Senior Manager: Communication (Human Capital)

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time. With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group. Job Summary The Senior Communications Manager for Human Capital is responsible for developing and executing strategic internal communication and engagement initiatives that align with the organisation’s People Strategy, culture, and enterprise goals. This role ensures that employees are informed, inspired, and connected to the organisation’s purpose and values. Operating within a digitally enabled strategic Human Capital model, the role leverages data, storytelling, and technology to drive meaningful engagement and foster a high-performance, inclusive culture. Job Description Key Focus Areas: Strategic Internal Communications Employee Engagement Campaigns Content Development & Channel Management Stakeholder Collaboration & Alignment Digital Enablement & Innovation Measurement & Continuous Improvement Key Accountabilities: Strategic Internal Communications: Develop and execute internal communication strategies for Group HC Strategy & Engagement, including enterprise-wide messaging and leadership updates. Ensure communication plans support strategic HC priorities, transformation programmes, and cultural initiatives. Craft compelling narratives that connect employees to the organisation’s purpose, values, and strategic direction. Employee Engagement Campaigns: Coordinate internal campaigns that promote HC priorities, culture, and strategic initiatives. Lead the planning and execution of town halls, recognition programmes, and employee listening initiatives. Support the delivery of inclusive engagement experiences across hybrid and remote work environments. Content Development & Channel Management: Create and manage content for newsletters, intranet posts, videos, and other communication channels. Oversee the management of digital communication platforms (e.g., intranet, Teams, Yammer), ensuring they are user-friendly and regularly updated. Ensure consistency in tone, branding, and messaging across all internal channels. Stakeholder Collaboration & Alignment: Partner with HC CoEs, Business Units, and HC Services to amplify key messages and ensure alignment across functions. Support the CHRO and HC leadership team in preparing for key engagements, including talking points and presentation materials. Act as liaison between HC and business functions. Digital Enablement & Innovation: Act as an innovation driver for HC communications by exploring AI, automation, and interactive tools (e.g., chatbots, pulse surveys, video platforms). Leverage analytics to personalise communication and improve reach and relevance. Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in internal communications and engagement. Measurement & Continuous Improvement: Monitor communication effectiveness and engagement using dashboards, pulse checks, and feedback tools. Analyse data to identify gaps, refine messaging, and improve formats. Report on communication KPIs and engagement metrics to inform strategic decisions. Knowledge & Skills: Deep understanding of internal communications, employee engagement, and organisational culture. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats and platforms. Experience with digital communication tools, intranet platforms, and analytics dashboards. Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders in a complex, matrixed environment. Familiarity with South African labour context, diversity and inclusion, and hybrid work models. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diplomas, Post Graduate Certificate, or B Tech [NQF7] in Business/Communications Work Experience: 5 - 12 years experience in a specific capability of importance to the bank, including a track record of 3 years in a people management position. Exposure to process design, optimisation, quality management, customer centricity, technology and data-driven decision-making is preferred. Strategic Communication in a large organisation COMPETENCIES: Leadership Competencies : Strategic Thinking Business Acumen Communication Influence Leadership Delivering Results Adaptability Collaboration Decision-Making Technical Competencies: Strategic communication planning Content creation and channel management Digital tools and analytics Campaign and event coordination Stakeholder engagement Education Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Communication Studies and Language (Required) Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank. Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised