Head: Corporate Affairs & Stakeholder

Job Title: Head: Corporate Affairs & Stakeholder
Operating Division: Transnet Freight Rail
Employee Group: Permanent
Department: SP-Corp Affairs/Stakeholder Northcor-RCB
Location: Richards Bay
Reporting To: General Manager: Corporate Affairs & Stakeholder
Grade: D
Reference: req2630
Closing Date: 03/02/2025

Applicants must ensure that HR receives their applications before the closing date.

Position Purpose

The Head of Corporate Affairs & Stakeholder will provide strategic direction, leadership, and oversight in the execution of Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR) stakeholder and community engagement strategy. This role is responsible for managing stakeholder relationships, corporate affairs, social investment initiatives, and external partnerships. Additionally, the position plays a key role in positioning TFR within external and international railway networks while ensuring effective corporate governance and stakeholder management across operational corridors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement TFR’s stakeholder management and corporate affairs strategy, ensuring effective representation in key forums.
• Identify, prioritize, and manage stakeholder relationships in alignment with business objectives and social responsibility commitments.
• Oversee stakeholder communications, media engagement, and public relations activities.
• Monitor and evaluate stakeholder engagement initiatives to enhance responsiveness to community and business concerns.
• Conduct stakeholder surveys to assess satisfaction levels and alignment with expectations.
• Strengthen relationships with key public and private sector stakeholders at all levels.
• Represent TFR in external forums, ensuring alignment with industry developments and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage high-profile stakeholder events, conferences, and recognition programs.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Corporate Affairs team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Support safety initiatives related to community engagement in operational corridors.
• Ensure corporate communication strategies align with business priorities and public relations standards.
• Facilitate executive involvement in key external railway projects and Transnet-wide initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, or an equivalent SAQA-recognized qualification.
  • A postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 10 years’ experience in corporate affairs, with at least 5 years in a senior managerial role within a large operational environment.
• Additional Requirements:
  • High ethical standards in financial handling (National Credit Act compliance).
  • Must undergo a lifestyle audit.
  • Valid Code 8 driver’s license.
  • Willingness to travel as required.

Competencies & Skills

Strategic & Business Acumen

• Ability to develop and execute long-term corporate affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Strong commercial awareness of internal and external business factors.
• Innovative thinking with a focus on optimizing existing processes and identifying new opportunities.

Leadership & Relationship Management

• Inspirational leadership with the ability to motivate and empower teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to lead and drive change initiatives across diverse business environments.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and ethical leadership.

Operational & Decision-Making Excellence

• Ability to align corporate affairs initiatives with business performance goals.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, with accountability for business outcomes.

Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in line with Transnet’s Employment Equity Plan and organizational targets.

 

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