Client Liaison Department Manager / Exec Account Director at OM & BARKER (2021 - Present)
Strategic leadership of the agency's largest accounts, overseeing the planning and execution of integrated marketing campaigns that align with client business objectives and deliver exceptional results.
- Primary point of contact for clients, suppliers, and OEMs; fostering long-term partnerships.
- Develop and sustain relationships with OEMs, stakeholders, dealerships, and third-party vendors.
- Negotiate marketing contracts to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance.
- Maximize utilization and timely claiming of Dealer OEM Marketing Funds.
- Develop and implement annual/quarterly marketing strategies to achieve organizational goals.
- Plan and execute multi-channel campaigns (digital, retail, OOH, TV, radio, print) focused on ROI.
- Oversee brand development, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity (CI/VI standards).
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and consumer behavior to identify growth opportunities.
- Manage media buying, sponsorships, and promotional activities to amplify brand awareness.
- Oversee all marketing communications, advertising, creative, brand, PR, and events.
- Lead influencer and media management across South Africa.
- Develop pitch decks, proposals, and business plans for new brand acquisitions.
- Manage end-to-end event planning and execution (product launches, corporate events).
- Oversee branding initiatives across print media, billboards, magazines, and newspapers.
- Additional oversight: Graphic Design, Basic WordPress Web Design, Brand Management, PR Management, Crisis Management.
- Lead digital marketing efforts (social media, SEO/SEM, email, content marketing) and track KPIs.
- Manage WordPress websites, CMS administration, and digital assets.
- Coordinate CRM integration, SMS/email campaigns, and lead quality monitoring.
- Optimize campaigns using data-driven insights (Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite).
- Manage cross-functional teams (Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, Leads, Content Producers).
- Oversee budgets, PO balancing, and monthly spend alignment with organizational objectives.
- Brief and collaborate with creative teams (copywriters, videographers, IT) for campaign execution.
- Conduct weekly strategic meetings to align on client concepts and deliverables.
- Develop marketing collateral, quotations, and invoices; coordinate billing with finance.
- Order promotional materials and oversee event logistics (launches, trade shows).
- Ensure timely project delivery by managing timelines, vendors, and post-event evaluations.
- Maintain social media channels and scheduling tools (Meta Business Suite, TikTok, Instagram, X).
- Compile and deliver monthly reports.
Group Marketing Manager (Dual Role) at OM & BARKER (Agency) / EASTVAAL MOTOR GROUP (Client) (2022-01 – 2025-01)
Navigated a dual role as both in-house Group Marketing Manager for The Eastvaal Motor Group and agency-side leader at OM & Barker, bridging the gap between client and agency operations.
- Dual Leadership: Navigated a dual role as both in-house Group Marketing Manager for The Eastvaal Motor Group and agency-side leader at OM & Barker, bridging the gap between client and agency operations.
- Brand Management: Oversaw a diverse portfolio of 50+ brands, driving client satisfaction and achieving sustained revenue growth over a two-year period.
- Marketing Strategy: Directed full-scope marketing strategy and execution, including brand and dealership campaigns, consumer activations, and promotional initiatives across multiple locations.
- Stakeholder Alignment: Served as the key liaison ensuring seamless communication and alignment between agency output and client business objectives, guaranteeing high-quality service delivery.
Senior Events & Marketing Coordinator at ACCESS FACILITIES & LEISURE MANAGEMENT (NELSON MANDELA BAY STADIUM) (2013-01 – 2016-01)
Led the strategic planning and flawless execution of high-profile, complex events for government, corporate, and sporting sectors at an international, national, and local level.
- Directed all phases of event management, from concept development and budgeting to logistical execution and post-event analysis for budgets exceeding seven figures.
- Managed relationships with senior government officials, sports federations, and corporate executives, navigating complex protocols and ensuring operational excellence.
- Developed and implemented the strategic events calendar, ensuring all activations aligned with the stadium's brand and commercial objectives.
- Oversaw technical production, vendor negotiation, risk management, and marketing promotion for all events.
- Develop and implement the strategic events calendar in alignment with organizational goals.
- Lead the conceptualization and design of event themes, formats, and experiences for diverse audiences.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to junior coordinators and event teams.
- Manage relationships with senior executives, government officials, board members, and high-profile clients as the primary point of contact.
- Develop, manage, and reconcile comprehensive event budgets (often exceeding six/seven figures).
- Conduct rigorous cost-benefit analysis and negotiate contracts with vendors to ensure optimal value.
- Ensure full financial accountability, including processing invoices, managing purchase orders, and providing post-event financial reporting.
- Select and manage all venues, caterers, AV/tech providers, production companies, and logistics partners globally.
- Oversee all technical requirements, from complex audio-visual setups for international broadcasts to IT infrastructure for hybrid conferences.
- Implement sophisticated registration systems (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite Enterprise), handle VIP itineraries, and manage large-scale attendee logistics.
- Coordinate all F&B requirements, from high-level diplomatic dinners to athlete catering and large-scale conference banquets and gala events.
- Navigate formal protocols, security clearances, official dignitary handling, flag etiquette, and bilingual requirements for local, national, and international government functions.
- Coordinate with national/international sports federations, manage athlete and official logistics, oversee accreditation, and plan award ceremonies and ancillary events.
- Work with C-suite to align events with brand strategy, manage shareholder meetings, product launches, and incentive trips.
- Collaborate with marketing/PR teams to develop event promotion strategies and materials.
- Manage speaker acquisition, briefing, and logistics for conferences and workshops.
- Oversee the production of event collateral, signage, and digital content.
- Develop and implement robust risk management plans, including security, medical, and contingency planning for large-scale public events.
- Ensure compliance with all legal, insurance, health & safety, and accessibility regulations across different jurisdictions.
- Lead post-event evaluation through debriefs, data analysis (KPIs, ROI), and comprehensive reporting to stakeholders, providing insights for continuous improvement.
- Source and manage event technology platforms for registration, engagement, mobile apps, and virtual/hybrid event streaming.
- Stay abreast of industry trends to incorporate innovative solutions that enhance the event experience.
