Head of Media (Permanent) in Croydon

Head of Media (Permanent) in Croydon

Croydon Full-Time 60750 - 74250 £ / year (est.) On-site
PPF (Pension Protection Fund)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead media strategy and enhance the PPF's reputation in the pensions sector.
  • Company: Join the award-winning Pension Protection Fund, securing retirement for millions.
  • Benefits: Personal development opportunities and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Located near East Croydon station, promoting diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of pensions and make a real impact on retirement security.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in media relations and strategic communications required.

The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.

At the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), we provide security in retirement for our members and millions of people throughout the UK who belong to defined benefit (DB) pension schemes. Through the PPF and Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), we compensate members for their pensions after the employer funding their pension becomes insolvent. With over £30 billion in assets under management, our investments support long-term economic growth across the UK. Our award-winning team of around 450 professionals has earned the IPE UK Pension Fund of the Year title three times in seven years. We work closely with government and industry partners to improve outcomes for scheme members, employers, and the broader pension system—playing a vital role in strengthening retirement security nationwide.

We are looking for a strategic media leader to join us as Head of Media on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role is responsible for protecting and enhancing the PPF's reputation, ensuring we are recognised as a trusted and authoritative voice in the pensions sector. Working at the heart of the organisation, you will shape how the PPF engages with the media, strengthens stakeholder confidence and promotes the impact and purpose of our work.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Affairs, you will provide expert advice to senior leaders and the Executive Committee on media, reputational and issues management matters. You will lead the development and delivery of our media strategy, build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, and identify opportunities to raise the profile of the PPF and the value we deliver. You will also play a critical role in managing reputational risks and leading communications during high-profile or sensitive issues.

We are looking for a communications professional with significant experience in media relations, reputation management and strategic communications. You will have a proven track record of advising senior stakeholders, leading responses to complex or high-profile issues, and delivering impactful media strategies within pensions, financial services or a similarly complex regulated environment. This is an excellent opportunity to lead an important team, influence organisational strategy and help shape the reputation of an organisation with a unique purpose and a significant role within the UK pensions landscape. We'll also give you lots of opportunities for personal development and skills training.

Our Croydon office is just across the road from East Croydon station, which is around 15 minutes from Victoria or London Bridge, 10 minutes from Clapham Junction or half an hour from St Pancras. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and actively encourage applications from people with disabilities. We embrace diverse talent welcoming people with different beliefs, backgrounds and ways of working.

Head of Media (Permanent) in Croydon employer: PPF (Pension Protection Fund)

At the Pension Protection Fund, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values employee well-being and professional growth. Our Croydon office provides a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility while ensuring our team members are equipped with the resources they need to thrive in their roles. With competitive salaries and a Civil Service Pension, we are committed to providing meaningful and rewarding employment opportunities that make a real difference in the lives of our members.

PPF (Pension Protection Fund)

Contact Details:

PPF (Pension Protection Fund) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Media (Permanent) in Croydon

✨Get Involved in PR Events

Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like PPF (Pension Protection Fund). Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.

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Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like PPF (Pension Protection Fund), can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!

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Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!

✨Tailor Your Approach

When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research PPF (Pension Protection Fund) inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Media (Permanent) in Croydon

Media Relations
Reputation Management
Strategic Communications
Stakeholder Engagement
Crisis Communication
Media Strategy Development
Relationship Building with Journalists

Some tips for your application 🫡

Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!

Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of PPF (Pension Protection Fund). Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.

Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at PPF (Pension Protection Fund).

How to prepare for a job interview at PPF (Pension Protection Fund)

✨Master the Art of Storytelling

In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.

✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out

Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.

✨Stay Current with Industry Trends

We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.

✨Showcase Our Versatility

As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.