PR Manager - UK&IRL

Based in Woking, the PR Manager is responsible for all media relations for the UK & Ireland with a strong focus on corporate reputation management, issues management whilst overseeing brand PR and trade media relations. This important role will help increase corporate, consumer and trade-facing brand awareness while protecting the MSC Cruises' brand, the world's third largest cruise brand, as it continues to expand its presence in the UK & Ireland.

We are looking for a hands-on, experienced corporate media relations professional with a proven track record of building strong relationships with a broad cross section of the media but with a particular strength lying in corporate media and reputation management. The successful candidate is someone who will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced international organisation working closely with the HQ global communications function based in Geneva, Switzerland. The role is full time office based.

Your Impact

• Develops and implements the UK & Ireland media relations strategy including building brand strength, corporate reputation management as well as promoting product and marketing campaigns.
• Delivers quality media coverage across all areas of the media – regional and national news and travel, consumer lifestyle, TV as well as travel trade.
• Works hand in hand with Geneva HQ on management of UK & Ireland issues management.
• Leads external agency support and ensures efforts are aligned according to commercial priorities and strategies as well ensure seamless execution and outstanding results.
• Owns and nurtures close personal relationships with key journalists to pitch and cultivate story developments.
• Plans, organises and delivers regular press trips and UK aspects of global events including accompanying media on board.
• Adapts and edits global press releases as well as drafting local releases, talking points, presentations, scripts, facts sheets as well.
• Develops locally relevant media assets such as press releases, photography and video.
• Supports on the integration with Marketing and Sales teams for consumer and trade activations.
• Monitors results of activities against set KPI’s and generates reports to share with the wider UK business.
• Researches, reports and analyses the competitor’s communications impact in UK & Ireland.
• Is responsible for the annual PR budget.
• Line manages Senior PR Executive.

Your Journey so far

• BA degree required, MA level an advantage.
• At least 10 years of relevant media relations experience either in an agency or in-house, ideally also in either a local subsidiary of a global organization publicly traded or privately-owned organisation.
• Experience in the travel or hospitality sector is an advantage.
• Independent, self-starter, action and result oriented media relations professional.
• First-class written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Solutions-oriented approach to tasks with the ability to use initiative to problem-solve.
• Keen attention to detail with a critical thinking mindset.
• Demonstrate a track record of having supported and contributed to the successful delivery of media relations activations, building differentiated positioning for high-profile brands, ideally in a highly-competitive business environment.
• Experience with TV series/documentary production an advantage.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly of PowerPoint and Excel.
• This role includes frequent travel for events and press trips.
• Flexible, able to roll up her/his sleeves and inspire and gain the good-will of non-communications peers by example, influence and with an unshakeable can-do attitude.

Your Essentials

• Fluent in English, spoken and written.
• Full right to live and work in the UK.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving something remarkable. Your journey starts here!