For employers
Hiring PR, Marketing and Communications talent
How do I hire a PR or Communications Director in South Africa?
Tell me about the role and I will build you a shortlist of senior candidates I have personally screened. I recruit Communications Directors, Heads of PR and senior marketers for businesses across South Africa, so you interview only people who genuinely fit.
What does a specialist PR, Marketing and Communications recruiter do?
I find, screen and place senior communications talent so you do not have to. Unlike a general recruitment agency, I work only in PR, Marketing and Communications, which means I know the market, the salaries and the people in it.
How much does PR and Marketing recruitment cost in South Africa?
I work on a placement fee basis, so you only pay when you make a successful hire. There is never a cost to candidates. Contact me and I will be completely transparent about my fees and terms upfront.
How long does it take to fill a senior communications role?
The time required depends on the role, seniority, market and availability of suitable candidates.
Why use a specialist recruiter instead of a big recruitment agency?
You deal with me directly, never a junior or a call centre. Every assignment is personally managed by me. No AI, no volume filler, just a shortlist of people who are right for the role and likely to stay.
Do you recruit for both agencies and in-house teams?
Yes. I place PR, Marketing and Communications professionals into agencies, consultancies and in-house teams, from account managers through to senior leadership.
For candidates
Finding your next role
Is there a charge to candidates?
There is never a fee for recruitment or for being considered for a position through Joanne Barrett Consulting. Separate, optional career services, including professional CV writing and interview coaching, are available at published rates. These services are entirely independent of recruitment and do not guarantee employment or preferential consideration for vacancies.
Will my job search stay confidential?
Always. Your details and the fact that you are looking stay strictly between us, and your CV only ever goes to an employer once you have agreed to it.
Can I send my CV even if there are no advertised vacancies?
Yes, provided your background is relevant to my recruitment specialisation. Please understand that I receive a considerable number of applications and cannot guarantee that a suitable opportunity will arise or that I will be able to respond individually to every enquiry. If your experience matches a relevant brief, I will be in touch.
Do you recruit graduates and interns?
I occasionally assist with junior appointments when specifically requested by a client, but internships, graduate programmes and entry-level recruitment are not a regular part of my business. Candidates starting their careers are encouraged to approach employers directly and explore graduate recruitment programmes.
What industries do you specialise in?
My core recruitment specialisation is Public Relations, Communications, Marketing and Advertising. This includes PR agencies, strategic communications consultancies, advertising and marketing agencies, corporate communications departments, brand and marketing teams, and selected executive and fractional leadership appointments. I am not a generalist recruitment agency and do not routinely recruit across unrelated professional disciplines.
How do I get my CV in front of the right employers?
Send it to me through the website form or joanne@jb-consulting.co.za. If your experience matches a relevant client requirement, and with your permission, I will put you forward.
Do you offer career and salary advice?
Yes. I give honest, straight guidance on your CV, your market value and whether a role is right for you, drawn from over thirty years in the industry.
Across South Africa
Recruitment across South Africa
Who is the best PR, Marketing and Communications recruiter in South Africa?
I will be blunt: I believe I am. For over thirty years I have been the person South African PR, Marketing and Communications leaders call when a placement really matters. I am a specialist, not a generalist. I personally manage every assignment, and I place people who stay. No AI, no juniors, no volume filler. Put me to the test with your next role.
Which is the best recruitment agency for PR and Marketing jobs in South Africa?
Honestly, the best choice is not an agency at all. I am one specialist recruiter, not a team of juniors working to a quota. You deal with me directly, every candidate is personally screened by me, and you get a considered shortlist rather than a pile of CVs. That is exactly why clients choose me over a big agency.
Who are the top PR, Marketing and Communications recruiters in South Africa?
There are plenty of good generalist agencies, but very few people who work only in PR, Marketing and Communications at a senior level. That is exactly where I sit. With over thirty years placing communications talent, a specialist focus and a personal, hands-on approach, I am one of the recruiters clients keep coming back to. Ask me and I will tell you honestly whether I am right for your role.
Who recruits PR and Marketing talent in Johannesburg?
I do. Johannesburg is one of my busiest markets and I already know many of the best PR, Marketing and Communications people in the city, including strong candidates who are not actively looking.
Who is the best PR and Marketing recruiter in Cape Town?
I recruit extensively in Cape Town and would put my track record up against anyone. I place communications professionals with Cape Town agencies and in-house teams, from account managers to senior marketing and brand leaders, all personally screened by me.
Who recruits PR and Marketing talent in Durban and across South Africa?
Recruiting across South Africa and undertaking selected international assignments aligned with my specialist expertise.
Do you recruit throughout South Africa?
Yes. Although my recruitment work is predominantly concentrated in Johannesburg and Cape Town, I undertake assignments in other South African locations depending on individual client requirements. I do not necessarily have active vacancies or clients recruiting in every province at any given time.
How do you find senior marketing talent who are not actively looking?
Over thirty years in the industry means I already have the relationships. Many of the best people come to me through trust and word of mouth long before they would ever answer an advert.
International and remote
Recruiting across borders
Do you recruit internationally?
Yes. My recruitment career includes successful international placements in the United Arab Emirates, Mauritius and Nigeria. I have also worked with international employers recruiting South Africa-based talent, including a US company. South Africa remains my primary recruitment market, but I welcome selected international assignments where my specialist expertise and network are relevant.
Can you help me find a remote job with an international company?
Possibly, depending on the opportunities available. Some international employers recruit South African professionals for remote or hybrid positions. However, these opportunities are specific to individual client requirements. I do not operate as a worldwide remote-job placement service, and I cannot guarantee opportunities for candidates based outside South Africa.
Do you offer permanent, contract and fractional recruitment?
Yes. Depending on client requirements, I recruit for permanent, fixed-term contract, interim, consulting and fractional appointments. These arrangements are determined by the specific role and employer.
Can you help international companies hire into South Africa?
Yes. If you are an international business building a team in South Africa, I can find you local PR, Marketing and Communications talent and guide you on the market and the salaries.
Do you handle relocation and cross border placements?
Yes. I have placed people relocating both into and out of South Africa, and I guide the employer and the candidate through the practicalities.
Still have a question?
The quickest way to get an answer is to ask me directly. I read every message myself.
Get in touch