeholders, mainly Central and Regional Government, as well as community leaders and advocate for a competitive business environment

Qualifications required:

Minimum academic qualification: A degree level qualification.

Qualifications as an added advantage: MBA

Professional registration: Added Advantage

Key functions:

To lobby government (National & Local) and regional trading blocs and advocate for development of policies, regulations and laws for improved business competitiveness (Tariffs, Taxes, Charges, Input costs, efficient transport and logistics, illicit trade, standards).

To work collaboratively with industry associations to advocate for regulation and policies that improve business competitiveness.

To advise the company and Business Heads and Management teams regarding external issues may affect the companies adversely.

To drive top of mind awareness with Government that the company is a proudly South African Company that produces locally and creates employment.

Work with the company Business Head and Management teams to understand business priorities and develop appropriate strategies and plans to deliver.

Provide the business with timely regulatory insights/updates to support decision-making

Be visible as industry standards champion.

Communicate company position to Government, Institutions and other Stakeholders by preparing evidence-based submissions challenging factors that affect business competitiveness

Participate, together with the company Business Head in committees within the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry and Trade among others to advocate the company’s position on all matters that affect business or that will be beneficial to the industry

Lobby with external stakeholders and the company Business Head on new Government Regulations that require input before the regulations are implemented if they are of an adverse nature to the steel industry.

Provide timely, accurate and comprehensive intelligence of political, policy and stakeholder developments and advice how to influence any opportunities or mitigate potential risks.

Prepare Annual Budget Proposals for submission at Country and South African Development Community (SADC) level.

Key relationships

The External Affairs Manager will need to build strong and productive relationships with:

The company Business Head and Senior Management Team

External stakeholders including journalists, Associations, Regional Economic Community Secretariat, Industry Peers, Government officials including the Department of Trade and Industry and arm’s-length entities such as Arcelor Mittal.

Experience required:

General work experience (years): A minimum 10 years’ experience in a senior management position

Specific to the position (level/discipline/years): at least 5 years’ hands-on experience in dealing with Government Economic Ministries, South Africa Revenue Service (SARS), South Africa Bureau Standards, Sector Specific Associations, South Africa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Metal Industry Regulators, Architects and Surveyors and other relevant Professional bodies.

Knowledge of Government Budget Making Cycle

Industry: Good knowledge of the Manufacturing Industry

Lobbying: Evidence of having lobbied government for the creation or abolition of protectionist tariffs.

Added Advantage: Specific Experience in the metal industry

Key competencies and skills:

Ability to work under pressure

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to influence and negotiate

Decision Making Skills 

Conflict resolution skills

Highly inclusive and strong collaborator

Ability to maintain professional relationships with Government policy makers, key external stakeholders, and community leaders

Strong stakeholder engagement skills

Ability to build a network of key relationships

Strong strategic and planning skills

Email your CV to [email protected]

#westcoastpersonnel #hiring