Job Description

1 December 2023 Job ID: 1641

• External Communications
• Finchley, London
• Permanent - Full Time

Are you ready to take your career to the next level and be a part of an extraordinary team? At Pentland Brands, we\xe2\x80\x99re on a mission to make life better through our groundbreaking sports, active and lifestyle brands. As a key member of our Communications team, you will play a pivotal role in helping us shine as an innovative and positive business. We\xe2\x80\x99re seeking a passionate and talented PR & Communications Manager who can elevate our external communications to new heights.
WHY JOIN US?
By developing and delivering exceptional external communications, you will be at the forefront of showcasing Pentland Brands as a company dedicated to making a difference. Your efforts will not only boost our profile but also attract the best partners and the brightest talent. Are you up for the challenge?
YOUR MISSION: ELEVATE, DRIVE & SAFEGUARD
As our PR & Communications Manager, you\xe2\x80\x99ll embark on an exciting journey where your primary focus will be to amplify and drive our external communications initiatives and campaigns. You\xe2\x80\x99ll be the mastermind behind our presence in external owned and earned external channels, including business media, our website (pentlandbrands.com) and social media pages. You\xe2\x80\x99ll also manage our editorial calendar, industry speaker and awards programme, as well as our positive business publications.
This is your opportunity to make a significant impact at Pentland Brands. Join us on our journey to inspire and innovate in the world of sports, active and lifestyle brands. Apply now and be part of something extraordinary!
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic planning: Align our external communications programme with our business strategy and lead the way in developing and delivering it. Craft a compelling content and editorial strategy, overseeing scheduling and calendar management to keep us on track.
• Media relations: Craft compelling press releases and pitch stories to key media outlets. Identify exciting news, features, and interview opportunities. Manage daily media inquiries and nurture media relationships. Develop and maintain our company press pack, speaker profiles and image library. Create and update our online media mailing lists and be the point person for media briefings and spokesperson interviews.
• Company reports: With support from the Content Creator, develop Pentland company reports incl. Positive Business report, CR Review, Modern Slavery report and Gender Pay-Gap report. Also support in creating the narrative for the company financial reporting.
• Events & awards: Develop a dynamic speaker and awards programme aligned with our strategic goals. Identify and pitch leadership team members for industry speaker opportunities.
• Digital presence: Oversee our online presence by managing our website and social media content. Monitor and drive audience growth, engagement, and visibility.
• Crisis Communications: Support the Director of Communications in handling reputational issues and crisis communications. Organise the companywide crisis communications training programme.
• Brand PR: Develop and manage a global cultural calendar and provide PR and communications support to our brand teams as needed.
• Event Support: Lead Pentland Brands\' Tone of Voice workshops, organise media training for senior leaders and coordinate external stakeholder and media events.
• Management: Line manage the Communications Coordinator, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Deputise for the Director of Communications as required.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Keep us informed with insightful data analysis. Create regular, media, online and social media data reports. Monitor the pentlandbrands.com email inboxes and ensure prompt responses. Craft a monthly report summarising external communications activities.
• Administration: Maintain our external distribution list and media databases. Handle purchase orders, invoices, and monthly budget reports efficiently.

WHAT YOU\xe2\x80\x99LL BRING:

• Communication skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are a must. You should also be able to craft compelling content, press releases and messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinking & creativity: The ability to think strategically and align communications efforts with the overall business strategy is crucial. Also, the ability to think creatively and bring fresh ideas to communication strategies and campaigns.
• Media relations: Experience in building and maintaining relationships with media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers. Strong pitching and media management skills are essential.
• Report writing: Experience of writing or editing company reports and managing the briefing, review, and sign-off process with key stakeholders so that reports are submitted on-time.
• Digital & technical skills: Familiarity with social media platforms, website, and digital strategies to effectively drive online engagement and brand presence. Also, familiarity with communication tools, software and platforms commonly used.
• Events & awards: Experience in planning and executing events and writing industry awards plans and submissions.
• Analytical & organisational skills: Proficiency in data analysis and reporting to measure the impact of communication efforts and make data-driven decisions. Excellent organisational skills to effectively manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and prioritise tasks.
• Crisis management & training: Proficiency in handling reputational issues and crisis communications, including creating and executing crisis communication plans and in organising crisis communication training.
• Management & stakeholder skills: Strong line management skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and manage relationships with stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Cultural awareness & brand support: An appreciation for global cultural nuances and an ability to tailor communication strategies accordingly. The ability to provide PR and communications support to brand teams.
• Industry knowledge & adaptability: Understanding of the sports, active and lifestyle industry, as well as knowledge of current industry trends and competitors. Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, priorities, and emerging communication trends.
• Budget management: Ability to manage budgets and raise purchase orders.
• Experience & education: Previous experience in an external communication, public relations, or a related role, ideally in a managerial capacity. A bachelor\'s or master\'s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field is preferred, but not essential.

The successful candidate for the role of PR & Communications Manager should possess a combination of these skills and experiences to excel in the dynamic, challenging and rewarding world of communications at Pentland Brands.
Great news! We\xe2\x80\x99re moving to our new London Hub in Farringdon in 2024. This role will initially be based at our current London Hub in Finchley and transfer to Farringdon early 2024.
ABOUT PENTLAND BRANDS: PIONEERING BRANDS THAT MAKE LIFE BETTER
We are Pentland Brands, a global business touching the lives of millions through some of the world\xe2\x80\x99s most-loved active and footwear brands. We own Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury of New Zealand, Endura, ellesse and Mitre. We\xe2\x80\x99re also the UK footwear and apparel licensee for Kickers.
We have a rich and remarkable history, of family, of ambition and of innovation. Of leading from the front with a legacy of outstanding brands and equally outstanding people. Of pioneering brands that make life better. Brands that create an emotional connection with our consumers and help keep people on the move. Brands that do good, that form part of a positive business that takes action for people and planet.
We celebrate differences and give everyone the freedom to innovate and develop because we know this is an exceptional place to build brands and build your career. We want you to come to work every day excited about what we can achieve when we have a clear and single-minded focus on being consumer-centric and relentlessly focused on improving our performance.
Always guided by our principles, we not only do a great job, but we also want to do it in the right way. We believe every individual has the power to shape the Pentland of the future, by making sure that every day we\xe2\x80\x99re better than the day before. Join our team of passionate, exceptional individuals and do the best work of your life.