Cape Town based: Consumer Account Manager
Role summary
The Consumer Account Manager (AM) is a mid-level role for an experienced communications professional with a minimum of five years’ experience managing client accounts independently within a PR agency, integrated communications agency or brand communications environment.
This role is suited to a highly capable account lead with strong experience across consumer brands, lifestyle, FMCG, hospitality, retail, engineering, infrastructure and corporate consumer-facing sectors. B2B communications experience will also be advantageous.
The AM will serve as the client-facing day-to-day lead across multiple client accounts, responsible for driving integrated communication strategies and ensuring seamless execution across all communications disciplines, including client service, project management, public relations, social media management and content creation.
The ideal candidate is a proactive communicator, strong relationship builder and confident strategic thinker with exceptional organisational skills and the ability to manage fast-paced accounts independently. They must hold strong media relationships across consumer, lifestyle, business and trade media and demonstrate a proven ability to secure high-impact coverage and deliver measurable client results.
This role requires someone who thrives in a collaborative agency environment, can confidently manage client expectations and is passionate about storytelling, integrated communications and culture-led brand building.
Required qualifications and experience
Experience
Minimum of 5 years’ experience within a PR agency, integrated communications agency or brand communications environment.
Proven experience independently managing multiple client accounts and campaigns.
Strong experience across consumer PR, lifestyle brands, retail, hospitality, FMCG, engineering, infrastructure, manufacturing or corporate consumer-facing sectors.
B2B communications experience will be advantageous.
Demonstrated experience across all communications disciplines including:
- Client service
- Project management
- Public relations
- Social media management
- Content creation
- Influencer engagement
- Brand communications
Experience working with technical or engineering-led brands and the ability to translate complex products, services or industry topics into compelling and accessible communication narratives will be advantageous.
Media relationships
Strong existing relationships with consumer, lifestyle, digital, trade and business media.
Proven track record of securing meaningful media coverage and managing media engagement successfully.
Communication and writing
Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.
Ability to produce high-quality, client-ready content under tight deadlines.
Strong presentation and verbal communication skills.
Project management and leadership
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and campaigns simultaneously.
Highly proactive with strong attention to detail.
Strategic thinking
Strong understanding of integrated communications and brand storytelling.
Ability to think strategically while also managing executional detail.
Commercially aware with the ability to align communications activity to broader business objectives.
Education
Degree or diploma in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or a related field.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Client leadership and account management
Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for multiple accounts.
Build trusted client relationships through proactive communication, strategic counsel and responsiveness.
Independently manage accounts, timelines, deliverables and campaign execution.
Lead status meetings, client presentations and reporting sessions with confidence and professionalism.
Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within scope and aligned to client objectives.
2. Integrated communications management
Develop and execute integrated communications strategies across earned, owned and shared media channels.
Manage campaigns spanning PR, influencer engagement, social media, content creation and brand communications.
Work collaboratively with internal creative, digital and strategy teams to ensure campaign alignment and consistency.
Identify proactive storytelling opportunities linked to trends, culture, industry developments and brand positioning.
3. Media relations
Maintain and grow strong relationships with key journalists, editors, producers, influencers and content creators.
Secure high-quality media coverage across consumer, lifestyle, business, trade, engineering and broadcast media.
Draft and pitch compelling story angles, media releases, interview opportunities and thought leadership content.
Coordinate media interviews, press events, launches and activations where required.
4.Social media and content management
Oversee and contribute to social media strategy and content planning across multiple platforms.
Manage content calendars and ensure alignment between PR activity and social media storytelling.
Write, edit and review social media copy, captions, blogs, media materials and campaign content.
Ensure all content is aligned to brand tone, platform best practice and audience relevance.
5. Project management
Manage multiple campaigns and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced agency environment.
Coordinate workflows between clients, suppliers and internal teams.
Ensure campaigns are executed efficiently, accurately and to a high standard.
Maintain clear project timelines, task tracking and team accountability.
6. Team leadership and mentorship
Support and mentor junior team members, including account executives and Interns.
Provide guidance on media relations, content creation, client service and campaign execution.
Assist with workflow management and quality control across accounts.
Foster a collaborative, positive and solutions-driven team culture.
7. Reporting and insights
Monitor campaign performance, media coverage and social media activity.
Compile client reports with strategic insights, results analysis and recommendations.
Analyse campaign performance and identify opportunities for optimisation and growth.
Stay informed on industry trends, media shifts and evolving consumer behaviour.
8. Crisis and reputation management
Support senior leadership in managing sensitive communication matters or reputational challenges.
Draft holding statements, Q&As and response messaging where required.
Provide calm, strategic and solutions-focused support during high-pressure situations.
