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- Tasks: Lead media strategies and handle press inquiries to shape Serco's public image.
- Company: Serco delivers essential public services across the UK and Europe, impacting lives daily.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, company car, private medical, and pension contributions.
- Why this job: Join a high-profile role that influences public perception and enhances community trust.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations, strong writing skills, and ability to engage with senior leaders.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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Media Relations Director, Group
Location: Cardinal Place London / Flexible
Competitive salary + % bonus + company car or allowance + Private medical + % pension
At Serco, we make a difference every day. Across the UK and Europe, over , of our colleagues deliver vital public services that shape lives and strengthen communities. From Defence and Transport to Health, Immigration and Justice, we operate at the heart of public life. Now, we’re looking for a Media Relations Director to help us tell our story — clearly, confidently, and with impact.
This is a high-profile, senior position responsible for both reactive media handling and proactive media engagement across Serco Group and the UK & Europe Division. You’ll play a key role in shaping how we are perceived — by the media, the public, and our stakeholders — helping to build trust, enhance our reputation, and promote recognition of the vital work we do.
You’ll be at the centre of Serco’s external communications, reporting directly to the Group Director of Communications. You’ll lead on media relations strategy, oversee incoming press enquiries, and identify and deliver proactive storytelling opportunities across traditional and digital media channels.
You’ll work closely with senior leaders across the organisation and build strong relationships with journalists, government press offices, and other external stakeholders. As a senior leader in our communications function, you’ll also collaborate with colleagues across internal comms, marketing, and investor relations to ensure consistent, aligned messaging that supports our wider business goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and lead comprehensive media strategies across all channels to support business and communications objectives
- Act as the lead point of contact for all media enquiries across Group and the UK & Europe Division
- Deliver compelling, proactive media campaigns — with a strong focus on internal human-interest stories that showcase the people behind our services
- Provide expert advice and judgement to senior leaders on all media handling matters
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and key external stakeholders
- Support financial communications in collaboration with the Head of Investor Relations and financial PR agencies
- Monitor media coverage and social channels, ensuring timely responses to issues and opportunities
- Rebut inaccurate or misleading coverage swiftly and effectively
- Maintain and lead crisis communications protocols & be part of the out-of-hours media relations on-call rota
- Track and evaluate media campaigns against agreed targets and KPIs
- Stay ahead of emerging media trends and tools, driving innovation and continuous improvement
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience in high-profile media relations, including managing complex or sensitive issues, ideally in a complex business or public sector equivalent
- A strong track record of delivering proactive media coverage, particularly human interest and people-focused stories that generate positive recognition
- Excellent judgement, writing, and editing skills — able to shape complex information into clear, compelling messaging
- Strong understanding of digital and traditional media channels
- Ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with national media and key stakeholders
- Experience advising and influencing senior executives coupled with a collaborative, flexible and proactive approach to working across a matrixed organisation
- Political awareness and a strong grasp of current affairs
- Willingness to travel as needed and participate in out-of-hours duty rota
What we offer
- A competitive base salary
- Up to % bonus
- A company car or car allowance
- Private medical for you and a partner
- % matched pension
All Serco employees must ensure that their current line manager is aware of their application. For confidential enquiries please contact MyHR. Serco are Disability Confident Leader employers and are committed to employing and retaining people with disabilities. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
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Media Relations Director, Group employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Relations Director, Group
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Serco's recent media coverage and key projects. Understanding their current narrative will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the media relations field, especially those who have experience in public sector communications. Attend industry events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or referrals for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of successful media campaigns you've led, particularly those that involved human-interest stories. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate into success at Serco, showcasing your ability to generate positive media coverage.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current affairs and emerging media trends. Being knowledgeable about the latest developments will not only help you in interviews but also show your proactive approach to media relations, which is crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Media Relations Director, Group
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Media Relations Director position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in media relations and communications.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your experience in media relations, particularly any high-profile campaigns you've led. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact, such as increased media coverage or successful crisis management.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Highlight specific examples of how your skills align with the job description, especially your ability to build relationships with journalists and manage complex media issues.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, as attention to detail is crucial in communications roles. A polished application reflects your professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Research Serco Thoroughly
Before the interview, dive deep into Serco's history, values, and recent news. Understanding their mission and the services they provide will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the high-profile nature of the Media Relations Director position, be ready to discuss how you would handle specific media crises or develop proactive campaigns. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your existing relationships with journalists and media outlets. Discuss how these connections can benefit Serco and how you plan to leverage them to enhance the company's media presence.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing comprehensive media strategies. Share examples of past campaigns you've led, focusing on how they aligned with business objectives and resulted in positive media coverage.
