Discovery – Marketing
Reputation Consultant
About Discovery
Discovery’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society.
Key Purpose
This role is in the Reputation Management team, supporting the portfolios of Discovery Bank, Vitality and Sponsorships. You will work closely with the senior Reputation Manager on high-profile campaigns, product launches, executive communications and reactive media issues. The work is varied, visible and fast moving, so you will need to be quick on your feet, comfortable with pressure and confident holding your own in rooms with senior stakeholders. The pace is fast, priorities shift as the business moves, and the ability to turn work around quickly, without compromising on quality, is what makes this team successful. Beyond your own portfolios, you will also be called on to support broader team initiatives, so a genuine can-do attitude and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand where needed are essential.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is genuinely themselves at work. We value people who show up as they are, not polished performers who tell us what they think we want to hear. Authenticity, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than a rehearsed pitch.
- Has natural energy and presence. You are comfortable engaging with journalists, executives and colleagues across the business, and you contribute confidently rather than waiting to be asked.
- Works well independently and knows when to raise a hand. You can put your head down and deliver focused work on your own, and you are equally quick to jump in when support is needed.
- Is time-conscious and organised. You understand that in PR, deadlines are non-negotiable, and you plan your day accordingly.
- Is agile and calm under pressure. Priorities shift constantly. You adapt without losing your composure or your standards.
- Is a strong writer with a nose for a story. You can spot an angle, tighten a paragraph, and craft copy that reads well in a press release, on LinkedIn, or in a briefing note for a CEO.
Areas of responsibility may include but are not limited to:
- Support the Reputation Management function across traditional, digital and social media.
- Assist with media relations, including drafting press releases, media pitches, coverage reports and briefing documents.
- Help build and maintain relationships with journalists, producers, influencers and other stakeholders.
- Support media events, executive interviews, activations and product launches.
- Contribute to reactive media handling, including drafting holding statements and Q&As under time pressure.
- Monitor coverage, produce daily and campaign coverage reports, and surface insights and trends for the team.
- Respond promptly and accurately to media queries and internal stakeholder requests.
- Stay close to what is happening in the South African media, cultural and consumer landscape – as well as the industries we operate in.
Competencies
- Excellent verbal and written communication in English.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with an eye for tone, structure and detail.
- High emotional intelligence and interpersonal confidence.
- Ability to hold client-facing and executive-facing meetings with ease.
- A bias for action and a strong sense of ownership.
- Effective time and project management, with the ability to juggle multiple campaigns without dropping the ball.
- Familiarity with the South African media landscape and digital platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube).
- Comfortable with Microsoft Office and CoPilot and quick to learn new tools.
- Collaborative, generous with your time, and ready to lend a hand when the team is under pressure.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Education and Experience
- Degree in Media, Corporate Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing or similar, 2-5 years of experience in corporate communications, PR or journalism. Agency, consultancy or newsroom experience is a strong advantage.
- Working experience in financial services sector is preferable.
- Proven track record and journalist/producer network in respect of media relations.
EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.