Press Office and Media Manager

As our Press Office & Media Manager, you’ll lead the Group’s media relations strategy, playing a central role in protecting and enhancing our reputation across the UK financial services landscape. You’ll shape and deliver a clear, compelling communications narrative that builds trust, strengthens our brand and positions the Group as a credible and respected voice within the sector.

You’ll be responsible for an integrated programme of media engagement, acting as the primary point of contact for journalists and managing both proactive and reactive press office activity. This includes drafting and distributing media releases, statements, briefings and thought leadership content, as well as identifying opportunities to comment on market trends across print, broadcast and digital channels.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership team and colleagues across all areas of the business, you’ll provide trusted advice on reputational risk, lead crisis and issue management, and support Senior Executives through media briefing and training. You’ll also oversee media monitoring and reporting, manage budgets and third-party PR agencies. In addition, you’ll support the development of business-critical corporate publications such as the Annual and Half Year Reports and Annual General Meeting materials, ensuring all communications meet regulatory and compliance standards.

You’re an experienced media relations professional with strong judgement, gravitas and the ability to operate confidently in a regulated, complex environment. You combine excellent writing and storytelling skills with a strategic mindset and a calm, considered approach under pressure.

You’ll bring proven experience of managing media relationships and delivering impactful communications, ideally within Financial Services or other regulated sectors. You’re comfortable advising senior leaders, handling sensitive issues and leading crisis or issues communications with clarity and confidence.

You’re collaborative by nature, able to build strong relationships across an organisation and influence at all levels. With a continuous improvement mindset, you’re proactive in spotting opportunities, anticipating risk and raising the bar for communication standards, insight and impact.

Our purpose is clear: to offer accessible financial products, sound advice, and a brand experience that’s as trustworthy online as it is in person. You’ll be joining a team that values creativity, collaboration and real connection. Whether we’re supporting community causes, launching new campaigns, or refining our digital platforms, we’re united by a belief that purposeful content has the power to make mutual values feel meaningful to every audience.

As an inclusive employer and member owned mutual, we aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are, we want colleagues to feel this is a place they belong. A place to be you.

What do you get in return? As well as receiving a competitive annual salary based on above-market pay scales, our reward package includes:

• Financial Corporate bonus scheme (on target 5%, up to a maximum 10%)
• Pension scheme (up to 9% employer contribution)
• Annual performance related pay reviews
• Colleague mortgage scheme
• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection
• Access to our financial advisers
• Access to a range of high street and online discounts
• Work/Life Balance
• A 35-hour weekly contract - We are happy to talk flexible working and welcome discussions
• 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (rises to 30 with length of service)
• The option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ holiday
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days’ home based)
• Above statutory family leave entitlement - 3 months full pay, 3 months half pay, regardless of gender or route to parenthood
• Health and Wellbeing
• Access to a health cash plan through a Medicash scheme
• Access to an employee assistance programme
• Free onsite gym at our Cobalt head office and access to discounted gyms
• Two paid volunteering days each year
• Cycle to work scheme

Recognising there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recruitment, we’re committed to ensuring every candidate has the opportunity to showcase their full potential throughout the recruitment process. We strive to make our processes as accessible as possible, if there are any ways in which we can provide support or make adjustments, we would love to discuss this with you, you can contact your Recruiter for this vacancy at kate.wilkinson@newcastle.co.uk