Digital Branding & Communications Manager

Company Description

Join us as a Digital Branding & Communications Manager to manage and deliver Thungela’s external and digital communications, enhancing brand visibility, audience engagement, and reputation through compelling content and insights, while ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and maintaining readiness for crisis and high-impact situations.

Be part of the team that makes it happen.

Thungela which means “to ignite” in isiZulu, is a leading South African thermal coal business, focused exclusively on thermal coal production. We are one of the largest pure-play producers and exporters of thermal coal with operations in South Africa and Australia. Our quality coal reserves and marketable production position us as a key player in the global energy market as we deliver coal through world-class ports, powering nations. Thungela focuses on exporting its thermal coal portfolio mainly to the Indian, Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle East and North African markets.

Job Description

You will be responsible for delivering a consistent, and impactful external communications strategy aligned with Thungela’s corporate narrative and positioning.

More of your responsibilities will include:

• Develop an overall corporate message architecture to unify messaging across channels.
• Implement the annual external communication plan to support business priorities
• Write high-quality content, including press releases, speeches, newsletters, and digital platforms copy
• Manage external communication channels, including media relations, social media, and
• company websites
• Strengthen audience engagement and brand positioning through compelling digital content across platforms
• Design and roll out a comprehensive digital content strategy across all major platforms.
• Maintain and regularly update the corporate website with timely, accurate content
• Coordinate media outreach, leveraging key contacts and managing relationships to solicit media coverage, prioritising and qualifying opportunities in national and international wires, broadcast media, online/social media outlets and industry media
• Increase online visibility and improve user experience through technical and content-based optimisations
• Execute a targeted SEO strategy to improve organic search performance and website traffic.
• Use data insights to guide improvements and demonstrate the value of external and digital communication efforts
• Proactively manage potential threats to Thungela’s reputation by monitoring and addressing emerging issues
• Achieve consistent application of Thungela’s brand across all communications, locations, and touchpoints
• Expand Thungela’s digital footprint through planned content, targeted campaigns, and active engagement
• Support major Thungela events and milestones with clear, coordinated public relations efforts.
• Deliver timely, accurate, and effective communications during emergencies and disruptions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field (NQF Level 7)

Experience

• Minimum of 6 years’ experience within the field of public relations, digital communications or journalism
• Experience with digital tools and platforms, including website CMS, social media management, Google Analytics, and basic HTML/CSS for web updates
• Demonstrated expertise in brand management, including rolling out brand strategy, conducting brand audits, and ensuring consistent application across digital and physical touchpoints
• Experience in reputation and crisis communication, including media monitoring, stakeholder collaboration, and rapid response across digital channels during high-impact events

Additional Information

• Proficient knowledge of mining and other relevant legislation applicable to Thungela.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of the digital media landscape as it relates to communication
• Proficient knowledge of crafting strategic messages and content for digital media channels
• Proficient knowledge of processes related to integrated annual reports, investor relations and/or financial reporting
• Proficient understanding of process analysis, planning and monitoring and reporting techniques and practices

What we offer

When you join Thungela, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But more than this, you’ll find yourself in an environment where the opportunities for learning and growth are second to none. From technical training to leadership programmes, we bring out the best in our people. There are plenty of opportunities to move onwards and upwards too. We’re a large, successful multinational company – and we’re still growing all the time.

Who we are?

Thungela is a pure play coal mining business. Our portfolio of world-class mining operations provides the metals and minerals that make modern life possible. We use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine, process, move and market our products to our customers around the world.

Inclusion and Diversity

Thungela is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential.

How we are committed to your safety

Nothing is more important to us than ensuring you return home safely after a day’s work. To make that happen, we have the most rigorous safety standards in the industry. Not only that, we’re also continually investing in new technologies – from drones to data analytics – that are helping to make mining safer.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.