Public Relations Manager Automotive

Overview

Working for a fast growing automotive OEM with substantial UK and International heritage now at the forefront of EV and Hybrid technology.

Travel Requirement

Frequent travel within the UK and occasional international travel as required.

Position Summary

The PR & Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing the Company's public relations and communications strategy across the UK market. The role will lead media relations, corporate communications, product communications, brand storytelling, and reputation management to enhance brand awareness, support business growth, and strengthen the Company's position within the UK automotive market. The successful candidate will work closely with media, journalists, influencers, agencies, industry organisations, dealer partners, and internal stakeholders to deliver impactful communications programmes and maintain a positive brand reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Public Relations Strategy
  • Develop and implement the annual PR and communications strategy.
  • Support the Company's overall business, sales, and brand objectives.
  • Create integrated communications plans for product launches, corporate announcements, and marketing campaigns.
  • Identify opportunities to increase brand visibility and media exposure.
• Media Relations
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with automotive, business, technology, sustainability, and consumer media.
  • Act as the primary media contact for the Company.
  • Manage media enquiries and interview requests.
  • Develop and distribute press releases, media statements, and briefing materials.
  • Organise media events, press conferences, and media test drive programmes.
• Product Communications
  • Lead communication activities for new vehicle launches and product updates.
  • Develop product messaging and communication materials.
  • Coordinate press vehicle activities with Fleet and Marketing teams.
  • Support vehicle reviews and media evaluations.
• Corporate Communications
  • Develop and manage corporate communications programmes.
  • Support executive communications and leadership visibility.
  • Draft speeches, presentations, briefing notes, and key messages.
  • Promote corporate achievements, partnerships, and business milestones.
• Brand Reputation Management
  • Monitor media coverage and public perception.
  • Manage reputation risks and communication challenges.
  • Develop crisis communication plans and response procedures.
  • Ensure consistent brand messaging across all communication channels.
• Agency Management
  • Manage PR agencies and external communications partners.
  • Define agency objectives and performance expectations.
  • Monitor budgets, deliverables, and campaign effectiveness.
  • Evaluate agency performance and ROI.
• Influencer and Industry Relations
  • Develop relationships with key influencers, content creators, and industry opinion leaders.
  • Identify partnership opportunities to increase brand awareness.
  • Support influencer engagement programmes and events.
• Events and Launch Communications
  • Support vehicle launches, exhibitions, media drives, and corporate events.
  • Prepare communication materials for events.
  • Coordinate media attendance and event publicity.
  • Maximise media coverage and post-event exposure.
• Internal Communications
  • Support employee communication initiatives.
  • Ensure consistent communication of key business messages.
  • Collaborate with HR and leadership teams on internal communication activities.
• Reporting and Analysis
  • Monitor media coverage and share of voice.
  • Track PR campaign performance and KPIs.
  • Prepare regular management reports.
  • Analyse communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business, or related discipline.
• Experience
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in public relations, communications, or corporate affairs.
  • Experience within automotive, mobility, technology, consumer brands, or multinational organisations preferred.
  • Strong experience managing media relationships and PR campaigns.
  • Experience supporting product launches and brand-building activities.
  • Agency and in-house PR experience is advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong media relations capabilities.
• Outstanding storytelling and content development skills.
• Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Crisis communication and reputation management skills.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.

Preferred Experience

• Automotive OEM or automotive industry experience.
• Experience launching new brands or products in the UK market.
• Experience working with media test drive programmes.
• Knowledge of EV and sustainable mobility sectors.
• Existing relationships with UK automotive media and industry stakeholders.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Media coverage volume and quality.
• Share of voice versus competitors.
• Positive media sentiment.
• Brand awareness growth.
• Product launch media performance.
• Influencer engagement effectiveness.
• PR campaign ROI.
• Event media attendance and coverage.
• Agency performance management.
• Reputation management outcomes.