PR Account Managers (B2B and B2C) in Manchester

Thanks to some sensational new client wins and an ambitious growth period ahead, we have an exciting opportunity for a new PR Account Manager (B2B and B2C) to join our ambitious and fast-paced Manchester team. If you are a dynamic and creative individual with a passion for building strong client relationships and delivering world‑class PR campaigns, then this could be the role for you!

As an Account Manager you will be the driving force behind developing and implementing strategic PR plans for some of the UK’s most well-known brands. You will serve as the primary point of contact, building and nurturing strong relationships with clients, understanding their goals, and delivering exceptional results.

The right fit

Over the last 16+ years, we’ve worked hard to achieve a fantastic culture at Smoking Gun. There are no egos here. It’s a truly collaborative team that is passionate about delivering award-winning work. Smoking Gun’s values (nurture, aspiration, accountability, courage, adaptability and rigour) are embedded into the agency’s day-to-day operations, and we regularly recognise and reward staff for demonstrating these values within their roles. It’s really important that whoever joins our team fits these values and will match our passion, positivity and supportive culture, whilst delivering world-class work.

More about the role

The role is full‑time and on a permanent basis. You will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing strategic PR plans to achieve KPIs.
• Driving the PR programme for all clients as laid out in the agreed programme of activity with your account director.
• Serving as the main liaison between clients and the agency, ensuring effective communication and understanding of client objectives.
• Conducting thorough research and analysis to identify media opportunities, trends, and industry insights to achieve results.
• Creating compelling press releases, media pitches, and other written materials ensuring they’re delivered to the highest standard.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key media contacts, influencers, and industry professionals to leverage partnerships and secure media placements.
• Monitoring and analysing media coverage, providing impactful reports to clients, demonstrating the value of our work.
• Planning and managing the organisation of events ranging from workshops, photo calls, media and influencer events, round-tables etc. on behalf of clients.
• Assisting the senior team in supporting clients during crisis situations – helping to develop crisis communication plans and monitoring media coverage and social channels.
• Staying up‑to‑date with industry trends, emerging PR techniques, and new media platforms, continuously bringing fresh ideas to enhance clients’ PR strategies.
• Leading meetings, ensuring that preparation for the meeting is well organised and that account directors or seniors are fully briefed on meeting contents.
• Motivating and guiding the team of execs to provide the utmost level of client service.
• Promoting our range of services and the expansion of business with existing clients.
• Working with the senior team on new business briefs and pitches.
• Ensuring projects are completed to a specific schedule and within an agreed budget.
• Staying up‑to‑date with industry best practices and emerging trends to continually enhance PR strategies.

Essential experience required

• Approx. 2-3 years experience working on big consumer brands or B2B clients within an agency.
• Strong understanding of PR strategies, media relations, and digital PR practices.
• Demonstrated experience of developing and implementing multi‑channel creative campaigns across PR, social and influencer marketing to achieve desired outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging content and deliver compelling presentations.
• Complete understanding of how the media works in the particular areas in which you operate – the opportunities available and building relationships with journalists etc.
• Ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge and experience in PR for SEO – ability to generate backlinks from online coverage and optimise content, using search tools to inform your approach.
• Proven experience of developing rigorous evaluation metrics and client reports that demonstrate the effectiveness of PR.
• A creative mindset with the ability to think outside the box and develop innovative PR campaigns.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, media contacts, and team members.

Company package/ perks

Salary banding – £30-35k. As well as a competitive salary, you will also receive:

• 33 days holiday and your birthday off.
• Statutory pension scheme.
• Company laptop.
• Hybrid/ flexible working.
• Summer hours where you can finish early every day.
• A structured development programme including monthly 121s with line manager and quarterly performance reviews.
• Access to a dedicated mentor as part of our company‑wide mentor scheme.
• Personal development fund – £250 a year to spend on anything you want to develop an interest/ hobby/ life skill, non-work related.
• Regular socials / team building activities.
• Monthly lunch and learn sessions featuring external experts.
• Peer to peer reward system where points can be cashed in for vouchers, days off, meals out etc.
• Discretionary annual company bonus scheme.
• Work anniversary gifts.
• Exclusive Perks – with discounts on lifestyle items from shopping to gyms to cinemas etc.
• Volunteer days – up to x2 paid volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice.

A bit about Smoking Gun

We don’t do PR. We shift consumer behaviour. We build trust. We change perceptions. We move audiences. We do intelligent, disruptive, ingenious communications campaigns – that solve real business problems. For brands with balls, and brains – welcome to Smoking Gun. When the gun fires, you need to be able to measure the smoke. We’re the agency with seven global effectiveness awards for impacting business goals. We’re authentic storytellers, with a purpose. Our culture is built on values of aspiration, adaptability and accountability. Our people are courageous, rigorous and nurturing in all they do. At Smoking Gun, you’ll connect with some of the most experienced minds in the industry – strategists, creatives and former national news editors. Spanning B2C and B2B, our roster includes market leaders and pioneering start‑ups – all sharing our challenger brand mentality to disrupt norms and push boundaries.

If you think you could be a great addition to our ingenious team, please send your CV to [emailprotected].