Job Description Summary:
At The Coca‑Cola Company, our purpose goes beyond refreshing drinks—it’s about creating shared opportunity for business and society. In Africa, we operate in markets rich with potential yet characterized by rapid transformation and complex policy landscapes. The Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability (PACS) serves as a strategic leader enabling sustainable growth through policy advocacy, reputation stewardship, and integrated stakeholder engagement.
This role shapes an environment where our brands, system partners, and communities thrive together. You will lead the PACS agenda across the country and collaborate with the Africa Operating Unit to advance public policy outcomes, sustainability priorities, and communications strategies aligned with business needs. Blending big-picture thinking with operational execution, you will help protect and elevate our license to operate, drive trusted stakeholder relationships, and position The Coca‑Cola Company as a catalyst for positive impact in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
What You’ll Do for Us
- Develop and implement the country PACS strategy aligned to Operating Unit priorities and enterprise goals across public affairs, communications, sustainability, and social impact.
- Lead policy advocacy efforts with government, regulators, and industry associations to shape outcomes on key topics such as fiscal policies, circular economy initiatives, trade, climate action, and water stewardship.
- Build coalitions and partnerships that unlock shared value, fostering productive relationships across government, NGOs, academia, and civil society.
- Design and deliver integrated communications strategies that strengthen corporate reputation, encompassing external media relations, brand storytelling, executive visibility, and internal engagement platforms.
- Act as a trusted spokesperson, enabling transparent communication during sensitive issues while ensuring alignment with global standards and business objectives.
- Oversee crisis and incident management readiness, including scenario planning, issue response protocols, and real-time communication to safeguard continuity and trust.
- Champion sustainability strategies across packaging, climate, water, and community programs, ensuring alignment with global targets and advancing measurable impact initiatives with system partners.
- Leverage digital tools, social listening, and data-driven insights to monitor reputation, assess risk, and adapt strategies in a dynamic environment.
- Build and nurture high-performing teams by coaching senior professionals within PACS and fostering cross-functional collaboration that accelerates results.
- Influence operating decisions by bringing forward foresight, stakeholder insights, and actionable intelligence to leadership discussions.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Communications, Business, or a related field; advanced degree in law, public administration, or sustainability is advantageous.
- 12+ years of progressive experience in public affairs, government relations, corporate communications, or sustainability within multinational or complex corporate environments.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate regulatory frameworks and influence public policy outcomes in areas such as taxation, trade, environment, and social impact.
- Proven experience leading integrated communications, including digital engagement, reputation management, and media relations strategies.
- Expertise in crisis and issues management, with a strong track record of safeguarding organizational reputation in high-pressure contexts.
- In-depth understanding of sustainability policy and program design, with experience embedding environmental and social objectives into business strategies.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across government, NGOs, media, and industry bodies; ability to build coalitions that deliver shared value.
- Proficiency in leveraging technology, data analytics, and AI-driven tools to shape insight-based decisions and optimize PACS impact.
- Ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity, applying sound judgment and a collaborative mindset to deliver business and societal outcomes.
- Exceptional leadership capability, including experience developing senior talent and driving high performance across diverse teams.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with fluency in English. Additional local language proficiency is highly desirable.
What We’ll Do for You
- Position you at the intersection of business, policy, and purpose—enabling you to lead strategies that influence growth, sustainability, and societal impact across a critical region.
- Provide an opportunity to shape engagement in a dynamic operating environment with significant complexity and strategic importance.
- Equip you with advanced digital tools and data-driven methodologies to strengthen advocacy, communication, and sustainability outcomes.
- Offer access to global expertise and leadership development support while you collaborate with diverse stakeholders across the Coca‑Cola System and beyond.
Skills:
Location(s):
South Africa
City/Cities:
Johannesburg
Travel Required:
00% - 25%
Relocation Provided:
No
Job Posting End Date:
June 16, 2026
Our Purpose and Growth Culture:
We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.