Job description
Application Closing Date: 10 Aug 2026 Compensation Grade: D Lower Purpose of the Role: To lead and oversee the advertising and sponsorship functions for SPAR KZN by developing and implementing advertising strategies, managing brand events and sponsorship initiatives, executing integrated marketing campaigns, and providing leadership to the Advertising Department.
The role is responsible for strengthening the SPAR brand, maximising customer engagement, and ensuring all advertising and sponsorship activities support the organisation's strategic and commercial objectives. Job Description : 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.
Education
National Diploma: Advertising, National Senior Certificate _Matric Skills: Active Listening, Collaboration, Communication, Creative Branding, Creative Expression, Digital Literacy, Effective Written Communication, Interpersonal Influence, Leadership, Media Knowledge, Meeting Deadlines, Priority Management, Professional Presentation, Public Speaking, Relationship Building, Stress Tolerance, Teamwork, Verbal Communications, Works Under Pressure, Written Communication Competencies : Work Experience : Similar work experience Employment Equity: All