Brand South Africa Regional Head Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

Brand South Africa is looking for experienced leaders to take on the vital role of Regional Head. These significant positions are offered on a five-year fixed-term contract basis, focusing on managing the organisation's regional offices in Asia Pacific & Australasia, UK & Europe, or the Americas.

This opportunity involves contributing to the development of integrated reputation management, marketing, and communications strategies. The successful candidates will be instrumental in promoting South Africa as a competitive destination, implementing brand programmes with stakeholders, and fostering nation brand advocacy among South Africans living abroad.

Minimum Requirements

• Education:
• A Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Marketing, Business Management, Communications, or an equivalent qualification is required.
• A Postgraduate degree in Political Science, Marketing, Business Management, or Communications (such as an MBA) is preferred and will be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in a relevant foreign language (e.g., Mandarin, Cantonese) will be an added advantage.
• Experience:
• A minimum of 10 years of combined experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or stakeholder relations at a senior or management level.
• Of the 10 years, at least 5 years must have been at a senior management level.
• Demonstrated international experience or a background in an international coordination role is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Brand Positioning & Reputation Management:
• Adapt South Africa's market positioning and strengthen the national brand.
• Manage perceptions related to South Africa's competitiveness, investment climate, tourism, culture, and international reputation.
• Monitor country perceptions in the assigned market and proactively identify opportunities or risks.
• Support media engagements and identify positive storytelling opportunities to reinforce the national brand.
• Provide regular market intelligence to Head Office on issues influencing international perceptions.
• Regional Marketing and Communications Execution:
• Translate corporate strategy and annual business plans into regional marketing and communications plans.
• Design and execute region-facing campaigns and activations in partnership with South African stakeholders.
• Secure stakeholder buy-in for campaigns, covering content, budget, target audiences, and timelines.
• Report on campaign performance against agreed objectives, including reach, engagement, and return on investment.
• Provide stakeholder input, research, and environmental scanning feedback to Head Office to refine activation plans.
• Stakeholder and Partnership Management:
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government representatives, business leaders, investors, media, industry bodies, tourism and cultural institutions, and diaspora networks in the region.
• Secure partnerships and collaborations to amplify Brand South Africa's messaging.
• Track stakeholder sentiment and emerging issues affecting South Africa's reputation.
• Work in close coordination with South African diplomatic missions in the region.
• Align with the Head Office stakeholder team for similar local and international stakeholders.
• Risk and Crisis Management:
• Identify, document, escalate, and mitigate strategic, operational, reputational, and stakeholder risks.

What the Work Involves

As a Regional Head, you will be responsible for the strategic management and operational oversight of Brand South Africa's regional offices in one of the specified territories. Your daily work will involve adapting South Africa's brand positioning, actively monitoring global perceptions of the country, and developing proactive programmes to enhance its reputation. You will lead the design and execution of regional marketing and communications campaigns, engaging extensively with diverse South African stakeholders to secure their buy-in and collaboration.

A significant part of the role involves building and nurturing strategic relationships with government representatives, business leaders, investors, and media in your assigned region, often working in close coordination with South African diplomatic missions. You will be responsible for identifying and mitigating risks that could affect South Africa's reputation. You will report to the Chief Marketing Officer and play a crucial role in providing market intelligence and feedback to the Head Office to refine global brand strategies.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please visit the Brand South Africa website. The application deadline is 02 October 2026.

Apply Online: https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/explore-initiatives/