Media Relations Manager
Job Type : Contract, Full Time
Salary :
We are currently working in partnership with United Utilities, the UK's largest listed water company providing a regulated water & wastewater network in the North-West, to recruit a Media Relations Manager on a 12 month contract basis initially.
This role is part of a team at the heart of managing United Utilities' reputation in the North-West, bringing to life what the teams do every day through the delivery of essential water and wastewater services to help make the region stronger, greener and healthier. There is so much to share with consumers about just what goes behind getting billions of litres of tap water to homes and businesses every way and taking away and treating wastewater and this role will have a major part in developing great news content to be used across print, online, TV and radio. When there are issues and events, this role will play a key part in managing the company's reputation through the media.
Accountabilities
Develop and effectively manage a regional media contact programme, with regular contact with key journalists to help shape the news agenda for UU
Put in place a media plan which has year-round opportunities to create engaging and newsworthy content, highlighting how UU is making the North West stronger, greener and healthier
Work as part of an integrated PR team, working on an integrated content plan, so to maximise and amplify positive news content cross audience
Build contacts with Journalists and other communications professionals at relevant trade organisations or regulators e.g. EA, DWI, Ofwat and establish a strong network of water company contacts and others in similar organisations across the region
Represent United Utilities at external events to promote our priorities.
Handle national and regional media contacts and other key stakeholder requests/enquiries
Work with customer communications colleagues and policy teams on campaign development and delivery.
Advise and guide water and wastewater managers on effective ways to identify and approach those in Media outlets and support media training of those representing UU
Take part in media interviews – radio and TV; copywriting, drafting press releases, articles and producing video content.
Be part of a 24-hour rota system, shared with other Corporate Affairs colleague, to help manage the response to issues and incidentsKnowledge and Skills
Of graduate calibre with professional qualification in PR/communications, NCTJ Diploma in Journalism or experience of working in a media relations environment for over 3 years
Proven media relations skills and a track-record in managing reputational issues
Capable writer with a solid understanding of the UK regional media landscape and a keen interest in current affairs and politics.
Results-orientated, self-motivated and proactive with the ambition to make a real business impact
Evidence of success in delivering, either in-house or at an agency, high profile media relations activity, with a proven track record of creative thinking to generate innovative stories which promote and enhance UU's reputation
Experience and awareness of progressive communication approaches, ability to embed industry best practice and new ways of working which improve engagement with media and political stakeholders; strong willingness to push boundaries appropriately both internally and externally
Be a challenging source of ideas to promote innovation that drives results in media relations – ensure best practice is followed as well as look for new ways to improve on best practice through testing new concepts and communications channels via our digital press office
Ability to champion the customer experience in our media interactions, using media measurement to drive and prove continual improvements
Experience managing external design/print agencies, marketing collateral and working within brand guidelines, acting as brand guardian for any media facing communications activity
Devising media relations plans and/or Agency briefs for all of the projects you are responsible for, including accurate budget management
Ensure measurements and tracking are in place for all media activity to enable accurate review and analysis
Full UK Driving LicenceDesirable Criteria
IT literate with ability to use MS Office and ability to become competent at using other software applications relevant to the role
Experience of web-based CMS and publishing
Experience in developing great online news content, through video production and editingIMPORTANT INFO:
Should your application be successful, and you are offered the role, a number of pre-employment checks need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any assignment offer with our client will be subject to a satisfactory checking report from the Disclosure Barring Service.
This vacancy is being advertised by Rullion Ltd acting as an employment business. Inside IR35
Since 1978, Rullion has been securing exceptional candidates for a range of clients; from large well-known brands, to SMEs and start-ups. As a family-owned business, Rullion's approach is credible and honest, focused on building long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates.
Rullion is a forward-thinking recruitment company that specialises in providing a wide range of talent consultancy services to a diverse client base; from small start-ups to large household names.
We celebrate and support diversity and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.
Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants
More Information
- Address Warrington, Cheshire
