PR & Comms Manager in Watford

PR & Communications Manager is a strategic thinker and skilled communicator who excels at building and maintaining a positive brand image. They are adept at developing and executing comprehensive communication plans that align with business objectives and engage target audiences across various platforms. This role involves crafting compelling messages, managing media relations, and coordinating public relations efforts to enhance the organisation’s reputation. An exceptional PR & Communications Manager is also proactive in crisis management, ensuring effective communication during challenging times. They possess strong interpersonal skills, enabling them to collaborate seamlessly with internal and external stakeholders.

What you will do

• Media Relations: Collaborate with the Senior PR & Communications Manager to manage and deliver Pan-European PR campaigns. Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and analysts to secure positive coverage and enhance Epson’s public image.
• Content creation: Develop press releases, pitches, and feature stories that highlight Epson’s products, innovations, and values. Ensure content is engaging and aligns with the company’s messaging strategy. Responsible for localisation of content.
• Adapting to Cultural Differences: Tailoring communication strategies to respect and reflect the cultural nuances of different European markets.
• Event Management: Organise and prepare press events, product launches, and media briefings to promote Epson’s offerings. Support exhibitions and other promotional activities.
• Crisis Management: Handle communication during crises to ensure Epson’s message is effectively managed and conveyed. Maintain crisis preparedness and ensure correct procedures are in place to support the business.
• Community/ESG Engagement: Plan and deliver activities that support Epson’s ESG goals and represent the company in local community events. Collaborate with the Senior PR & Communications Manager to align these activities with overall PR strategies.
• PR Activities Management: Manage PR activities in key geographical territories within the EEB region. Set KPIs, manage budgets, agree on and support activities, and oversee reporting.
• Local Marketing Support: Support local marketing efforts by creating product review opportunities, coordinating PR activities linked to large exhibitions, and arranging media interviews.
• PR Agency Management: Manage external agencies (retained and ad hoc) on a day-to-day basis to ensure the successful delivery of campaigns. Ensure campaigns are delivered on budget, on time, and on message, providing value for money. Propose and investigate new agencies if required, ensuring local suitability and measuring results regularly against agreed KPIs.
• Guidance and Support: Provide day-to-day guidance to PR agencies and ESCs to support media outreach and ensure alignment with Epson’s PR strategy.
• Media monitoring: Manage external agencies, and provide reporting on activities and results.
• Brand: Ensure all brand and regulation guidelines are followed for PR and ESG activities.

What you will bring

• Media Relations: Building and maintaining strong relationships with European media outlets and journalists.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Crisis Management: Preparing for and managing communication during crises to protect the organisation’s reputation.
• Multilingual Proficiency: Fluency in multiple languages to effectively communicate across different European regions useful but not essential.
• Cultural Awareness: Understanding and respecting cultural differences to tailor communication strategies appropriately.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey the brand’s message and collaborate with teams. Proficiency in editing tools to create visually appealing content.
• Content Creation: Crafting compelling press releases, speeches, and other communication materials.
• Event Management: Planning and coordinating events such as press conferences and product launches across Europe.
• Analytical Skills: Monitoring public sentiment and media coverage to adjust strategies as needed.
• Interpersonal Skills: Building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• Experience: Several years of experience in public relations, with a proven track record of successful campaigns.
• Certifications: Certifications in public relations or related areas can be advantageous.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with PR tools and platforms.
• Portfolio: A portfolio showcasing successful PR campaigns and media coverage.

What we offer

You will have access to a wide range of flexible benefits including a strong contributory pension plan, private healthcare, life cover, gym membership, employee assistance programme, employee discounts on Epson and Seiko products, and more. Epson also promotes hybrid working, with a minimum of 25 days holiday per year. Epson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all protected characteristics and are committed to providing any necessary accommodations during the application and assessment process, as well as upon joining our team.