JOB PURPOSE:

Develop and drive the Press and PR strategy across the business to achieve commercial and brand objectives

To drive and support the internal communications programme


DIMENSIONS:

Financial: Management of PR related budget.

Staff: No direct reports but regular dialogue with all parts of the business particularly Director level.

Others: Responsibility for the management of external PR agency.


KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Strategy implementation and execution
• Development and delivery of the Press and PR strategy for all the brands and businesses in the group, specifically:
o Local press to support branch network
o National consumer media relations
o National business and trade titles
• Establishment of strong working relationships with the media with the aim of positioning the company as the preferred partner for comment re: general insurance
• Work with the wider business to ensure that PR and internal communications are aligned to the business strategy and integrated as appropriate
• Design, develop and deliver innovative PR campaigns to achieve commercial and brand objectives





2. Analysis
• Analyses on the ongoing impact and value of PR activity and coverage
• Commissioning research in the development of new newsworthy stories

4. Third Party Liaison
• Management of external PR agency
• Co-ordination of activity with direct marketing and media agencies.
• Management of relationship with press monitoring agency
• Effective relationship building with journalists and influential parties

5. Regulatory Requirements
• Remains mindful of compliance with FSA Rules and other Regulatory Codes

6. Internal Communications
• Play a key role in developing the internal communications programme in association with HR
• Work to deliver the associated areas of the internal communications programme, writing and developing appropriate material

KNOWLEDGE:

• Experience in media relations, PR or journalism
• Ideally with financial Services experience
• Internal communications.

SKILLS:

• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels from junior team members to Directors and leading Industry figures.
• Track record of identifying and delivering successful national media coverage
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage campaigns and agencies to budget and deadlines
• Commercially aware
• A flair for creative writing
• Ability to champion ideas and projects

COMPETENCIES

• Influencing
Reinforces the benefits of proposals and recommendations by using relevant facts, figures and opinions.

• Attention to detail
Completes all aspects of a task.
Checks all work thoroughly, and corrects any mistakes promptly.
Establishes realistic deadlines and then sticks to them.

• Delivering business results
Ensures that own objectives are aligned with business plans.
Redirects own time and resources to ensure objectives are met.

• Using information effectively
Ability to present complex data in a user friendly format.
Makes credible recommendations based upon available data.

• Making good decisions
Selects the best course of action based on the available information.
Prioritises tasks based on wider business objectives.


• Self motivation
Puts personal energy and commitment into completing a piece of work and doing It to the best of ability. Looks for ways to meet and exceed challenging performance standards and targets, setting personal goals at or beyond business expectations.

• Team working
Works co-operatively and productively with others; openly exchanging information and supporting colleagues from around the organisation to achieve business goals.

• Bringing Innovation to Problem Solving
Continuously identifies solutions against the requirements of the business and what is realistic.



EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
• An experienced PR specialist or graduate calibre