Account Manager – Automotive / Consumer Pr

Our client is an award-winning PR agency in Kingston and they have a new exciting role for a strong Account Manager.

Working across a number of automotive accounts requiring both automotive and lifestyle PR specialism, they are looking for someone to support and lead on a variety of Globally renowned brands.

The Agency has a reputation for nurturing and developing talent, and prides itself on being at the forefront of modern PR and communications. The role for a strong, experienced Account Manager is pivotal within the Automotive team.

Not only will the person be a key contact for clients, they will also manage a talented team, and ensure all activities are planned and implemented according to agreed objectives and budget. The role is located at Head office in Kingston-Upon-Thames, but with occasional travel across UK and abroad possible.

Reporting line & team

The AM role reports directly to the Senior Account Director, and will manage the day-to-day smooth running of the accounts, as well as project managing and supporting the SAD on strategic and creative PR and social plans. In addition there will be a team of two reporting into the AM – a junior account executive and a senior account executive.

Experience

• An Account Manager who has experience of running a range of accounts and is process driven
• Management of an efficient and effective team, overseeing personnel development and continuously ensuring the delivery of high quality work on time and within budget
• Project management – the ability to logically plan, develop and execute projects supported by the wider team
• Evidence of developing innovative PR plans using a wide range of media channels (ideally including social media)
• An intimate understanding of the PR process and the new and emerging technologies

Key accountabilities

• Support the SAD on the delivery of all PR plans, driving forward key projects and helping to ensure objectives are met and budget is adhered to
• Support the SAD on the development of plans, coming up with innovative and engaging ways to drive positive media coverage across all media channels – trade, consumer, print, online, social etc
• Manage a team initially of two people, overseeing their activity to ensure quality control
• Plan, organise and prioritise workloads of team members, including resource planning, flagging any issues to senior staff members
• Provide professional guidance to junior team members to help them develop key skills and advance their careers
• Both draft and oversee team production of copy, press releases / kits and media materials; and assist in the development of creative editorial content
• Write briefs for and coordinate and manage all third party suppliers including photography, filming and events, to ensure the project is delivered on brief (on objective, message and within budget)
• Assist in distribution of press releases, imagery, videos and other story-telling assets to the media
• Oversee all housekeeping related matters including status reports, meeting notes, media briefing documents and related documentation
• Oversee all evaluation reports and ensure the delivery of accurate and informative reports across all accounts
• Full budget management across all work, including creation of budget estimate, tracking of POs, expenses and reconciliation
• Media event management: organise and deliver media events, stunts and activities when required
• Set up and run key meetings e.g. strategic planning sessions, brainstorms
• Help to implement current processes and take initiative on improving processes within the team. It’s key that processes implemented should help not hinder.
• Help to manage the team in producing market insights, including consumer, media and industry trends as well as being aware of competitor activity
• Act as solid and reliable support for senior team members
• Build and manage effective client relationships
• Assist with new business presentations and pitches when required

Behavioural competencies

• A strong communicator who is able to upwards manage as well as prioritise their own work and the team supporting them
• A logical and clear thinker with an attention for detail and deadlines
• A self-starter who conducts themselves in a professional manner at all times
• Ability to juggle conflicting priorities and work in a fluid and fast-paced environment
• Get the basics right – be passionate about good, simple and effective PR with a strong eye for an editorial angle
• A desire to challenge and be challenged
• An appetite for progression and able to work off constructive feedback from senior members of the team
• Quick learner, adaptable and pragmatic thinker, whilst being tenacious, results driven and resilient
• Highly motivated and committed with great attention to detail
• A team player with the gravitas to deal with senior stakeholders