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- Tasks: Lead external communications for Publicis Media UK, building relationships and managing media relations.
- Company: Join Publicis Groupe, the world's largest holding company, transforming marketing for top brands globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, specialist training, and access to extensive development programmes.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, shaping communication strategies and making an impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, strong writing skills, and ability to manage stakeholders effectively.
- Other info: We support diverse candidates and offer adjustments for fair assessments.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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Publicis Groupe is a business and marketing transformation partner to the world’s biggest brands with 108,000 employees in 100 countries around the world. Publicis Groupe is the world’s largest holding company. The UK is the company’s second largest market with more than 7,500 employees across 30 agencies and capabilities including Saatchi & Saatchi, BBH, Leo Burnett, Zenith and Starcom with three main offices in Chancery Lane (Holborn), Television Centre (White City) and Turnmills (Farringdon).
About the comms team
In the UK, we are an in-house team of 13 comms thinkers and practitioners, whose job it is to build the reputation of Publicis Groupe UK’s capabilities and agencies. We have close ties to the global communications team and specialist teams from other areas of the business so there is a good network of communications professionals, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow within the team. We run specialist training and have access to the whole suite of Publicis Groupe training programmes, we also run surgeries and regular sessions to help upskill the team and share expertise.
About the role
We’re looking for a Deputy Head of Communications to lead and oversee external communications for the agencies and capabilities across Publicis Media UK. You’ll build strong relationships of trust with the agency leaders and experts, and work with them to build reputation among the right audiences, to attract the right clients and talent. You’ll also support the Head of Communications on implementing the external communications strategy for Publicis Media UK and its CEO.
About the candidate
You’ll be a comms professional with lots of energy and ideas, natural gravitas and experience liaising with journalists on both proactive stories and sensitive issues. You’ll need to be a strong communicator with excellent writing skills, someone who enjoys media relations and is good at managing stakeholders and providing counsel. We’re looking for someone who is action-oriented, organised and with great attention to detail, with a good news instinct, able to identify opportunities and come up with new ideas. You’ll need to be able to work at pace when it’s required and be comfortable working with senior leaders, having earned your stripes as a trusted adviser in a similar role. You’ll have experience working in-house in complex organisations, or working in an agency environment, managing several clients, with an interest in the advertising and marketing industry.
Your responsibilities will include
- Collaborate with the Head of Communications to develop and implement Publicis Media UK’s communications strategy across multiple platforms, ensuring it aligns with organisational goals.
- Develop strategy, plans and key messages for the agencies and capabilities within Publicis Media, working closely with the Head of Communications, CEOs and senior leadership.
- Provide strategic advice and leadership on issues or crisis situations, working closely with senior leadership to manage reputation and response.
- Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with key journalists and media outlets. Proactively pitch stories to the media, respond to press inquiries, and secure coverage in relevant publications.
- Lead the development of key communication materials, including writing Q&As, press releases, briefing notes, thought leadership articles and comments.
- Consistently review and add value to the quality of written work produced by members of the communications team. Provide constructive feedback and guidance to ensure high standards of clarity, consistency, and professionalism in all outputs.
- Able to clearly and concisely communicate to senior stakeholders, seen as trusted advisor, providing relevant counsel and recommendations
- Navigate complex and uncertain situations, providing clear, strategic communication while adapting to shifting priorities and emerging challenges.
Personal qualities and skills
- Corporate and b2b media relations experience.
- Strong leadership abilities, with experience in managing and motivating teams to achieve high performance and meet organisational goals
- Ability to think strategically, anticipate communication challenges, and create effective solutions aligned with business objectives.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and natural gravitas.
- Proven ability to build strong, trusted relationships with CEOs and senior leaders, offering strategic communication guidance and supporting high-level decision-making in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Strong understanding of the media landscape and a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists and media professionals. Ability to pitch stories effectively and manage press inquiries with ease.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, conveying complex ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
- A creative approach to problem-solving, generating new ideas and innovate in response to evolving communications needs.
- Digitally savvy, with proficiency with digital tools and platforms, including social media and media monitoring tools.
- Enthusiastic self-starter who can work independently, proactive and resilient.
- A strong team player, with the ability to remain flexible.
About Publicis Groupe UK
Publicis Groupe is a business and marketing transformation partner to the world’s biggest brands with 108,000 employees in 100 countries around the world. Publicis Groupe is the world’s largest holding company. The UK is the company’s second largest market with more than 7,500 employees across 30 agencies and capabilities including Saatchi & Saatchi, BBH, Leo Burnett, Zenith and Starcom with three main offices in Chancery Lane (Holborn), Television Centre (White City) and Turnmills (Farringdon).
About the comms team
In the UK, we are an in-house team of 13 comms thinkers and practitioners, whose job it is to build the reputation of Publicis Groupe UK’s capabilities and agencies. We have close ties to the global communications team and specialist teams from other areas of the business so there is a good network of communications professionals, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow within the team. We run specialist training and have access to the whole suite of Publicis Groupe training programmes, we also run surgeries and regular sessions to help upskill the team and share expertise.
About the role
We’re looking for a Deputy Head of Communications to lead and oversee external communications for the agencies and capabilities across Publicis Media UK. You’ll build strong relationships of trust with the agency leaders and experts, and work with them to build reputation among the right audiences, to attract the right clients and talent. You’ll also support the Head of Communications on implementing the external communications strategy for Publicis Media UK and its CEO.
About the candidate
You’ll be a comms professional with lots of energy and ideas, natural gravitas and experience liaising with journalists on both proactive stories and sensitive issues. You’ll need to be a strong communicator with excellent writing skills, someone who enjoys media relations and is good at managing stakeholders and providing counsel. We’re looking for someone who is action-oriented, organised and with great attention to detail, with a good news instinct, able to identify opportunities and come up with new ideas. You’ll need to be able to work at pace when it’s required and be comfortable working with senior leaders, having earned your stripes as a trusted adviser in a similar role. You’ll have experience working in-house in complex organisations, or working in an agency environment, managing several clients, with an interest in the advertising and marketing industry.
Your responsibilities will include
- Collaborate with the Head of Communications to develop and implement Publicis Media UK’s communications strategy across multiple platforms, ensuring it aligns with organisational goals.
- Develop strategy, plans and key messages for the agencies and capabilities within Publicis Media, working closely with the Head of Communications, CEOs and senior leadership.
- Provide strategic advice and leadership on issues or crisis situations, working closely with senior leadership to manage reputation and response.
- Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with key journalists and media outlets. Proactively pitch stories to the media, respond to press inquiries, and secure coverage in relevant publications.
- Lead the development of key communication materials, including writing Q&As, press releases, briefing notes, thought leadership articles and comments.
- Consistently review and add value to the quality of written work produced by members of the communications team. Provide constructive feedback and guidance to ensure high standards of clarity, consistency, and professionalism in all outputs.
- Able to clearly and concisely communicate to senior stakeholders, seen as trusted advisor, providing relevant counsel and recommendations
- Navigate complex and uncertain situations, providing clear, strategic communication while adapting to shifting priorities and emerging challenges.
Personal qualities and skills
- Corporate and b2b media relations experience.
- Strong leadership abilities, with experience in managing and motivating teams to achieve high performance and meet organisational goals
- Ability to think strategically, anticipate communication challenges, and create effective solutions aligned with business objectives.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and natural gravitas.
- Proven ability to build strong, trusted relationships with CEOs and senior leaders, offering strategic communication guidance and supporting high-level decision-making in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Strong understanding of the media landscape and a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists and media professionals. Ability to pitch stories effectively and manage press inquiries with ease.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, conveying complex ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
- A creative approach to problem-solving, generating new ideas and innovate in response to evolving communications needs.
- Digitally savvy, with proficiency with digital tools and platforms, including social media and media monitoring tools.
- Enthusiastic self-starter who can work independently, proactive and resilient.
- A strong team player, with the ability to remain flexible.
Additional Information
Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office-based three days during the working week.
We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.
Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Pagewhich showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG’s (Employee Action Groups).
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Deputy Head of Communications employer: Publicis Groupe
Contact Detail:
Publicis Groupe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the communications field, especially those who have experience in corporate and B2B media relations. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in communications.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Publicis Groupe's recent campaigns and communications strategies. Understanding their approach will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to manage relationships with journalists by preparing examples of successful media pitches or crisis communications you've handled in the past. This will highlight your relevant experience and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss how you would navigate complex communication challenges. Think of specific scenarios where you successfully managed stakeholder expectations or adapted strategies in a fast-paced environment, as this aligns with the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications, media relations, and stakeholder management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build relationships with journalists and manage complex situations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience in developing communication strategies and managing external communications.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since excellent writing skills are crucial for this role, consider including samples of your previous work, such as press releases or thought leadership articles. This will give the hiring team a clear idea of your writing style and capabilities.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise any leadership roles you've held, especially those involving team management or strategic decision-making. Provide examples of how you motivated teams to achieve high performance and met organisational goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Publicis Groupe
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Publicis Groupe and its various agencies. Understand their values, recent campaigns, and the media landscape they operate in. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Deputy Head of Communications, strong communication skills are essential. Prepare to discuss your experience with media relations, writing press releases, and managing stakeholder communications. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Highlight your ability to think strategically about communications. Discuss how you've developed and implemented communication strategies in previous roles, and be prepared to share your approach to crisis management and reputation building.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing a connection with your interviewers can set you apart. Be personable, engage in conversation, and show enthusiasm for the role. Remember, they are looking for someone who can build strong relationships within the team and with external stakeholders.
