Senior Media Relations Manager

Senior Media Relations Manager

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
St. James's Place

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful media strategies and enhance our reputation in financial advice.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company transforming the financial services landscape.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for career growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping communications in a dynamic industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in media relations and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Are you ready to chart your own career path? With our refreshed strategy, we’re building on our rich heritage and transforming our business to be more scalable and efficient, unlocking the capabilities needed for future success. This includes significantly investing in technology, streamlining the way we work and creating an environment where colleagues feel engaged, empowered and accountable; where they can show up, speak up and perform - because we believe in the difference our work makes.

At a glance:

  • Location: London - Paddington and Lombard Street office
  • Workplace Type: Hybrid (3 days in the office, flexibility required)
  • Employment Type: Permanent
  • Seniority: Mid-Senior Level

About the role

We’re looking for a collaborative and forward thinking communications professional to lead and deliver impactful media activity that promotes St. James’s Place (SJP) and its Partnership. In this role, you’ll shape and deliver media strategies that enhance our reputation, amplify our voice, and position SJP as a trusted thought leader in financial advice. You’ll work with a wide range of colleagues, partners and stakeholders - including close collaboration with our Investments team - to ensure our communications are clear, engaging and accessible to diverse audiences.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Developing and delivering integrated media communications strategies, including clear goals, tactical plans and meaningful measures of success
  • Building, nurturing and expanding relationships with national and trade media, while exploring new opportunities in an evolving media landscape
  • Leading external communications for Investments and providing trusted advice to senior leaders and spokespeople
  • Helping to manage reputational risk and supporting communications during sensitive or high‑profile situations
  • Creating engaging media campaigns that highlight the value of financial advice and position SJP as a thought leader
  • Working collaboratively with colleagues across Communications, Marketing and Client teams to maximise impact
  • Exploring creative and inclusive ways to communicate SJP’s achievements across a range of channels, including social media
  • Monitoring media coverage, understanding sentiment, and using insights to continuously improve our approach
  • Supporting and preparing spokespeople for media opportunities in a way that builds confidence and authenticity
  • Stepping in to support the External Communications Divisional Director when needed

Who we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about communications and bringing stories to life. You’ll be a strong relationship builder who values collaboration and is comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment. You’ll bring curiosity, sound judgement and a desire to make an impact, while creating communications that resonate with a wide range of audiences.

  • Significant experience developing and delivering media relations strategies, either in‑house or within an agency environment
  • Ability to build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with media and stakeholders
  • Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to make complex topics clear and accessible
  • Experience supporting senior stakeholders and contributing to the management of reputational issues
  • Experience within financial services, such as wealth management or financial advice
  • Experience delivering campaigns across multiple channels, including digital and social media

Please be advised that we may need to close the advert earlier than stated if demand for this role is high.

What's in it for you?

We reward you for the work you do, whether that’s through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), or online rewards platform with a variety of discounts.

We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:

  • Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
  • Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit)
  • 10% non‑contributory pension (increasing with length of service)

Reasonable Adjustments

We're an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all. If you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing us at careers@sjp.co.uk

Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.

What's next?

If you're excited about this role and believe you have the skills and experience we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you! Please submit an application by clicking ‘apply’ below and our team will be in touch.

As a business regulated by the FCA we would advise you to familiarise yourself with the conduct regulations and in particular consumer duty obligations prior to an interview with SJP.

Senior Media Relations Manager employer: St. James's Place

St. James’s Place (SJP) is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and empowering work culture, particularly in the vibrant London locations of Paddington and Lombard Street. With a strong commitment to employee growth, SJP offers competitive benefits including a generous annual leave allowance, a discretionary bonus scheme, and comprehensive parental leave, ensuring that team members feel valued and supported at every stage of their career. The hybrid workplace model promotes flexibility while encouraging engagement and accountability, making SJP an ideal place for passionate communications professionals to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

St. James's Place

Contact Details:

St. James's Place Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Media Relations Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the media and financial services sectors. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best media campaigns and strategies. When you get that interview, let your work speak for itself.

Tip Number 3

Stay updated on industry trends! Follow relevant news and social media channels. This will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Media Relations Manager

Media Relations
Communications Strategy
Relationship Building
Writing Skills
Stakeholder Management
Reputational Risk Management
Campaign Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Media Relations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in media relations and how it aligns with our goals at SJP. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the table!

Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since excellent writing is key for this role, include examples of your best work. Whether it's press releases, articles, or campaign materials, we want to see how you can make complex topics clear and engaging. Don’t hold back!

Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit:We value teamwork here at SJP, so share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in past roles. Whether it’s building relationships with media or collaborating with colleagues, show us how you thrive in a team environment.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you're keen on joining our team at SJP!

How to prepare for a job interview at St. James's Place

Know Your Media Landscape

Before the interview, dive deep into the current media landscape, especially in financial services. Familiarise yourself with key publications and journalists who cover wealth management and financial advice. This will not only show your passion for the role but also your proactive approach to understanding how to position SJP effectively.

Showcase Your Campaign Successes

Prepare specific examples of media campaigns you've led or contributed to in the past. Highlight the goals, strategies, and measurable outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver impactful media communications and your experience in managing reputational risks.

Build Rapport with Interviewers

Remember, this role is all about collaboration and relationship-building. Use the interview as an opportunity to connect with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences at SJP and share your thoughts on how you can contribute to the team’s success. A genuine connection can set you apart!

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage sensitive communications or navigate reputational challenges. Be ready to discuss your thought process and how you would apply it to SJP's context.