Head of Marketing and Communications at Rand Merchant Bank

Purpose:

The objective is to identify a successful candidate to serve as the Head of Marketing and Communications of the Bank to:

• Strategically lead and direct the development of marketing and communications strategies and plans for the RMBN brand in line with the business and brand’s strategic direction.
• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for all marketing activities driven by deep analytics.
• Provide general oversight of the marketing and communication function and drive excellent execution of marketing strategies and plans.
• Inspire the unlocking of powerful insights by leveraging data, pushing boundaries and exploring new and effective communication channels.

The role is based in Lagos, Nigeria, and reports to the CEO of RMB Nigeria.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Develop and execute the marketing strategy and plan for the country

• Champion the ROI framework and performance marketing mindset for all marketing funds invested to guarantee business growth.
• Manage the efforts of marketing and communications together with the heads of businesses and the CE. Ensure alignment to Africa CIB Marketing Strategy and Plans and country business strategy.
• Proactively and fully capitalise on all opportunities to ensure excellent execution of marketing/communications/content management/ public relations/ client engagement/ employee engagement strategies and plans supporting business and brand objectives.
• Ensuring that marketing initiatives are impactful and deliver on ROO and/or ROI.
• Adopt a creative, integrated CIB marketing approach that builds brand awareness, consideration, affinity and reputation.
• Direct the development of strategies and plans that provide a steady flow of demand (for example, through business leads) and include effective measurement of the return on marketing programme investments as relevant.
• Develop the brand and CIB marketing, communications, events, content management and public relations plan and ensure this encompasses the strategies and plans for the country. The job holder balances the requirements of multiple stakeholders from various parts of the business with group priorities.
• Approve CIB marketing strategies and plans with heads of businesses, CE, and Head of Africa Marketing. The job holder ensures that these plans are implemented with impact.
• Communicate the CIB marketing strategy and plan to internal and agency stakeholders.
• Organise and direct meetings on a regular basis with relevant stakeholders whereby progress against CIB marketing strategy and plans are reviewed.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of business strategies, plans and objectives in order to ensure that CIB marketing aligns with these initiatives.
• Participate and be integral to the strategic planning of the business.
• Work strategically and partner with businesses to input into the development of new opportunities within the country.
• Provide CIB business with insight into the competitive positioning and develop action plans to differentiate offerings through marketing communication initiatives.
• Keep informed of the developments in marketing, communications, digital marketing and social media, public relations, and financial services and use this information to help the organisation operate with agility and innovate consistently.
• Develop and leverage strategic business partnerships with external institutions such as regulatory bodies, government entities, etc.

Manage all communication initiatives for the Brand and CIB Marketing

• Manage and oversee all functions comprising marketing communications including advertising, public relations, direct marketing, media placement, sales collateral, press releases, special events, market research, digital marketing and social media, creative production, media planning, internal and external communication, sponsorships, and all other marketing related activities and ensure that RMBN activities are aligned to overall brand and business building activities.
• Manage and oversee the development of all supporting marketing collateral for RMBN including brochures, sales collateral, etc. Ensure that the services, products, and brand are positioned to remain competitive and remain within the positioning and business guidelines provided.
• Ensure consistent articulation of RMBNs desired brand image and ensure this position is maintained within the marketing strategy for the country.
• Provide strategic advice to management on strategic communications, crisis communication, issues management, etc.
• Drive quality control by inspecting creative layouts, videotapes, advertising copy, scripts, audio; and other promotional material for adherence to specifications.
• Develop and activate marketing communication initiatives for the business - product activation and promotions, content marketing, creative content production, media relations and sponsorships.

Manage marketing and communication finances

• Manage the implementation of monitoring processes that demonstrate return on investment/return on the objective of RMBN marketing initiatives.
• Manage the marketing budget by driving cost efficiencies and achieving cost savings.
• Develop and maintain marketing budgets consistent with the financial guidelines provided by the country and Africa Marketing.
• Monitor marketing activities and marketing costs related to utilising resources required to meet operational requirements.
• Ensure financial objectives for marketing and communications are met by overseeing forecasting requirements; preparing a consolidated annual budget for marketing and communications; analysing overall variances; and directing corrective actions within the team.

Report on all marketing and communication initiatives

• Ensure marketing and communications reports contain relevant information to be used by the business and are in line with the Marketing strategy.
• Ensure that marketing evaluation systems are in place as relevant that relate to the goals and objectives of the brand and business and progress reports are shared with the CE, relevant country stakeholders and Africa Marketing Head.
• Ensure that the correct data is used to analyse and report on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns/initiatives in the country.
• Monitor & track the briefing and execution of marketing initiatives in line with timelines set and agreed upon with business stakeholders.

Participate in the development of marketing procedures

• Develop, implement, and monitor systems and procedures necessary for the smooth operation of the marketing, communications, content management, and public relations function in the country.
• Ensure adherence to Marketing and Communications policies and guidelines.
• Keeps up to date with relevant regulatory requirements and understands how it impacts the marketing function.
• Drive quality control by inspecting creative layouts, videotapes, advertising copy, scripts, audio; and other promotional material for adherence to specifications.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in Marketing or a related field required
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree
• Professional qualification(s) will be an added advantage
• 8 years plus experience in a similar role, preferably in Financial Services

Technical Skills:

• Deep experience in and knowledge of Marketing, Public Relations, Brand Management and Business Communications concepts and practice
• Experience in managing and building brands as a driver of profitability and other metrics of business performance
• Stakeholder management, preferably in an international/matrix organization
• Experience in the use of digital marketing and communication applications
• Experience working with media houses and ability to respond to media enquiries
• Working knowledge of financial and management accounting
• Understanding of banking and securities industry financials

General Competencies:

• Excellent presentation, written and oral communication skills
• Strong Interpersonal and networking skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Information analysis and management
• Proactivity
• Flexibility
• Customer focus (internal and external customers)