Head: Brand Management and Marketing (Re-advertisement)
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Head: Brand Management and Marketing within the Corporate Relations Division.
This strategic leadership role is responsible for leading the development, promotion, protection and commercialisation of the UKZN brand across all campuses and stakeholder touchpoints. The incumbent will serve as the custodian of the University’s brand, driving institutional visibility, enhancing reputation, overseeing brand governance, engaging stakeholders, and implementing marketing initiatives that support UKZN’s strategic objectives.
The successful candidate will provide leadership in strengthening brand equity, ensuring brand consistency, advancing institutional positioning, and identifying opportunities to leverage the University’s brand assets in support of commercial and third-stream income initiatives.
Minimum requirements
- Develop and implement the University’s Brand Management and Marketing Strategy.
- Lead institutional brand governance, positioning, and identity management.
- Drive integrated marketing and promotional initiatives that enhance institutional visibility and reputation.
- Ensure consistent application of the UKZN brand across all campuses and platforms.
- Manage brand compliance, trademarks, licensing, and related brand assets.
- Oversee brand-related commercial initiatives, including branded merchandise and revenue-generating opportunities.
- Foster strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships that advance institutional objectives.
- Provide leadership and management of the Brand Management and Marketing function.
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Brand Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification.
- A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant experience in brand management, marketing, corporate communications, or a related field, including experience at a supervisory or management level.
- Proven experience in developing and implementing brand management and marketing strategies.
- Demonstrated experience in brand governance, institutional positioning, and reputation management.
- Experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders within a complex organisational environment.
- Experience within the higher education sector or a similarly complex multi-stakeholder environment.
- Experience in brand commercialisation, licensing, trademarks, and intellectual property management.
- Experience in sponsorships, partnerships, corporate merchandising, or retail brand operations.
- Experience managing large-scale marketing campaigns and institutional branding initiatives.
- Experience in digital marketing, brand analytics, and market research.
- Exposure to multi-campus, national, or international brand management environments.
- Strong knowledge of brand management, marketing, and reputation management principles.
- Sound understanding of brand governance, brand identity systems, and institutional positioning.
- Strategic thinking and planning capability.
- Strong leadership, people management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management abilities.
- Sound commercial acumen and an understanding of revenue-generation opportunities linked to brand assets.
- Ability to analyse market trends, stakeholder insights, and performance data to inform decision-making.
- Strong project management, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in digital marketing platforms and contemporary marketing practices.
NB: Applicants who have already applied for this position under the previous advertisement need not submit a new application. Existing applications will automatically be carried forward and considered as part of the current selection process.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 19 June 2026
Enquiries and requests for a job profile may be directed in writing to Mss Nqobile Phindile Molefe to Molefen@ukzn.ac.za. This email address is for enquiries only and should not be used to submit applications.
To submit an application: Please click on the link https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php.
or copy link to Microsoft Edge website or click on Career Portal website found on UKZN website home page.
Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection press.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.
- Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.
- Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.
- The University is committed to Employment Equity.
- The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.
- Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful
- Please familiarise yourself with the University’s Section 18 Notice regarding the processing of your Personal Information.