At a Glance
- Tasks: Run exciting PR projects and represent Kia in front of the UK media.
- Company: Join Kia UK, a top automotive brand known for innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days leave, hybrid working, free lunches, and private medical care.
- Other info: Opportunity for work experience at a leading automotive magazine.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in PR while working with a leading automotive brand.
- Qualifications: Passion for PR and relevant studies in Media or Communication.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
Welcome to Kia UK!
Kia UK is a leading automotive brand offering one of the industry’s largest range of models across multiple vehicle segments, contributing to it being the fourth most popular UK car brand in 2025. With more than 190 Kia dealerships across the country, Kia is now widely known for its advanced electrified products offering the technology of tomorrow, today. Kia UK has consistently grown for over 30 years, supported by bold design, quality products and ever-evolving customer service. By 2027, the brand aims to offer no less than nine fully electric vehicles in the UK, a positive step towards becoming a leading global sustainable mobility solutions provider.
People are central to Kia UK and every day is an opportunity to learn something new and to grow personally and professionally. This was recognised with Kia UK named as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2024, 2025 and 2026 by Great Place To Work®, and also ranked in the 2025 & 2026 Best Workplaces™ for Women, Development, Wellbeing, and Manufacturing, Production & Transportation. Kia employees reported positively on areas such as working atmosphere, trust in management, corporate strategy, pride in working for the company, benefits, facilities and much more!
What will I be doing?
- Running your own PR projects, then developing the media exposure these projects receive
- Representing the brand in front of the UK media (including major product launches)
- Contributing to press releases, pulling content from across the entire business
- Supporting our Head of PR, PR Manager, PR Operations Manager and wider Press Office team to achieve a best-in-class service to the UK media. We’re consistently rated the no.1 automotive press office in the UK
- Monitoring media coverage and reporting back to the Head of PR, as well as general reporting within Kia UK and to Kia Europe
- Supporting the PR Operations Manager and Events Coordinator in the creation and management of media events
- Networking with UK journalists at events, industry organised gatherings and other opportunities
- Working with our agencies to ensure support us effectively
- Dealing with a wide range of media enquiries and liaising with all business departments and suppliers
- Simple financial handling to ensure our projects and events go ahead as planned
- If you want, we can arrange for you to do some work experience at one of the UK’s leading automotive magazines – no pressure!
Am I right for this?
We don’t want to discourage anybody from applying for this role by making a long list of requirements, but to summarise: we want someone who is genuinely passionate about PR so ideally studying for/just finished a relevant course (e.g. PR / Journalism / Writing / Media / Communication). This role will encourage you to act quickly, test your flexibility, and motivate you to constantly adapt to new things (exactly what the media expects from us). You can get a huge amount of experience, knowledge and skills out of a year with us, so we’d love to welcome someone with big dreams that we can support.
Please note: for this role you will require a driving license as you’ll be required to travel across the country and Europe for events and projects.
The Benefits
- 24 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
- Hybrid working (2 days a week remote working)
- Employee car scheme
- Onsite chef (free lunch every day)
- Private medical care & annual health check
- Private dental care
- Income protection, critical illness protection & life assurance
- Pension with significant employer contribution
- Social events (Christmas Ball, Staff Summer Event and other socials) and weekly sports clubs
- Opportunity to get involved with our charity partners
The Location
The Kia UK Head Office is based in Walton-on-Thames, just a 5 minute walk from the station. We also have plenty of on-site parking for drivers, including EV charging ports. There is step-free access throughout the building, but please let us know if you require any additional accessibility support and we will cater to your needs as best we can.
Interview Process
- Step 1: CV review
- Step 2: Video Interview
- Step 3: Assessment Centre at our Head Office in Walton-On-Thames
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We understand that every candidate is unique, and we welcome the opportunity to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all individuals can fully participate in our interview process. If you require any adjustments or support to facilitate your interview, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to discuss your needs and make arrangements that support your participation to best showcase your skills and qualifications.
At Kia, we are committed to employing the best-qualified people and provide equal opportunity for the advancement of employees including promotion and training and thereby not discriminating against any person because of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief or disability.
Press Office Assistant (Undergraduate Placement Year 2027-28) employer: Kia UK
Kia UK Bolton is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where teamwork and innovation thrive. With a focus on employee growth, we provide ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure our technicians stay at the forefront of automotive technology. Our commitment to a supportive culture and competitive benefits makes us a rewarding place to build your career in the automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Press Office Assistant (Undergraduate Placement Year 2027-28)
✨Get Involved in PR Communities
Dive into local PR communities or online forums like PR Week and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can help you get noticed and might lead to placement opportunities with companies like Kia UK.
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're currently in uni, make the most of your career services. They often have connections with PR firms looking for placement students, and they can help you polish your interview skills specifically for PR roles.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills Publicly
Create a portfolio showcasing your PR projects, whether they're university assignments or small freelance gigs. This will not only serve as a strong visual reference when talking to potential employers but also highlight your creativity and communication skills.
✨Explore PR Events and Workshops
Attend PR events, webinars, and workshops in your area. These gatherings are gold mines for networking, where you can meet industry professionals who might just have their eyes on a placement candidate like you. Plus, it’s a chance to get your name out there in the PR scene!
We think you need these skills to ace Press Office Assistant (Undergraduate Placement Year 2027-28)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:When applying for a public relations placement, we want to see your exceptional communication abilities shine through. Use your CV and cover letter to highlight experience in writing press releases, managing media lists, or any relevant coursework. Make it engaging—this is your chance to showcase how well you can convey messages!
Include Your Portfolio of Work:If you’ve worked on any PR campaigns or have samples of press materials, don’t be shy—include a link to your portfolio! We at Kia UK love seeing real examples of your creativity and initiative. Even if it’s from school projects or internships, it demonstrates your hands-on experience and passion for the field.
Tailor Your Application to Us:Make sure your application reflects your interest in Kia UK specifically. Research our recent campaigns or initiatives and mention in your cover letter how your skills align with our goals. Demonstrating knowledge about our work really shows you’re serious and ready to contribute!
Share Your Enthusiasm for Learning:As this is a placement, we’re especially keen on your motivation to learn. Use your cover letter to explain why you're interested in PR and what you hope to gain from this placement. Highlighting your willingness to dive into tasks and absorb knowledge demonstrates that you’re ready for the exciting challenges ahead!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kia UK
✨Get Your Story Straight
In public relations, storytelling is everything. Before your interview with Kia UK, think about your own story and how it relates to the role of a PR intern. Have a couple of compelling examples ready that showcase your communication skills, creativity, and any relevant experience, even if it's just from your studies.
✨Show Off Your Media Savvy
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the media and think about how they impact public relations. When discussing your knowledge, mention specific tools like Canva or social media platforms you’ve used in projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just academically aware; you’re ready to jump into the fast-paced world of PR at Kia UK.
✨Prep for Scenario Questions
PR roles often involve dealing with unexpected scenarios, so be prepared for situational questions during your interview. Think about how you would respond to a PR crisis or manage client relationships. They want to see how you think on your feet, so don’t shy away from showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As a placement student, show how eager you are to learn and grow in the industry. Talk about what you hope to gain from the experience at Kia UK, apart from just padding out your CV. This will convey your motivation to get involved and make the most of your time with them.
