Advertising & Brand Manager - SPAR Group

The Advertising Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the SPAR brand in KZN, through advertising, sponsorship, and events functions. This role drives the development and execution of integrated advertising and marketing strategies across multiple channels, including print, radio, digital, social media, and outdoor media, to strengthen brand awareness, enhance customer engagement, and support business growth.

The successful incumbent will lead the planning and delivery of impactful brand campaigns, sponsorship initiatives, and events while managing advertising budgets, agency relationships, and supplier partnerships. In addition, the role provides strategic leadership to the Advertising Department, ensuring all brand, advertising, and sponsorship activities align with SPAR KZN's commercial objectives, deliver measurable return on investment, and maintain a consistent and compelling brand presence in the market.

Key performance areas

• Develop, implement, and manage the annual advertising strategy, plan, and budget, ensuring effective allocation of spend across various media channels, including radio, print, digital, social media, and outdoor advertising.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of advertising campaigns to ensure they are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business and marketing objectives.
• Provide effective leadership, direction, and performance management to the Advertising Department, fostering a high-performing and collaborative team.
• Oversee the Desktop Publishing (DTP) function to ensure the timely production of high-quality advertising and promotional materials.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the regional sponsorship strategy, plan, and budget to maximise brand visibility and return on investment.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with advertising agencies, printers, media partners, and other external service providers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and service excellence.
• Represent the Advertising Department at cross-functional meetings and collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the Retail Promotions Committee, Buying Department, Marketing teams, and media partners.
• Negotiate favourable advertising rates and service agreements with media organisations, publishers, printers, and other suppliers to optimise advertising expenditure.

Brand Events and Sponsorships

Manage and coordinate brand sponsorships and events across key sporting codes, ensuring effective planning, seamless execution, and alignment with SPAR KZN's brand and business objectives. The role is responsible for overseeing event logistics, stakeholder engagement, supplier management, and on-site event delivery to create impactful brand experiences that enhance customer engagement and maximise the value of sponsorship investments.

• Develop and manage the annual brand events and sponsorship calendar, ensuring alignment with the organisation's marketing strategy, promotional activities, and business objectives.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and successful execution of brand events and sponsored sporting initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Develop and manage comprehensive event plans and critical paths, monitoring key milestones, dependencies, and deliverables to ensure seamless execution.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, sporting bodies, event organisers, agencies, suppliers, and service providers to ensure successful event delivery.
• Ensure all events and sponsorship activities consistently reflect and enhance the SPAR brand while delivering meaningful engagement with customers, retailers, and target audiences.
• Prepare, manage, and monitor event and sponsorship budgets, ensuring cost-effective procurement, financial control, and maximum return on investment.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate potential event-related risks by implementing appropriate contingency plans to ensure operational continuity.
• Measure, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of brand events and sponsorship initiatives, providing insights and recommendations to support continuous improvement and maximise return on investment.

Knowledge & Competencies

• Demonstrated creative flair with the ability to develop innovative advertising concepts and campaigns.
• Strong organisational, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the business.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality results.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge and practical experience of digital marketing, social media platforms, and online advertising trends.
• Ability to create and conceptualise compelling written and visual content.
• Self-motivated, proactive, adaptable, and quick to learn, demonstrating initiative and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

Minimum requirements

Qualifications

• Degree in Marketing or Advertising advantageous / National Diploma

Experience

• Proven experience in a similar Advertising, Brand, or Marketing Management role (at least 3 years at management level)

Skills & Knowledge

• Creative branding and campaign development
• Creative thinking and expression
• Leadership and team management
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Public speaking and stakeholder engagement
• Relationship building and collaboration
• Digital literacy and media knowledge
• Planning, organisation, and priority management
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
• Active listening and teamwork

Competencies

• Collaborative relationship management
• Strong attention to detail
• Professionalism and accountability
• Adaptability and initiative
• Resilience and stress tolerance

Other

• English: Fluent (written and verbal)
• Valid drivers license and own reliable vehicle 

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