Senior Director, PACS, SAF

Job Description Summary: Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability (PACS)Location: South AfricaFunction: PACS (Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability)Scope: Single Country (South Africa, Africa OU)Role PurposeThe Senior Director, PACS leads the country strategy across Public Affairs, Communications, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Engagement to protect and elevate the company’s license to win, build reputation, and enable long-term business growth.This role acts as a strategic advisor to senior leadership as a powerful catalyst for growth, shaping policy outcomes, driving integrated communications, and leading sustainability and social impact programs aligned with business and societal priorities.Key Responsibilities1. Government Affairs & Policy AdvocacyDevelop and execute public policy strategies aligned with business prioritiesLead engagement with government entities, regulators, and industry bodiesInfluence regulatory outcomes in areas such as taxation, circular economy (EPR), water, and tradeBuild coalitions and partnerships to support advocacy efforts2. Integrated Communications & Reputation ManagementLead internal, external, and executive communications strategiesOversee media relations, brand PR, and digital communicationsShape executive positioning and visibility platformsTrack and drive reputation drivers & metrics (e.g., media sentiment, trust index)3. Crisis & Issues Management (IMCR)Chair country IMCR and lead crisis preparedness and responseDrive scenario planning, crisis simulations, and response protocolsEnsure fast, compliant communication during crisesSafeguard business continuity and reputation4. Sustainability & Social ImpactLead sustainability strategy across water, circular economy, climate and community programsAlign country priorities with Operating Unit and global sustainability goalsDrive system collaboration with bottlers and external partnersOversee sustainability reporting and transparency5. Stakeholder & Coalition ManagementBuild and maintain relationships with government, NGOs, communities, media, and industry stakeholdersMap and prioritize key stakeholders to drive influence and trustLead partnerships that deliver shared value outcomesStrategic ImpactPlays a critical role in shaping country and OU strategy, particularly on policy, reputation, and sustainability agendasDirectly impacts business continuity, regulatory environment, and growth potentialDecisions can have immediate (crisis) to long-term (policy and sustainability) business implicationsKey Challenges & ComplexityOperating in a highly regulated and dynamic socio-political environmentManaging multi-stakeholder expectations with competing prioritiesLeading cross-system collaboration (TCCC, bottler, and external partners)Navigating reputational risks and high media scrutinyLeadership & TeamLeads a team of senior professionals across public affairs, communications and sustainabilityProvides indirect leadership to agencies and cross-functional teamsActs as a leader of leaders, building capability and driving high performanceQualifications & Experience12–15+ years of relevant experienceProven leadership in:Government affairs and public policyCorporate communications and media relationsCrisis and issues managementSustainability strategyStrong stakeholder management and influencing capabilitiesTechnology including AI, and data-driven foresight capabilitiesExperience operating in complex, highly regulated environmentsCapabilitiesGovernment affairs & policy advocacyStrategic communications (internal & external)Crisis & issues managementTechnology including AI and digitizationSustainability strategyStakeholder & reputation managementDigital communications and social listeningPublic policy analysisSocial impact program designPeople leadership, executive coaching and spokesperson developmentChange managementSkills:Location(s):South AfricaCity/Cities:JohannesburgTravel Required:00% - 25%Relocation Provided:NoJob Posting End Date:June 16, 2026Our 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.